Modern oral contraceptives contain hormones similar to those synthesized in the body. The main purpose of birth control pills is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. They are also recommended for irregular cycles. They have a positive effect on reducing menstrual pain. Contraceptives are strictly individual. What’s right for one woman may not be right for another, says Dr. Patti Ross, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at the Houston School of Medicine. Therefore, they are applied only after consultation with a gynecologist and are taken according to a specific scheme. 1. Are you getting fat from the pills? Modern hormonal contraceptives are designed not to affect women’s weight. Deviations within 1-2 kilograms are possible. If a woman does not change her eating and exercise regime, there is no reason for her weight to increase, say experts. 2. Do contraceptive pills reduce a woman’s libido? According to studies, taking oral contraceptives does not lead to a decrease in women’s sexual desire. A study by the University of Ohio, USA, shows that a decrease in sexual desire is observed in very few women taking contraceptives, and for this reason it is believed that progesterone does not affect the desire for sexual contacts. Scientists emphasize that sexual desire is influenced by a large number of factors, not only biological, but also psychological and social. 3. Do oral contraceptives increase the risk of cancer? On the contrary. Taking combined oral contraceptives lowers the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer, studies show. Among women using the pill, there was a reduction in the incidence of benign breast disease and ovarian cysts. With each year of contraceptive use, a woman reduces her risk of developing ovarian cancer by 5%, say doctors from the University of Hawaii. In addition, the use of contraceptives protects against inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, experts say.