Choosing birth control pills as your primary method of contraception will protect you from unwanted pregnancy, but the pill provides no defense against the transmission of STIs.
There are advantages to taking the pill. Overall, birth control pills are a safe, effective, reversible form of contraception. They are simple to take and are ideal for a woman in a long-term monogamous relationship, where transmission of disease is not an issue. Women can also gain some unexpected benefits from hormonal birth control pills, including clearer skin and stronger bones.
There are some side effects from taking the pill. Some women are warned against using birth control pills because of certain risk factors, including women with a history of blood clots, diabetes, or women who suffer from migraines.
Hormonal birth control pills may also slightly heighten a woman's risk of some cancers, while lowering the chances of getting other kinds of cancers. It is extremely important to speak to your doctor about your medical history, so that you can choose whether the pill is the right method of contraception for you.