TERESA PEINTNER
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The Contraceptive Pill

The Complicated Truth Between Liberation and Side Effects

TERESA PEINTNER

The Contraceptive Pill: The Complicated Truth Between Liberation and Side Effects

In this article, I will explore how the birth control pill transformed women’s autonomy, why contraception still falls mostly on women and the deeper impact of hormonal birth control on health.

I will also touch on the missing male pill and the importance of informed choice — and how this ties into herbalism, fertility awareness and more holistic approaches to women’s reproductive health.

Let's dive in...

Rethinking Birth Control and Reclaiming Informed Choice
When the birth control pill first hit the market in the 1960s, it changed everything. For the first time, women had reliable control over their fertility, bodies, and life paths. It was a revolution—one that shaped careers, relationships, and personal freedoms in ways that are hard to overstate.
Yet, here we are, decades later, and the responsibility of contraception still falls overwhelmingly on women. Despite years of research, a male contraceptive pill remains out of reach, leaving many wondering: Why is birth control still primarily a woman’s burden?
And then there’s the other side of the pill—beyond contraception. It’s prescribed liberally, almost like candy (Romm, 2021), to “fix” everything from acne and irregular cycles to period pain, migraines, and even mood disorders. But does it actually solve these issues, or is it just masking deeper imbalances?
This conversation isn’t about demonizing the pill—it’s about informed choice. And the more we understand, the better decisions we can make for our bodies, health, and overall well-being.

The Benefits: Why the Pill Works for So Many
The pill is one of the most effective contraceptive methods out there. When taken correctly, its pregnancy prevention rate exceeds 99% (Planned Parenthood, 2024). That’s impressive.
But here’s something interesting: natural fertility awareness methods (like cycle syncing) have also been shown to have a similar effectiveness rate when followed precisely (Natural Cycles, 2024). Of course, the pill is far more convenient—no daily tracking, no second-guessing.
Beyond contraception, hormonal birth control can be a lifeline for many women dealing with: 
  • Excruciating period pain
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Hormonal acne
By stabilizing hormone fluctuations, the pill can reduce cramps, clear up skin, ease PMS, and regulate cycles, often making life significantly easier (ACOG, 2023).
And let’s not forget the long-term health perks: studies suggest that extended use of certain contraceptive pills can lower the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers (ACOG, 2023; Cancer Research UK, 2022).
Sounds like a win-win, right? Well…not always.

The Other Side: What the Pill Doesn’t Fix
For all its benefits, the pill is not a cure-all. While it can help manage symptoms, it doesn’t actually fix the root cause of hormonal imbalances. For example:
• If you have PCOS, the pill might regulate your cycles, but it won’t address insulin resistance (a major underlying factor).
• If you have period pain, the pill might reduce cramps, but it won’t fix inflammation or nutrient deficiencies that could be contributing to them.
This is why some women find themselves struggling with the same issues the moment they stop taking it (Brighten, 2019).
And then there are the side effects.
Most of us have heard about the common ones: headaches, nausea, weight changes, mood swings. But did you know there are actually 50 to 60 documented effects of oral contraceptives? Some are mild, but others—like blood clots, strokes, and increased breast or cervical cancer risks—are far more serious (Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2017; NHS, 2022).
The pill’s impact on mental health is another conversation that doesn’t get enough attention. Many women report experiencing mood disturbances, anxiety, or even depression, sometimes severe enough to make them quit the pill entirely (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2020; Skovlund et al., 2016).
So while the pill can be a game-changer for many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Male Contraceptive Pill: Why Are We Still Waiting?
Here’s the big question: Why is there still no pill for men?
Despite decades of research, male birth control options remain limited to:
• Condoms (which have a higher failure rate than hormonal contraception)
  • Vasectomies (which are often permanent)
In clinical trials, several promising male contraceptive pills have been developed, but most have been halted due to concerns about—wait for it—side effects like mood changes, weight gain, and libido shifts (WHO, 2023; Male Contraceptive Initiative, 2023).
Sound familiar? Those are literally the same side effects women have been dealing with for decades.
The lack of a male pill keeps the burden of contraception firmly on women’s shoulders—a reality that’s overdue for change.
Empowered Choices: What’s Right for You?
At the end of the day, there’s no universal “right” or “wrong” choice when it comes to contraception. Whether it’s:
  • The pill
  • An IUD
  • Fertility awareness methods
  • Something else entirely
…what matters most is that your choice comes from knowledge, not pressure or misinformation.
The birth control pill has changed lives for the better, but it’s also complicated, and that’s okay. The key is to weigh both the benefits and risks, listen to your body, and make a choice that aligns with your health, lifestyle, and values (Weschler, 2015).
At the heart of it all? Autonomy. Because that’s what true reproductive empowerment is all about.

What Do You Think?
Have you had a positive or negative experience with hormonal birth control? Would you consider switching to a non-hormonal method, or do you swear by the pill? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective!

Much Love
Teresa
References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Contraception: Benefits and risks. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/birth-control-methods
Baranska, A., Dolar-Szczasny, J., & Fraczek-Szczypta, A. (2021). Oral contraceptive use and breast cancer risk assessment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34830807/
Brighten, J. (2019). Beyond the Pill. HarperOne.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. (2017). Oral contraceptive pills and cancer risk.
Cancer Research UK. (2022). Contraceptive pill and cancer risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/the-contraceptive-pill
Journal of Affective Disorders. (2020). Hormonal contraception and mood disorders.
Kamani, M., Shetty, A., & Kamani, H. (2022). Review of the literature on combined oral contraceptives and cancer. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9377820/
Male Contraceptive Initiative. (2023). Male Contraception Research. Retrieved from https://www.malecontraceptive.org
Natural Cycles. (2024). How effective is Natural Cycles? Retrieved from https://www.naturalcycles.com
NHS. (2022). Combined pill. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
Planned Parenthood. (2024). Birth control pills. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill
Romm, A. (2021). Hormonal birth control myths and realities.
Skovlund, C. W., Mørch, L. S., Kessing, L. V., & Lidegaard, Ø. (2016). Association of hormonal contraception with depression. JAMA Psychiatry, 73(11), 1154–1162.
Weschler, T. (2015). Taking charge of your fertility. William Morrow Paperbacks.
WHO. (2023). Family planning/contraception methods. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception
Williams, W. V., Jones, M. E., Schoemaker, M. J., Wright, L. B., & Ashworth, A. (2019). Association of combined estrogen–progestogen and progestogen-only contraceptives with the development of cancer. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6322132/

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The Contraceptive Pill

The Complicated Truth Between Liberation and Side Effects

TERESA PEINTNER

The Contraceptive Pill: The Complicated Truth Between Liberation and Side Effects

In this article, I will explore how the birth control pill transformed women’s autonomy, why contraception still falls mostly on women and the deeper impact of hormonal birth control on health.

I will also touch on the missing male pill and the importance of informed choice — and how this ties into herbalism, fertility awareness and more holistic approaches to women’s reproductive health.

Let's dive in...

Rethinking Birth Control and Reclaiming Informed Choice
When the birth control pill first hit the market in the 1960s, it changed everything. For the first time, women had reliable control over their fertility, bodies, and life paths. It was a revolution—one that shaped careers, relationships, and personal freedoms in ways that are hard to overstate.
Yet, here we are, decades later, and the responsibility of contraception still falls overwhelmingly on women. Despite years of research, a male contraceptive pill remains out of reach, leaving many wondering: Why is birth control still primarily a woman’s burden?
And then there’s the other side of the pill—beyond contraception. It’s prescribed liberally, almost like candy (Romm, 2021), to “fix” everything from acne and irregular cycles to period pain, migraines, and even mood disorders. But does it actually solve these issues, or is it just masking deeper imbalances?
This conversation isn’t about demonizing the pill—it’s about informed choice. And the more we understand, the better decisions we can make for our bodies, health, and overall well-being.

The Benefits: Why the Pill Works for So Many
The pill is one of the most effective contraceptive methods out there. When taken correctly, its pregnancy prevention rate exceeds 99% (Planned Parenthood, 2024). That’s impressive.
But here’s something interesting: natural fertility awareness methods (like cycle syncing) have also been shown to have a similar effectiveness rate when followed precisely (Natural Cycles, 2024). Of course, the pill is far more convenient—no daily tracking, no second-guessing.
Beyond contraception, hormonal birth control can be a lifeline for many women dealing with: 
  • Excruciating period pain
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Hormonal acne
By stabilizing hormone fluctuations, the pill can reduce cramps, clear up skin, ease PMS, and regulate cycles, often making life significantly easier (ACOG, 2023).
And let’s not forget the long-term health perks: studies suggest that extended use of certain contraceptive pills can lower the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers (ACOG, 2023; Cancer Research UK, 2022).
Sounds like a win-win, right? Well…not always.

The Other Side: What the Pill Doesn’t Fix
For all its benefits, the pill is not a cure-all. While it can help manage symptoms, it doesn’t actually fix the root cause of hormonal imbalances. For example:
• If you have PCOS, the pill might regulate your cycles, but it won’t address insulin resistance (a major underlying factor).
• If you have period pain, the pill might reduce cramps, but it won’t fix inflammation or nutrient deficiencies that could be contributing to them.
This is why some women find themselves struggling with the same issues the moment they stop taking it (Brighten, 2019).
And then there are the side effects.
Most of us have heard about the common ones: headaches, nausea, weight changes, mood swings. But did you know there are actually 50 to 60 documented effects of oral contraceptives? Some are mild, but others—like blood clots, strokes, and increased breast or cervical cancer risks—are far more serious (Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2017; NHS, 2022).
The pill’s impact on mental health is another conversation that doesn’t get enough attention. Many women report experiencing mood disturbances, anxiety, or even depression, sometimes severe enough to make them quit the pill entirely (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2020; Skovlund et al., 2016).
So while the pill can be a game-changer for many, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Male Contraceptive Pill: Why Are We Still Waiting?
Here’s the big question: Why is there still no pill for men?
Despite decades of research, male birth control options remain limited to:
• Condoms (which have a higher failure rate than hormonal contraception)
  • Vasectomies (which are often permanent)
In clinical trials, several promising male contraceptive pills have been developed, but most have been halted due to concerns about—wait for it—side effects like mood changes, weight gain, and libido shifts (WHO, 2023; Male Contraceptive Initiative, 2023).
Sound familiar? Those are literally the same side effects women have been dealing with for decades.
The lack of a male pill keeps the burden of contraception firmly on women’s shoulders—a reality that’s overdue for change.
Empowered Choices: What’s Right for You?
At the end of the day, there’s no universal “right” or “wrong” choice when it comes to contraception. Whether it’s:
  • The pill
  • An IUD
  • Fertility awareness methods
  • Something else entirely
…what matters most is that your choice comes from knowledge, not pressure or misinformation.
The birth control pill has changed lives for the better, but it’s also complicated, and that’s okay. The key is to weigh both the benefits and risks, listen to your body, and make a choice that aligns with your health, lifestyle, and values (Weschler, 2015).
At the heart of it all? Autonomy. Because that’s what true reproductive empowerment is all about.

What Do You Think?
Have you had a positive or negative experience with hormonal birth control? Would you consider switching to a non-hormonal method, or do you swear by the pill? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective!

Much Love
Teresa
References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Contraception: Benefits and risks. Retrieved March 14, 2025, from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/birth-control-methods
Baranska, A., Dolar-Szczasny, J., & Fraczek-Szczypta, A. (2021). Oral contraceptive use and breast cancer risk assessment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34830807/
Brighten, J. (2019). Beyond the Pill. HarperOne.
Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. (2017). Oral contraceptive pills and cancer risk.
Cancer Research UK. (2022). Contraceptive pill and cancer risk. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/hormones-and-cancer/the-contraceptive-pill
Journal of Affective Disorders. (2020). Hormonal contraception and mood disorders.
Kamani, M., Shetty, A., & Kamani, H. (2022). Review of the literature on combined oral contraceptives and cancer. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9377820/
Male Contraceptive Initiative. (2023). Male Contraception Research. Retrieved from https://www.malecontraceptive.org
Natural Cycles. (2024). How effective is Natural Cycles? Retrieved from https://www.naturalcycles.com
NHS. (2022). Combined pill. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/
Planned Parenthood. (2024). Birth control pills. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill
Romm, A. (2021). Hormonal birth control myths and realities.
Skovlund, C. W., Mørch, L. S., Kessing, L. V., & Lidegaard, Ø. (2016). Association of hormonal contraception with depression. JAMA Psychiatry, 73(11), 1154–1162.
Weschler, T. (2015). Taking charge of your fertility. William Morrow Paperbacks.
WHO. (2023). Family planning/contraception methods. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/family-planning-contraception
Williams, W. V., Jones, M. E., Schoemaker, M. J., Wright, L. B., & Ashworth, A. (2019). Association of combined estrogen–progestogen and progestogen-only contraceptives with the development of cancer. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6322132/

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