Birth control has been known to reduce stomach acid in a number of ways, but it can also help to reduce the overall acidity of your stomach. This is because hormones that are released during the contraceptive process can affect how much stomach acid gets produced. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce the amount of acidic liquid in your stomach, taking certain forms of birth control might be beneficial.
However, while birth control can reduce the natural acids produced by the body, it is important to note that it won’t necessarily make all of the acid go away. In fact, some types of hormonal birth control may even increase the use of antacids or other remedies to address heartburn, indigestion or other digestive issues. It’s best to talk with your doctor before deciding what kind of birth control would be best for you as far as this type of side-effect is concerned.
Overall reducing stomach acidity with birth control does not necessarily mean having good digestion - especially when all potential side effects are taken into consideration. Although side effects vary depending on the type and dosage of contraception, changes in digestion should always be discussed with a healthcare provider and monitored accordingly. Besides taking medications or dietary supplements for stomach pain it might also be wise to keep track of what one is eating, drinking and how lifestyle and habits might contribute to disruptive digestive issues.
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Is progesterone-only birth control more likely to cause acid reflux symptoms than other forms of birth control?
Progesterone-only birth control (also known as the “minipill”) is a popular form of contraception that utilizes only progesterone hormones to prevent pregnancy. While progesterone is widely considered an effective method of contraceptive, it has been linked to elevated acid reflux symptoms when compared with other forms of birth control.
For starters, the main difference between progesterone-only birth control and other types such as combined hormonal contraceptives is that only progesterone is released. Since progesterone has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles in your body, it can irritate the stomach more easily and lead to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve that stops food from entering your esophagus). This causes stomach acids to back up into your throat and induces acid reflux symptoms. In contrast, combined hormonal contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin which have a counteracting effect on each other, meaning they work together to help prevent symptoms of acid reflux.
Studies have established a correlation between use of progestin-only contraceptive and various digestive issues such as indigestion, nausea and vomiting. However, while this suggests an increased risk due to their use of progesteron-only birth control, those who suffer from acid reflux should consult with their doctors who can identify if there are any underlying causes or predispositions for Acid Reflux Syndrome before determining what form of contraceptive is best for them. All in all, progesteron-only birth control does seem more likely to cause sensitive stomachs and increased acid reflux in comparison with other forms; however this is not a definitive answer since everyone’s individual experience will differ based on their health conditions.
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