“People tend to look at [birth control pills] differently because they are not ‘treating’ anything, so the risks/benefits analysis is a little different,” Dr. Ritch explained. “With birth control, the immediate results are less tangible and the treatment is more long-term, which shifts the risk/benefit analysis and may make the side effects less acceptable to some.”

Dr. Jessica Ritch discusses “Your 7 Most Embarrassing Period Questions, Answered by a Gynecologist.”

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