Conversations: birth control
At Conversational, we like to spark conversation about a lot of topics, and this month we’re focused on our bodies and how they function. As women, part of that chat often eventually turns to how you manage your cycle and prevent pregnancy. So, we asked on social media: Why did you choose your method of birth control?
As Editor at Conversational, I’m happy to spark a little conversation around this topic. I chose a Nexplanon implant because it covers me for three (or more) years for the cost of an office visit, I don’t have to think about it daily (or at all), and I’m comfortable with hormonal birth control as I enter perimenopause. Yep. I said it. Menopause.
— Erin
My choice in birth control was strictly picked because of the side effects it had on my health. I was on the pill until a lot of my friends started getting pregnant all around the same time. I'm not the most consistent on taking the pill so I switched to the NuvaRing which I LOVED. But then I started having sensitivity issues from to it and started seeing side effects (high blood pressure) from the hormones. So, I tried a non-hormonal IUD. Unfortunately, it was placed wrong, and I had to have it removed. Because I don’t have kids, it was painful to get the IUD and I actually had a "procedure" to have it placed. Not wanting to go through that again (plus my health plan changed), I decided to switch back to the pill because I didn't want the Depo-Provera or an implant, as I'm overweight and already have hair loss due to my diabetes and thyroid.
— Jessica
Well, this will be a bit long since I am 62 and tried several different kinds of contraceptives. When I first married in 1977, I choose the ever-popular birth control pill. After a year and a half along with growing side effects of mood swings, weight gain, and headaches, I chose to change to an IUD. UGH! I was very hopeful, but this too had the unhappy, painful side effects when it was put in — monthly cramps, which I had never had before, and heavier periods. Plus, I would have to have a surgical procedure once I chose to get pregnant. So, onward to another selection: the diaphragm. Messy and not very spontaneous! However, this seemed my best bet since I could have control with the fewest side effects. Pregnancy in 1980 (birth in 1981) and again in 1984 (birth in 1985) led me to my favorite form of birth control: tubal ligation!! I highly recommend this one; however, it is permanent, so not for everyone. Things have changed a lot over the years and I think are so much better for this generation of strong, independent, highly-loved women. The journey is not easy for any of us, so I recommend the one which gives you the most peace of mind.
— Beth
I’m a total planner and am so hell-bent on keeping my timing right, I’m on the pill AND we use condoms!
— Meredith
After years of the pill, an awesome stint with Mirena (recommend) and getting pregnant on NuvaRing (would not recommend), my husband and I agreed it was his turn to bear the reproductive burden after our youngest was born. Vasectomy was the perfect option for us since we definitely knew we were finished having biological kids. I love not having any devices or synthetic hormones in my body. 10/10 would snip.
— Katy
“I love the non-hormonal IUD. It’s worked really well for me, and I just don’t ever have to think about it. Some women experience a lot of pain with it, but luckily, we don’t!
— Jena ”
I was on the pill for almost 10 years in my twenties, then got the Mirena IUD right before moving to Germany more than eight years ago. I loved it for ease and not having a period, but after about six years, I started reading about women with colitis (which I have) who had increased colitis-related health problems after getting it. Since my issues definitely skyrocketed since getting it (flare-ups about once a year, three that required hospitalization, one where I even needed several blood transfusions), I decided if there was even a chance it was the culprit, I wanted it out. I’ve had no IUD for two years now and way fewer colitis problems. And my husband got a vasectomy when I went off birth control. No kids for us!
— Ali
I’ve had a Mirena for a few years and have had no issues with it. I didn’t like having it put in and was crampy for a few days, but it was worth it. The pill makes me nauseous.
— Jessica
I have been on so many different types over the years — all effective, but none without symptoms. I just keep changing my method as my body changes. It's the best decision for me.
— Kyle
I've done the pill, depo shot, NuvaRing, and Mirena IUD. I got pregnant while using the ring. I love the IUD, but it’s hard to determine what side effects are from that or from my own autoimmune diseases. It is time to replace it so I'm looking at other options now.
— Darbi
I was on the pill for years. It started to control my heavy cramps and then had the added benefit of preventing pregnancy in later years. It was mostly fine until I hit 31 — then the hormonal acne started. There were also some headaches in the beginning until I switched to a lower dose. I kept considering an IUD but also kept thinking I'd be ready for a baby soon so I never seriously pursued it. The pill was fine. Not a huge burden but I was glad to be done with it earlier this year!
— Sarah Jane
My choice was non-hormonal IUD. I don't have to worry about taking anything every day. Best decision.
— Tamie