Common Myths About PCOD & Birth Control Pills

Common Myths About PCOD & Birth Control Pills img (2)

Common Myths About PCOD & Birth Control Pills

Clearing the Confusion, One Truth at a Time

Being diagnosed with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) often comes with a mix of emotions — relief at understanding your symptoms, and anxiety over the treatment options. One of the most misunderstood recommendations is the use of birth control pills to regulate hormones.

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic in Lucknow, we often hear worried young women ask:

“Why am I being given birth control if I’m not even sexually active?”
“Will it make me infertile later?”
“Aren’t there side effects?”

Let’s unpack the most common myths about PCOD and birth control pills, so you can make informed decisions about your health.

✅ Myth 1: “Birth control pills are only for preventing pregnancy.”

Truth:
While birth control pills do prevent pregnancy, they are also widely used to treat hormonal conditions — especially in PCOD.

In PCOD, hormone imbalance causes:

  • Irregular or missed periods

  • Excess androgens (male hormones)

  • Acne, facial hair, and mood swings

Birth control pills help by:

  • Regulating your monthly cycles

  • Reducing acne and unwanted hair

  • Lowering the risk of endometrial thickening from missed periods

It’s a therapeutic use, not just a contraceptive.

✅ Myth 2: “Taking pills now will make me infertile later.”

Truth:
Birth control pills do not cause infertility. In fact, they may protect your fertility in the long run.

Here’s how:

  • Regularizing periods helps prevent uterine lining buildup, which can affect implantation

  • Suppressing cyst formation gives ovaries time to rest

  • Some women ovulate more regularly after stopping pills, especially when used early

When you stop the pills, your fertility usually returns within 1–3 months. Many women conceive naturally after PCOD treatment.

✅ Myth 3: “Once I stop the pill, my PCOD will be cured.”

Truth:
PCOD is a chronic hormonal condition, not an infection or short-term illness. Birth control pills manage the symptoms but do not cure the underlying cause.

To manage PCOD long-term, you need:

  • A balanced diet

  • Regular exercise

  • Weight control

  • Stress management

  • Sometimes insulin-sensitizing medications

Pills are part of a multi-pronged treatment, not the entire solution.

✅ Myth 4: “I will gain weight because of the pills.”

Truth:
Most modern low-dose birth control pills do not directly cause significant weight gain. In PCOD, weight gain is more due to:

  • Insulin resistance

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • High-sugar, high-carb diets

For some women, fluid retention or increased appetite can be a side effect — but this is manageable with lifestyle support. At Dr. Richa’s clinic, we monitor each woman’s response and adjust treatment accordingly.

✅ Myth 5: “Taking pills at a young age is harmful.”

Truth:
Hormonal pills have been safely used for decades in adolescents and young women with PCOD, provided they are:

  • Prescribed by a qualified gynaecologist

  • Tailored to your hormone profile

  • Monitored regularly for any side effects

It’s far more harmful to let PCOD symptoms go unmanaged, which can increase risk of:

  • Irregular bleeding

  • Endometrial hyperplasia

  • Infertility

  • Type 2 diabetes

Starting early treatment helps protect your reproductive and metabolic health in the long term.

✅ Myth 6: “Natural remedies are better than pills.”

Truth:
There’s a role for both natural and medical approaches in PCOD.

Yes, lifestyle changes are absolutely essential — diet, yoga, and weight loss can significantly improve hormonal balance. But in cases of:

  • Missed periods for 3+ months

  • Heavy acne or hair growth

  • Mood swings and cycle-related distress

…medical support like hormonal pills provides relief, regulation, and safety.

We often combine natural PCOD management with short-term hormonal therapy for the best results.

When Are Birth Control Pills Not Advised?

Pills may not be suitable if you:

  • Have a history of blood clots or stroke

  • Are a smoker over 35

  • Have uncontrolled hypertension

  • Experience severe side effects

In such cases, our clinic provides non-hormonal PCOD treatment options and regular follow-ups to ensure safety and comfort.

Final Thoughts: Every Body Is Different

PCOD is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Your treatment must be personalized, kind, and holistic — considering your physical, emotional, and reproductive needs.

At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we create gentle, long-term PCOD care plans that include:

  • Cycle regulation

  • Weight and mood management

  • Fertility counselling (if needed)

  • Safe and transparent guidance on hormonal support

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