Besides preventing pregnancy, what is another potential advantage of oral contraception?

Oral contraceptives can indeed have several non-contraceptive benefits, one of which is the reduction in the occurrence of anemia due to iron deficiency. This occurs because oral contraceptives typically regulate menstrual cycles and can decrease menstrual flow. Reduced menstrual bleeding means that there is less blood loss over time, which can help prevent or mitigate iron deficiency anemia. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may be prone to heavy periods (menorrhagia), where blood loss could contribute to lower iron levels.

In considering other options, while oral contraceptives may influence mood or headaches in some individuals, the effects can vary widely and are not as consistently documented as the relationship between oral contraceptives and menstrual flow/anemia. Similarly, while some individuals may report increased energy or mood stability, these benefits are subjective and not universally experienced. Therefore, the primary potential advantage of reducing the occurrence of anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding is a well-supported benefit that aligns closely with the medical literature on the use of oral contraceptives.