Sexually active women depend on birth control, the morning after pill or various forms of contraception in order to keep from getting pregnant. But are they safe? Studies and research shows that for the most part, yes they are.

The Office of Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated that current contraception pills have the lowest amount of hormones, estrogen and progesterone than the previous years. This can lower the chances of side effects that come with taking them.

The pill is not for all women, but certainly does not pose great danger to the majority. Just like other forms of medication, there are some cons.

If a woman decides to have a child later on and wants to stop using the pill, she can and ovulation will start again.

Pills are not always used for birth control, they are also used to improve the functioning of the female body. For example, some use it to have a regular or lighter periods, less menstrual cramps, and to help prevent the risk of having ovarian cancer. These results are not always immediate and can take a couple of months until it begins to happen regularly.

The use of birth control pills is rising as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released two reports: the first report showed between 2006 and 2010 that the use of birth control pills went up 11 percent. The second report showed women who were sexually active between ages 15 to 44 that 99.1 percent had used contraception which went up 0.9 percent from 2002. Considering the reports, women are making them a necessity.

Certain birth control pills containing Drospirenone, a synthetic hormone, have caused a higher risk for blood clots, heart and health problems. It is important to talk to one’s physician before taking any form of medication.

For the morning after pill it has been found safe and effective by the United States Food and Drug Administration. It only contains progestin and should only be taken once and as soon as possible after intercourse. Plan B One Step is the most common of the Emergency Contraceptive Pills because it’s the most effective and has the least side effects. Current regulations are allowing it to be sold over the counter at pharmacies to women 18 years or older.

The CDCP report that talked about the rise of birth control also covered the rise of ECP’s among females ages 15 to 44. The study stated that 11 percent had used the pill after intercourse which jumped from 4 percent in 2002. Women with higher education uses them the most.

It is important to know what pills work for your own personal needs. Not all pills work the same and they’re not for everyone.

Another thing to consider is most females who are taking these are trying to prevent unplanned pregnancies. They are assuring themselves by taking birth control and ECPs.

For more information contact CDC at 800-232-4636, FDA at 1-888-463-6332 or Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-7526.