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I have heard from lots of people that you can use contraceptives to help deal with really bad menstrual cramps, is it true?

Yes! Many people use hormonal birth control to help with period issues like cramps and PMS. Birth control pills, the ring, and the patch can make periods lighter, more predictable, and less painful. You can also use the pill, patch, and ring to safely skip your periods altogether. 

Hormonal IUDs, the implant, and the shot can also ease cramps and make periods lighter and shorter (or even stop them completely while you’re on birth control). But they’re a little less predictable - some people have more irregular periods while on these methods. But they’re still really handy when it comes to helping out with period cramps.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center can help set you up with the right birth control method for you.

Tags: birth control, period, cramps