A honest guide to birth control, written by girls

With the pressure mostly on ladies to prevent pregnancy and the lack of male birth control options (excluding condoms obviously), there are a growing array of choices, depending on whether you can remember to consistently take a pill every day at the same time or you’re a “one and done” type of girl.

Personally, I’m more of the latter kind (especially considering my fear of adding more hormones to my body through pills). I had the Paraguard (copper IUD) placed this summer, and getting it inserted is something I definitely don’t like to think about. The procedure was incredibly uncomfortable – I wasn’t expecting the first huge cramp, but the others felt slightly smaller (once I knew they were coming).

I had the worst cramps I’ve personally ever experienced in the twenty-four hours after getting it. It definitely made sex better, because I didn’t have to worry about pregnancy and my boyfriend definitely enjoyed it more. My periods have been heavier and crampier, but with Ibuprofen and thick pads, it’s worth it. I would recommend it to anyone who’s okay with a little pain for ten years’ worth of gain and protection.

It should also be mentioned that most, if not all, birth controls are accompanied with an STD test. Even if you are with your first partner, it’s always worth it as recommended by your health care professional.

 Lily Lauben, 19, Drexel University – Implanon arm implant

“I use Implanon, which is the arm implant. When I got it just over a year ago, it was a local anesthetic (stung) in my arm (it stung for me). There was a really sharp pinch in my arm as it settled which was uncomfortable. I didn’t look at the machine; it’s similar to a nail gun and kind of scary. It’s really fast, makes a kachunk! noise, but your arm is numb so there’s pressure but no pain. I haven’t had the removal process yet, so we’ll see where how that goes!

“I like that it’s low commitment in the interim, and you only have to deal with hormone changes once and then they’re the same for three years. Funny story: for the first month after I got it I had a month-long, heavy period, and have only had two periods in thirteen months since.”

Morgan Alteio, 21, Ithaca College – the pill

“I have used many different brands of birth control but I am currently taking orthotricyclen. Before taking it my periods were miserable and I would get so sick. While taking it my periods were much shorter, were controlled and a lot less painful! My sex life didn’t change much after using birth control, I just was more confident [because I knew] when I would be getting my period and the fact that I had a much lower chance of getting pregnant. My parents didn’t know when I first went on birth control, I was really afraid to ask and/or tell them.

“After a few months I told my mom I should be on it due to my acne and painful cramps. She was very understanding and approving. I would recommend birth control to anyone that has terrible periods, bad acne & who have sex. Basically everyone! Not to sound corny but birth control truly saved my ass.”

Jamie Ferrell, 20, UC Berkeley – the pill

“I actually started taking the pill about two years ago to help my acne. I first tried Oxytetracycline, which didn’t really do anything. Then I tried Lutera which made me break out even more and caused lots of mood swings, and finally I settled for Vestura (Yaz) which worked the best to get my skin to calm down (even though it made just one of my boobs grow and the other stay the same).

“After 2 years of taking the pill, I’m pretty good at taking it on time. I’ve found that setting an alarm for each day helps me to be consistent, so now that it’s part of my routine I find it to be a very low maintenance form of birth control. If, in addition to contraceptive use, you want to try the pill to help your acne, period schedule, etc, I’d say it was a long and hard process for me to find the right one. You have to be patient and willing to experiment a little, but I do recommend it for those uses as well as contraceptive use.”

Aurora Lane, 19, Drexel University – Depo-Provera injection

“I use Depo-Provera, which is one injection in the arm every three months. It’s like a flu shot…except maybe an anti-baby shot?

“It’s achy afterward because it’s in the upper arm but other than that not bad. I do have heavier periods, but I’ve been told [by my doctor] that should stop after a couple more doses. In terms of sex – it’s opened up more options, and that’s all I’ll say. If you’re not opposed to needles, then this is the option for you.”

Lauren Sarah Cocking, 21, Huddersfield, UK – copper IUD

“I’m currently using the copper IUD. I’ve previously been on all different types of pills for varying lengths of time, which worked well when I was younger but eventually started to make me a little ~not myself~ and I couldn’t cope with them anymore! That’s why I opted for the copper coil, because it was a non-hormonal method and I just didn’t want the unnecessary chemicals in my body. The procedure for an IUD was uncomfortable and felt really deep inside you – like a kind of discomfort that comes from within your body rather than on the surface, and you feel pinching, but apart from that it was OK. Afterwards was very painful.

“The day of and the day after I had awful, awful cramps – like period cramps but worse. This happened on my next two periods, but gradually lessened and now my period cramps are only slightly worse than normal. My periods are heavier though, and a tiny bit closer together than before, but that’s not really a big deal at all. Worth it for ten years of protection! I would recommend it – I wrote an entire article about why! Oh, and it didn’t change sex. It only made me more hesitant to use a moon cup, in case I accidentally dislodged it.”

Remember that everyone experiences procedures and side effects differently, so no one opinion is “right.” Choose the best option for you, your partner(s), and your budget/insurance.

@TheTab