A Deep Dive Into Birth Control

“My uterus, my choice!”

by ALLY LAIN-HEDDEN & BRITNEY KIRWAN ★ SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

Ladies, it's time to get real about contraceptives. Whether you're a seasoned pro or have only ever heard of the pill, we’re telling you all about birth control. Yes: there are more options than the pill. We’re going to open up the discussion of sex positivity with real-life birth control experiences from a stylish patch to a . So buckle up because we are gonna dive headfirst into what your mom doesn't tell you. Sorry, Mom!

Reminder: *Birth control does not protect against STD’s or STI’s 

Credit: everydayhealth.com

IUD

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First up, let's talk about IUDs (Intrauterine Devices). It's a love or hate relationship. IUDs are divided into two different types: copper (Paragard) or hormonal. In general,  IUDs have a 99% protection rate, making them highly effective. Both types have mixed reviews depending on the user. When it came to Paragard, one user described that the only downside with the IUD was that she experienced -sword stabbing- cramps, and an uncontrollable flow. She eventually got her IUD removed and we couldn't be happier for her, but we were also able to find someone who loves their Paragrad IUD. She lives for the non-hormonal type of vibe. With no discomfort or heavy flow, she found that the copper IUD works best for her.  *Helpful note about the copper IUD: sperm don't like copper* 

When it comes to hormonal IUDs, a user mentioned side effects that we didn’t hear about when talking to the copper IUD users. She experiences acne, headaches, and sometimes nausea. However, she does love her IUD and none of the side effects have been that extreme. When it comes to insertion, it differs from person to person. Some feel extreme pain and bad side effects after, while others may not.  

The Pill

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Now let’s talk about the pill. I have been taking the pill religiously every day for the past two years now (This is Britney btw!) and have definitely had many ups and downs with it. After trying out three different brands, I have found the one that works best for me (shoutout to the Yasmin pill). Trust me, it makes all the difference. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different so everyone will have different reactions to different pills; don’t just go on something because you have a friend who loves it. 

The pill is available as a combination pill or a progestin-only pill. The combination pill is able to prevent pregnancy by using two hormones: estrogen and progestin. It is set up to take three weeks of hormone pills and one week of “sugar” pills, a.k.a. “that time of the month.” The progestin-only pill is pretty self-explanatory. It only uses progesterone and would be prescribed if you have bad side effects to estrogen or if you suffer from migraine headaches. The birth control pill is about 99% effective if taken regularly. You can stop it at any time, and it’s best to consult with your doctor on which brand is best for you.

The Ring

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While this plastic ring may be small, it's definitely mighty. The ring is a flexible piece of plastic that is ~inserted up there~ in order to prevent pregnancy. The ring is fairly similar to the pill, except it only needs to be inserted once a month instead of every day. Every user is different, but the one we found says that she loves it because it is easy, convenient, and she doesn’t have to worry about taking it at the same time every day, like the pill. However, she still does experience occasional cramping and tenderness. Another user had a much different experience. She expressed that she had heavy bleeding, back pain, and extreme mood swings. When it comes to the ring, for some it works wonders, but for others, it's a nightmare. Just remember to listen to your body.  

The Shot

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The shot is definitely one of the more intimidating forms of birth control  (Especially for those who hate needles!). If you choose to take this form of contraception, you have to get the shot every three months. Honestly, it’s not so bad, after all. It is usually a shot of hormone progestin that can be administered by a healthcare professional or at home. One user describes it as a great alternative to the pill and that even though your arm may be sore afterward, it lasts for three months and only takes three minutes of your time. So convenient, if you can bare the needle part! 

Implant

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With no chance of forgetting it, the implant is highly effective. The implant (Nexplanon), is a very small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm to provide protection. It’s known to be invincible and prevents pregnancy for up to four years. A user tells us that it was painless and there are no periods (Ugh, a girl can dream!).  However, it was mentioned that occasional spotting does come with the implant and that acne is a very common side effect. I mean, no birth control can be perfect, right?

The Patch 

Credit: nurx.com

The patch is a thin piece of plastic that looks like a band-aid. It’s extremely easy to use and works similarly to the pill. You can place it anywhere on your body and then replace it every week in the same spot. Like the combination pill, it releases both estrogen and progestin hormones. After three weeks of using the patch, you can take the week off. It was also described by a user as painless and easy. As suspected, the week off would be when you get your period. This is a great option for those who want a simpler option but don’t want to take the pill. Plus, it's stylish. 

As you can tell, there are so many options for birth control (Thank god!). You’ll eventually find the kind that works for you, so DW if it takes a little trial and error. Remember to use what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Also, birth control isn’t just used for sex. It can even help with acne, painful periods, and hormone imbalances. We all have our own struggles when it comes to that time of the month, (a.k.a hell week). So don't be afraid to share your experiences with your friends. And yes, even the bad experiences need to be talked about. After all, we love women supporting women.  

Cover Photo Credit: healthline.com