Demystifying Birth Control: The Biological and Psychological Effects of Contraceptives

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/9e/65/54/9e655469-2c95-dea3-1bc3-e5045215563d/mza_3067282924699890998.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

Women's Health: Under the Mic-roscope

UBC Women's Health Research Club

8 episodes

3 days ago

Women's Health: Under the Mic-roscope is an educational podcast hosted by the Women's Health Research Club, a student association looking to connect undergrads to study opportunities and raise awareness for women’s and gender-diverse health research at the University of British Columbia. In this series, we hope to hold informed, open-minded discussions about various areas of women’s and gender-diverse folk’s health research and healthcare experiences, with some special features in which we will interview professors and student researchers on their work! Podcast cover by Seppi Saatchi

Education

RSS

All content for Women's Health: Under the Mic-roscope is the property of UBC Women's Health Research Club and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Education

https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/40182081/40182081-1738795163553-6fed283aee859.jpg

Demystifying Birth Control: The Biological and Psychological Effects of Contraceptives

Women's Health: Under the Mic-roscope

10 minutes 25 seconds

9 months ago

Demystifying Birth Control: The Biological and Psychological Effects of Contraceptives

In this episode of Women’s Health: Under the Mic-roscope, co-hosts Ananyaa Prabhu and Shreyasi Dutiya delve into the multifaceted world of research on birth control, focusing on its biological and psychological impacts. The discussion begins with an exploration of hormonal contraceptives and their mechanisms, highlighting how they prevent pregnancy by halting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining. Immediate benefits, such as menstrual regulation, acne reduction, and easing PMS, are balanced against potential side effects like nausea and headaches. Long-term effects, including impacts on bone density, cardiovascular health, and cancer risks, are also examined. The conversation emphasizes how contraception effects vary across life stages, from adolescence to menopause.

The hosts transition into a discussion on the psychological effects of birth control, addressing its link to mood swings, depression, and emotional changes. Studies reveal that these mental health concerns are particularly prominent in younger users, with testimonials echoing experiences of heightened emotional sensitivity. The episode underscores systemic healthcare challenges, including inadequate research and the dismissal of women’s and gender-diverse people's concerns, particularly among marginalized groups. We conclude by advocating for better education, compassionate healthcare, and more research to ensure informed choices and holistic support for those navigating contraception. Tune in for a novel and well-rounded discussion, and stay curious!

Works Cited:

BBC. ‘It sucked’: Eight women open up about being on the pill. 2018. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20180823-women-speak-about-side-effects-of-the-birth-control-pill

Fruzzetti, F., Fidecicchi, T. Hormonal Contraception and Depression: Updated Evidence and Implications in Clinical Practice. Clinical Drug Investigation 2020; 40:1097–1106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-020-00966-8

Johansson T, Vinther Larsen S, Bui M, Ek WE, Karlsson T, Johansson Å. Population-based cohort study of oral contraceptive use and risk of depression. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2023;32:e39. doi:10.1017/S2045796023000525

Tello, M. Can hormonal birth control trigger depression? Harvard Health Blog, 2019 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-hormonal-birth-control-trigger-depression-201610172517

Zettermark, S., Perez Vicente, R., Merlo, J. Hormonal contraception increases the risk of psychotropic drug use in adolescent girls but not in adults: A pharmacoepidemiological study on800,000 Swedish women. PLoS ONE 2018; 13(3): e0194773. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194773

Cover art by Seppi Satchi.