other uses for BCP

[big916]

can someone give a accurate percentage of how many girls and women take bcp for other reasons than contraception?

[Brandye]

The "pill" has become the first choice for treating dysmenorrhea and, as such, is frequently dispensed for teen women because the mid-teens seems to be a time for this. As women age this is less of a problem. Too many doctors (or women or mothers) simply use the pill rather than getting to the real problem. Many of these young women are aware that they are on birth control and simply continue for contraception. There is some controversy over the effectiveness of modern, low dose pills for this but studies have shown that the Nuva Ring and Mirena IUD, both placing very tiny amounts of hormone in the system, reduce painful periods by up to fifty percent. This is the primary "off label" or alternative use of hormonal birth control. Sometimes it is used exactly as for birth control, three weeks on and one off, and sometimes it is used continuously for a few moths and then a week off.

This would be the primary alternative use. Some of the pills are also approved, or commonly used for, acne, endometriosis, pre-menstrual syndrome and, even, with iron supplement in the pill, anemia. Hirsutism (excess hair in unwanted places) will sometimes be treated, at least in part, with the bcp. Dosages and treatment regimen would vary.

I would not even guess what percentage of women are using the pill primarily for these but I will guess that they are doing double duty as a contraceptive in most cases. Roughly 80% of women in the industrialized world use the pill at some time during their lives. I have had mothers demand that their daughters be put on bcp but in discussion with the daughter alone discover that the mother recently found that the daughter was active sexually. At time for menopause, the pill is not used to relieve symptoms but other hormonal concoctions are. I put myself on one at the first signs.

I am certain there are studies that have estimated the answer to your question. I shall try to find estimates and add here.

[RedRoses]

Our national buro for statistics apparently only keeps records on how many women are on BCP, not the reason why. It is categorized in the birth control section. As a formality, they do mention that there are other indications than contraception when prescribed (non-contraceptive reasons being either the only, primary or secondary goal), but that the records are not being sub-categorized in that way.

I happen to have an article that touches on the subject. There was a small study among Dutch 15-year olds (over 2000 participants), and it's quite old (1995) by Van Hooff, Hirasing, Kaptein a.o. 45% named contraception as a reason for using the BCP. As the main reason 35% named contraception, 20% irregular cycles, 28% dysmenorrhea, 12% acne and 5% other reasons. Not much representative information, but perhaps it serves to get a bit of a picture

[Brandye]

Nicely done, Red, and that is about the quality of the stuff I have found for Germany, UK, and US. I have found nothing in the drug control centres that breaks it out by specific use.

Big, that is about as close as you will come. For the young patients (Red's study cited 15 yo), the breakdown is about half for contraception and half for other reasons. As they age, those other reasons are cleared up or overcome by events - getting laid. In the twenties, it is likely a very small group who are using bcp for more than contraception.

[big916]

ok thank you ladies the question popped in my mind because the Obama administration wants bcp to be fully covered in his healthcare plan. i was a little shocked that not even the two women in the discussion mentioned that bcp are not just for contraception, and used to treat medical conditions.