PEER SUbmissions in full

submissions are listed in order of when we received them

Anonymous

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Aviane/Lutera (brand name/generic combination hormone)

Please describe (in great or little detail) your personal journey with above-listed contraceptives. Why did you go on it in the first place? What worked? What didn't? What was affordable? What was easy to access? *

Pros: 1. It was really easy for me to get! I went into the gyno, told her that I had really painful periods and she recommended birth control (which I was thinking of starting anyway #just #in #case). Then I got a prescription, and my insurance covered it completely. I am very fortunate to have access to a great gynecologist, as well as health insurance. Without these two things, I imagine that this method of birth control might put a financial burden on the uterus-owner who chooses to use it, though getting the generic brand (Lutera rather than Aviane) is a good place to start! 2. It lightened my periods! I used to have a full week of super-tampon-worthy periods, but now I'm more of a 5-day light-to-regular kind of gal. I also used to have horrible cramps that have now almost completely subsided. 3. I know I can get it nearly anywhere. If I travel, I know that this will be available from any pharmacy. Cons: 1. I definitely gained some weight, which was annoying but wasn't enough that the effects of the pill weren't worth it. The one downside to this was I had to buy new bras, but honestly I needed new bras anyway because who has time to buy bras unless you literally cannot fit into yours anymore?? 2. I struggle to take it exactly on time, as I take it before bed (which is never consistently at the same hour). SO it is less effective than it should be at preventing pregnancy, which is important to note. 3. I had a bit of trouble getting my prescription transferred when I went to college, but I just went to another doctor there and got it re-prescribed. This happens with any prescription medication, and since it's not a controlled substance, there shouldn't be any trouble getting a prescription transferred. 4. It's kind of whack to put hormones in your body?? I know it's totally safe and effective, but there's always a part of me that thinks: "What to heck ????" - Billy Ray Cyrus. It's a funky concept! But I know it's helping me and I know that if I ever didn't like the effects anymore, I could totally stop at any time.

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

I, like many of my friends, went on the pill for a reason completely unrelated to preventing pregnancy. Pregnancy prevention is just one (SUPER RAD) way that birth control can help uterus-owners live their best lives—there are so many other reasons your doc may recommend a method of controlling that crazy birth!

Anonymous

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

The Implant

I first went in to my doctor's office to just TALK about birth control (mainly birth control pills). As I was talking to my doctor she mentioned that the implant is really popular with girls my age and said she could do it right then and there and I could walk out with a new little green bar stuck in my arm and I would never have to worry about it again. I agreed even though I was nervous and have had it for about 5 months. I have recommended it to so many friends because it's so easy, you don't need to even think about it, and it's fun to show people and have them poke at it. It was easy to get, my insurance covered it all and it only took 5 minutes. It did hurt a little bit for a few days and it ached for a little while when it was bruising. It does get a little bothersome with the hormones but on the upside, if you already have pretty light periods, your period will most likely stop or slow to just spotting, that's what sold me on it.

Emma W

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

skyla IUD & condoms

I got my Skyla IUD implanted in my high school's Neighborcare Clinic on June 8th, 2016. I got on it because I wasn't sure if I'd be having sex with people who could impregnate me in college and I was also worried about the prospect of sexual assault. Given that my hormones are out of balance, causing really painful and irregular periods, I was hesitant about hormonal birth control, but I liked that Skyla is a lower dose of hormones than Mirena, it's localized, it's low maintenance, and it's effective for a long time. After my Skyla was implanted I menstruated most days for 6 months. Since then I've had slightly lighter periods approximately every 3 weeks. I'm still glad that I got Skyla. It gives me peace of mind. It was nice having it inserted at my high school. I already knew the nurse, the clinic was familiar, and my partner was there with me. My insurance (which my family pays for, since my mother owns her own business) covered the procedure. It was very accessible to me. Additionally, I use condoms as an added level of protection from pregnancy, and to protect me from STIs. I've been able to find these for free at my high school and my college. At my college I am buy them through our Sexual Information Center for wholesale. My brand of choice costs 8 cents per condom, which is not burdensome to me.

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

Neighborcare Clinics are a great program. I think more people should know about them.

Anonymous, 27

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Condoms, the pill, IUD

I chose to use condoms because I was sexually active. When I started the pill, I wanted to regulate my hormones a little better. I hated the pill. It gave me acne and made me feel crazy. It was also a pain to get it constantly refilled. I was turned on to the IUD (mirena) by my gynecologist because I had been in a committed relationship for many years. I love it! My periods are very regular and very light. I don't feel as many mood swings either. It wouldn't have been affordable if I didn't have insurance, but my insurance covered all of it.

Kat T, 25

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Pill

Took a long time to find a pill that worked for me - come to find out I couldn't have estrogen and had been using combination pills for two years with horrible side effects - depression, anxiety, panic attacks, mood swings, the works. Finally a doctor asked me if I got auras with migraines, which I did, so I have been on progesterone-only-pills ever since. And I love them! No emotional side effects, just irregular periods. I can live with that if it means no emotional side effects. I also have no problem with taking them at the same time every day.

Cecilia M, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

The pill and Nexplanon (the implant).

I started on the pill because it was so flexible. I could try it out and not commit at such a young age (fifteen!) to a certain birth control. I suffered from a lot of morning naseua and weight gain that made me uncomfortable in my body. A year later I made the switch to the implant which meant I could stop thinking about whether I was on top of my birth control and stop carrying around those stupid blue pocket things. Thanks to Obama (thanks Obama) I have never paid more that roughly 20 bucks for birth control that on paper costs thousands.

Anonymous, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Oral Contraceptive (the pill)

I started taking the pill to help with regulating my period and reducing my cramps and heavy flow. I also went on the pill to help bring up my iron levels because my frequent periods and heavy flow seemed to be a cause of my iron deficiency anemia. It took about 8 different pill types before I found the one that did the things I was hoping it would do. It was a pretty rough year and half long process as the different pills I tried would either work for a month or two and then randomly my period would come back at times I wasn't expecting it or from the very start the pill wouldn't help to regulate my system. While it did take awhile I did eventually find the pill that worked to regulate my period and reduce the flow and cramps. I have found the pill to be a pretty affordable option and easy to get. I am able to refill my prescription monthly and pick it up at the closest drug store at a time conveinient for me and while it can be annoying to have to remember to take a pill every day I set daily reminders each morning on my phone which makes it much harder to forget. Overall I would say the pill is a great option for people who might be weary of the IUD or implant. The pill is very small and easy to take and once you get in the habit of taking it each day it becomes pretty easy to remember.

Anonymous, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

pills, condoms

Went on for acne, went through 6 different pills (last one made me have my period for 3 weeks and I had to be checked for cervical cancer), most were affordable only because of my insurance, easy to access but other methods I've expressed interest in (the patch) have not been.

Megan R, 18

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

IUD (Mirena)

I got an IUD because I wanted to be on a continuous system of birth control, and I didn't like the idea of taking a pill every night. I also couldn't take estrogen-based birth control at the time, and hormonal IUDs only contain progesterone -- so an IUD doesn't have the side effects that the pill has. Moreover, the hormones are localized, dispersed only in my uterus, whereas the hormones in a pill enter my bloodstream when I swallow it and pass through my body to get to the important parts. Mirena is a lot safer, less painful, and less obnoxious than a copper IUD. A lot of people want to try the copper one, but DON'T. Most people I know who tried the copper IUD HATED it and needed to have it removed because it caused so much cramping. If you are considering a copper IUD, PLEASE research first and talk to a doctor; the hormone-based IUDs are SO MUCH NICER and safer. The insertion process was a little unpleasant -- a kind of brief pain I'd never experienced before, and then feeling faint/dizzy/gross for several hours afterward. I brought my mom, who held my hand afterward and drove me home, tucked me into bed, brought me soup, and watched movies all afternoon with me. If you can find someone to look out for you and keep you company, it makes the day a lot easier. Definitely set aside a whole day or two for recovery; you won't be able to hop back to work. The cramping lasted for a few days, and I was spotting for about six months after. That part was inconvenient, but now, with an IUD, I don't have a period, which is highly convenient. That alone almost makes it worthwhile. But I also am not at risk for pregnancy for the next seven years. I don't have to do ANYTHING or think about birth control AT ALL until 2023. I first talked to my primary care physician about birth control, and she gave me a reference for an OB/GYN at Virginia Mason's gynecology center downtown. I went in for an appointment where the OB/GYN gave me pamphlets, explained the different methods, and helped me make an informed decision. I then came back two months later (you have to be on your period to do the insertion), and had it inserted by the same doctor. I believe these appointments were covered by my health insurance, so I'm not sure about the cost/accessibility. Six weeks later I went for a quick check-up with one of the doctors at my college's health center. It's very easy for a doctor to check the strings of an IUD to make sure it's in place. If the doctor can't be sure -- and mine wasn't -- than you can get an ultrasound to ensure the IUD is still in place. I wanted to be sure, so I went to a local hospital the next week for an ultrasound -- which, after health insurance, cost about $30. Everything was normal. That's the last time I had to think about my IUD. No period, no side effects, no estrogen, no pregnancy. It's pretty awesome. 10/10 would do again, 10/10 would recommend to a friend. Please, if you're considering birth control, PLEASE get an IUD. It is so much easier, and lasts so much longer, than any other form of birth control.

Anonymous, 20

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Pill and IUD

Initially started the pill in 8th grade for acne purposes and continued with the pill until 12th grade. I got an IUD inserted before heading to college. The pill my dermatologist told me to use was 70 dollars a month!! Ridiculous!! And when I asked if I could use a more generic brand they said it didn't have the right ingredients. After a lot of back and forth with insurance, the pill I was on got covered. My mom was the one that thought I should get an IUD more because "why not?". I did very little research and went to the doctor through my insurance. Horrible experience!!! when I went in for my appointment the doctor began questioning why I even wanted an IUD (at this time I wasn't having sex) and said it would be very hard and painful to insert because of this. This doctor made me feel guilty for wanting to protect my body and made me feel ashamed for never having sex. She ended up trying to insert the IUD and after a terrible experience she failed. I left crying and ashamed. I finally went to a different doctor who reassured me that it was a good idea and who put it in with ease. However, I lacked the information and knowledge before hand about the side effects of an IUD.... It made my struggle with acne return. I love my IUD besides this. I've tried so many skincare things, but ultimately I believe I will return to to pill.

Kate B, 17

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

NuvaRing

I went on the NuvaRing when my boyfriend and I made the decision to have sex. I didn't feel comfortable telling my mom at the time, and luckily I had the wonderful option of scheduling a visit at the healthcare center at my school, where I talked to professionals and decided on the best option for me. I am very fortunate that through this I was able to get it for free through this center as well as without my parents knowing. When I started taking it, naturally it took my body a while to adjust but I wouldn't say it was anything out of the ordinary. With the NuvaRing, you typically leave it in for 3 weeks and take it out for the 4th where you have your period. I am someone who had very long and painful periods and a very nice side affect of the ring was making it shorter and alleviating my cramps. Another option is to leave it in for all 4 weeks and switch it, skipping your period. I do this every other month, because I like the reassurance of a period but also the convenience of not having one. Other than swelling and tenderness in my breasts during certain times of my cycle and some emotional swings, I've loved the NuvaRing and everything about it! I set reminders and I feel that changing it every 3 weeks/a month is fairly lower maintenance than the pill and doesn't feel as permanent as the arm implant or IUD, which are the main reasons I chose it, and I wouldn't do anything differently!

Anonymous, 21

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

hormonal contraceptive pill, condoms

I've prescribed hormonal birth control pills 2 or 3 times now, and since I don't tend to have sex with people who could get me pregnant at no point were those prescriptions actually for the purpose of preventing pregnancy. The first time was when I was in high school, I think, and was for PMS: It was a weird experience--as a transmasculine person I actually felt less dysphoric on the pills but greatly conflicted about taking them, and the side effects weren't good. I got angry all the time and bloated and so I think I stopped taking them after 3-4 months. The second time, also in high school, was a different medication and it was required because I was taking acutane for acne, which is essentially purposefully OD-ing on Vitamin A to the point that your body does horrible things to you (but gets rid of your acne! I mean, your lips, hair, and skin are all gonna try to jump ship too but hey, no more acne! Yeah, I'm still bitter). Anyway acutane can cause really bad things to happen in pregnancy, like, if you get pregnant on acutane there's very little chance your progeny will survive birth, much less infanthood, and to avoid this in order to fill an acutane prescription you have to swear you're on two forms of birth control and take an online quiz as well as a pregnancy test and a blood work up. I was supposed to be on this medication for like a year and to this day I don't know why I didn't stop taking it sooner--but the birth control had nasty side effects for me again as well. Just, mostly mood stuff, which is a big issue because my mood has enough problems on its own, thanks, but again bloating and some pain. So I stopped actually filling or taking my birth control prescription after 3 months again (because up until then the doctor's like, "side effects may be temporary?") and essentially just lied on the forms for the acutane. It was all a really kind of frustrating and ironic experience. I was sixteen, an abstinent virgin who self-ID'd as lesbian at the time, and I was legally required to be on birth control and getting a pregnancy test every month just in case of immaculate conception or something. I felt really bitter about it, and I felt even more bitter because it served as a reminder of how ridiculous it was to attempt to limit access to oral contraception (which is still happening but was a Big Thing at the time) when here I was, supposedly required to fill this prescription for something that had nothing to do with actual contraception. Most recently, I was prescribed a different form of hormonal birth control again my first or second year of college, this time because of excessive menstrual pain. It was pretty uneventful--I hadn't really been expecting it to work for me because of the previous two times and it didn't. Turns out, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, so now they've got me on a testosterone blocker which works way better in terms of physical symptom management but again, my transmasculine ass has some deeply conflicted feelings about that one. PCOS makes me more likely on the infertile side, not that contraception for the sake of actually preventing pregnancy matters to me right because I'm getting monogamously married to a woman who can't impregnate me anyway in three months. So I've pretty much never worried much about accidental pregnancy before and I expect I won't be worrying about it for the rest of my life either. The one time I had a variety of sex that could conceivably (ha) impregnate me, we used condoms mostly because I want to be responsible with regard to STIs. It was uneventful, by and large, but I did slowly learn how to use condoms with my sex toys to help prevent STI transmission even without a biological dick involved. I started out having a lot of trouble finding unlubed condoms, and I didn't want to risk the lube reacting badly with the materials of my toys--this turned out not to be too much a risk, but there are advantages to unlubed condoms anyway in terms of conversion to dental dams and controlling how much lube one wants to use. Also, I once had an allergic reaction to lube and believe me that is not an experience that bears repeating. This being said, it can be fun to experiment with different textured condoms (which, I haven't been able to find unlubed at all) on toys--condoms are much cheaper than buying an entirely separate toy so there's less risk involved in just trying something out and seeing how it feels. Mostly, though, condoms are my favorite because they make sharing toys much more seamless--instead of having to stop using the toy entirely or get up and wash it or even try to use a baby wipe to wipe it down and pray you're being sufficiently thorough, you can just roll on a condom before you get started, take it off, roll on a fresh one for use on your other partner and repeat as desired. It's just less of an interruption while still helping keep everyone HPV-free. I've also learnt that, since some toys are smaller than the average condom, you can pull them all the way over the base of the toy and it'll look a little strange but will stay in place, so you don't have to worry about things slipping around undesirably. I just, from my experience, cannot recommend condoms enough--especially since even with the difficulty of finding unlubed ones they're still so much easier to find than dental dams.

Audrey V, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Depo, IUD

When I first got birth control, I went to my local planned parenthood. I wasn't in the space with my family to share that I needed birth control and planned parenthood offered me the depo shot free for a year. For me at the time it was the easiest option. I will forever put my energy into helping planned parenthood as it gave me the opportunity to choose what was best for myself at the time without needing parental consent. They even had a space for people without insurance. Over time, I became more comfortable talking with my family and decided that and IUD was the right next step. Overall, the benefits of birthcontrol has outweighed the side effects, but still the side effects take a toll. Even 6 months after first getting my IUD I am still experiencing side effects. But again, no side effects will really give me a negative general experience because I am lucky to be given the opportunity to have the choice to access birthcontrol and have insurance that makes it possible.

Elysia P, 24

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Oral contraceptive

I went on the pill in the first place to practice safer sex with a AMAB partner. After ending the relationship and entering into sexual relations with AFAB, I continued use of the pill because it does wonders for my acne! I've been on the pill for so long that I've almost forgotten about the weight gain and slight hormonal imbalance it sends me into because I've grown to accept those traits as another part of my lifestyle to manage. My access to birth control was affordable and available because of the fact that I'm still on my mother's insurance.

Saebrinde C, 17

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Mirena IUD

I'm not so sure about the affordability but my gyno highly reccommended it as a reliable birth control method and after some time of asking her why she personally felt so strongly about it and looking it up on my own I decided to give it a try. It's the first and only birth control I've used and so far it's pretty neat. The only downside is very unpredictable bleeding at the beginning and intense cramping every now and then. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with it!

Jackie K, 20

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Pill

I started the pill when I was 16 because I wanted to have lighter, more regular periods. It was also the age that the movies said people started having sex at, and I wanted to be prepared. If I got a boyfriend or (god forbid) was raped, I wanted the security of knowing I wouldn't have to worry about a baby. Since then, I've explored my sexuality and realized I'm not interested in that kind of sex with men. I still stay on the pill though because I like its effects. My periods are much easier to deal with, and my skin has cleared up. It stabilizes my hormones so I don't have huge mood swings. I haven't had any negative effects. I never would have been able to afford birth control without Obamacare. It was free and accessible through my doctor.

Anonymous, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Depo provera shot, plan b

The depo shot has worked great for me for the last two years because of its convenience and effectiveness. I go to the clinic every three months, get a quick shot in my butt or arm, and then don't have to think about it any longer. I have not had any mood swings or weight gain, and my period stopped! It is incredibly effective and you don't have to worry about taking a pill everyday.

Olivia M, 18

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Pill and now IUD

The pill was a pain and the IUD rocks. My health insurance covered both.

Ginger H, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

pill and IUD

first i tried lo estrin fe but it made me super depressed with terrible mood swings so i went off it and a few months later i tried a different pill which also made me depressed and moody so i just stopped that. eventually i got the mirena IUD and it was the best decision i could have ever made!!!! i had unbelievably heavy periods beforehand but now after 10 months i barely get a period at all! it's helped lighten and regulate my periods and eliminated most of my terrible menstrual cramps (i still get cramps, but way less often now and not as bad).

Sara B, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

The pill, nexplanon (arm implant)

I went on the pill early on because of bad cramps. I had cramps that would make me very sick for the first couple days of my period when I feel started it. My doctor tried multiple other options before putting me on the pill. It helped a lot of the time for a while. After about two years of being on the pill, I got notice that my insurance made the pill a non-medical prescription and it would no longer be covered. Each continued pick up would be 200 dollars. We ended up needing to switch plans in order for me to still be able to be on birth control. After a while, the pill stopped helping my cramps and I got the arm implant.

Anonymous, 18

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Skyla IUD

I went with the IUD because they are long-lasting, extremely effective, low maintenance forms of birth control that are so so easy to use. I chose Skyla because it is made for younger people who have never kids before, so the hormone dose is smaller, and the device itself is smaller making for an easier insertion and better overall fit. So far I haven't had many major issues with it, just a lot of spotting and cramping for the first several weeks after insertion. The insertion process itself was much easier than I had expected; I did not feel a lot of pain just a lot of really uncomfortable cramping feelings in my uterus. While I was considering the IUD, I was terrified of the insertion, and felt uncomfortable with the idea of having something in my uterus, but the insertion is just a couple minutes of your life, and to me it is so worth it for the benefits that come with the IUD. I got it through Planned Parenthood (<3) —the scheduling was super easy and they were able to schedule me for just a couple days after I called.

Bella A, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Depo Provera, IUD

I loved the Depo shot, it was easy to get a shot every 3 months and not worry about ever missing a pill but know it is 99.999% effective.

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

IUD hurts like a bitch.

Sophie K, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

birth control pills

I've only been on one type of pill, because I had minimal side effects so there was really no reason to change. It's been very affordable through my university insurance (and by very affordable I mean free which is great) but access is a little hard at times since I'm only allowed to get 3 months at a time for free. And since I get it through my college, planning for this summer was pretty difficult. It works great, except now I wish I'd done a pill that limits my period more, and I'm also considering an IUD or the thing that goes in your arm.

Allie T, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Mirena IUD

I got the IUD at a health clinic when I was 18 because I wanted one before I went to college. I tried to get it at Swedish or another hospital but they were over booked so I went to a clinic. I feel like it would have been more efficient at a gynocologists because it took a long time to insert and they didn't mention the different types of painkillers you can use (which I know from other people's experiences). They didn't give options for pills or a shot to numb the cervix so it was pretty painful. The IUD has worked really well for the year and a half that I've had it, it made my period go away after a few months and hasn't bothered me at all. I have not gotten pregnant so I can only assume that it is working.

Tessa F, 16

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

the pill

i got it because i wanted birth control but told my parents t was for my periods which i did also need help with bc they were super painful. it's taken a bit to find the right dosage but it's great! i remember to take it everyday at the same time which can be the hardest part for lots of people. it's finally stopped my periods completely which is a godsend.

Anonymous, 18

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

The birthcontrol pill

I initially started because I had awful acne all over. I used to have terribly inconsistent and harsh periods that made me feel sick all the time. After about 2 weeks on the pill I felt almost completely better and have been on it ever since. What's been the worst part about it is when/ if you miss a pill I get the same Period symptoms as I did before. Getting the pill itself was maybe the easiest doctors appointment I have ever had. For me it is all covered by insurance so it is free

Anonymous, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Implanon implant, Nuva ring, IUD

I used my high school teen health center which set me up on an insurance separate from my parents so that I could have a confidential birth control prescription. At 15 I had the implant put in my arm so that when I began having sex birth control wouldn't be something I needed to rush or worry about. I had spotting on the implant so i decided to try the ring. The ring was kept in for 3 weeks and taken out during my period. However, the ring required me to go and pick up a prescription which was challenging because of my life schedule as well as keeping this confidential from my parents. While both these difficulties were livable (and almost none existent in comparison to the struggles of access and use many women have) I decided to get an IUD so I could have 5 years without worry. While having the IUD put in was painful and gave me over a week of painful cramping, in the year since I have had no side effects (a bit of weight gain) Not having to worry about the risks that misuse can cause when is comes to safe sex (a reason the pill has a lower reliability percentage) is a major plus. The ability to try different forms of birth control at no cost was all because of my access to a teen health center and I am very lucky in this sense.

Sinead A, 21

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Depo-provera (the shot), the patch, and the Nuva ring

I originally went on birth control because of my severe cramping and how it was affecting my life, especially my swimming. I originally started on the shot, which lasted for three months. I was on that for a year or two, but it began affecting my depression and caused quite a bit of weight gain. I switched to the patch for a day. I threw up four times that day. Clearly that one wasn't going to work. So then I switched to the nuva ring, which I've now been on for 4 years. I was given the option of inserting the ring for three weeks and getting a very light period on the fourth week, or leaving it in for the entire month and switching it out at the end of the month. I chose the latter because that meant no period, no cramps.

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

It's allowed me to do what I love (swim competitively) without pain. I don't have to worry about being incapacitated for over a week every month due to my cramping.

Anonymous, 16

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Mononessa hormonal birth control

My mom and my doctor convinced me to go on birth control to improve my bad acne and I'm really glad I did both because it helped my skin so much and that way I was protected once I was sexually active. I have had no big issues with it except the usual forgetting to take it at the right time, etc. and the only negative side effects I've experienced were nausea when first taking them.

Elisabeth O, 20

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

IUD, pill, condoms

The first method of birth control I used besides your standard condom was the pill. I wanted to go on some sort of additional contraceptive because I have a ton of anxiety which was leading me to literally buy a pregnancy test every time I had sex (even with a condom) and worry and fret that SOMEHOW--SOMEWAY I'd get pregnant at the age of 16. Anyways, I used the pill for about 2 years but ultimately switched to the IUD because the pill was negatively affecting my mood. I LOVED like literally wouldn't shut up about how much I loved having an IUD... UNTIL I had an ovarian cyst about 6 months later. This cyst ended up bursting on it's own which was not an amazing experience. Then a few months later I developed a much larger ovarian cyst that actually put my ovary at risk of tortion because the cyst was so massive. All this trouble and trips to the gyno (and ER for that matter), made me give up on my IUD and I ended up switching back once again to birth control pills... (this time taking them along with an anti-depressant). To summarize: both were accessible options through Planned Parenthood, and both were affordable. :)

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

IUDs aren't necessarily for everyone but theres also really no way to know if you are one of the few (like me) to experience ovarian cysts. I loved my IUD until I began to develop larger and larger cysts and still recommend it as my favorite method of contraceptive.

Kendall B, 16

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

The pill, condoms

I went on the pill to help with my period- it was super heavy and every 22 days- but also as a back up in case a condom ever broke. It scared me thinking that a piece of plastic was the only thing between me and getting pregnant, so I got something else to use with it. I ended up choosing the pill over other contraceptives because I wanted a very low dose of hormones, and also something that I could go off of with out having to go to a doctor. Getting it has been pretty easy as well, as it is sent to me in the mail. Luckily my mom and I are pretty close so she helped me set up all the doctors appointments and stuff I needed to get the birth control originally and allowed me to use our insurance to pay for it.

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

Birth control lets me be in control of my future and I am forever thankful

Anonymous, 17

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

the pill, the patch, nexplanon (the implant)

endometriosis. wanted the patch because I thought it would be simple but then it made me super nauseous for the first few days after I put a new patch on(weekly) and i was vomiting when i put my patch on and my cramps were still painful to the point of puking and not being able to go to school. Then I went to an obgyn(the patch was prescribed by my primary physician) and took the pill until I got nexplanon placed which was today so I'm hoping for the best! It was a super easy procedure though. It just took 10 minutes. Luckily it was all super accessible and I just went through my doctors and parents and insurance so it was all covered. I'm super grateful for that because I know it's not that simple for everybody!!

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

birth control isn't always just used to prevent pregnancy!! I'm not sexually active but i was missing so much school because of super painful periods where i would vomit and pass out every month. there are a lot of reasons for birth control!

Ali B, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

IUD

I was a little nervous for the procedure especially after my consultation session wasn't very positive, but had heard good things from my sister. The actual doctors were super supportive and encouraged me to tell all my friends about how simple IUDs are. Implanting it was marginally uncomfortable, but not painful, and I only felt it occasionally in the first month (now never). There's also the added benefit of a reduction or cessation of period flow! Would recommend this to all women who want to feel safe and hassle free.

Emma E, 19

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

Hormonal IUD

I got an IUD senior year of high school because life is unpredictable and it seemed like an easy thing to do for 5-7 years of peace of mind. I found it relatively easy to access. The biggest barrier for me was all of the misinformation online. I researched all of my birth control options thoroughly, and the IUD seemed like the ideal one for me, except for the fact that most people online said you couldn't have it inserted unless you have had children. This turned out to not be true for me, as I currently have an IUD and have definitely not given birth, but it was still overwhelming to read everything online, and was almost a deterrent. Also, when I wanted to get my IUD checked, the on-campus health center at my college didn't offer any IUD services (insertion, checking, or removal), so I had to go to Planned Parenthood. Now that I've had the IUD for more than a year, I couldn't be happier. I've seen a wide range of side effects and insertion difficulty in all of my friends, so I know that there's significant variation, but for me, I've had minimal side effects past the adjustment period, the insertion was quick and not too painful, and it's worked great!

Anonymous, 17

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

the pill, condom

i went on the pill at 15 because my periods were really bad. I was fainting, throwing up, missing school, etc. I tried acupuncture, herbal tinctures, changing my diet, but nothing worked. I told my mom i wanted to try the pill and it was my decision and i made it clear that if she said no i would find a way to get it anyway. I was very lucky in that it was really easy for me to access through my primary care doctor and it was free thanks to my parents insurance plan. it was pretty rough at first because it made me nauseous, but as soon as my body adjusted it dramatically changed my quality of life. i'm able to skip my period and therefore skip hormonal migraines and it's been great.

Emily E, 21

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

NuvaRing

I originally started using the NuvaRing to help with the horrible cramps I had when I got my period. I used to have to miss days of school because I was in so much pain, so my doctor recommended that I start using some type of birth control. NuvaRing seemed like my best option because there's no way I'd be good with taking a pill every day. It's super easy to use and you don't ever feel it (weird, but people have asked). The only thing you have to watch out for is if you have sex with it in or are using tampons, there's a chance it could come out. It's not a big deal if you notice and put a new ring in within the next couple of days but you obviously don't want to end up going a month without it! I've been able to get it pretty easily through my primary care doctor but it's also available through Planned Parenthood!

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

Birth control is awesome, but it's still something that could have negative effects on your body if the type you're using isn't right for you! My mom (a nurse) made me get blood work done before I started using hormonal birth control because there's tests they can run to see if you're predisposed to blood clots. Also, I tell this to everyone who's considering an IUD, but make sure to speak with a gynecologist about whether or not they think it would be the best choice for you. I was going to get an IUD because it seemed more convenient than anything else, and as a part of her standard protocol, my gynecologist had me get a 3D ultrasound before she would insert it. If this is available to you, please do it! We found out that the shape of my uterus would have made it really difficult to insert the IUD and there was a good chance that if they did insert it, it wouldn't stay in place and I'd have to have it taken out. It ended up saving me a lot of pain and trouble down the road, and I'm so happy she took the time to actually see if it was a good option first!

Sara H, 18

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

The birth control pill, condoms, withdrawal

I initially went on birth control because of my heavy periods when I was 14. I lost my virginity at 17, and added condoms into the mix as a double method to prevent pregnancy. Condoms however, were expensive, and although I live in an affluent area with affluent parents, they make me buy things that I want with my own money to teach me the value of money. I was embarassed to ask for money for condoms so for a while I would just have my boyfriend pull out. I even stole condoms a few times. My mom and I are pretty close so after about a month or two I told her and she started giving me money for condoms. Now, I don't really use condoms, just the pill.

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

I don't know I guess my story goes to show that even if you're an affluent and privileged white girl from the suburbs, you can still encounter road blocks with safe sex and birth control.

Molly M, 17

Please list the methods of birth control that you have used: *

The pill

I went on the pill to regulate my period schedule. It worked well in both making my flow lighter and regulating it, but there were lots of days where I forgot to take it. It was affordable to me because I am lucky enough to have health insurance, but I know that's not an option for everyone. I know a lot of people who get different forms of birth control from planned parenthood so they don't have to pay for it and don't have to go through their parents. I also recommend not using Bartells drug because they would often tell me my pills would be ready on a certain day, but when I would come in to get it they would tell me it wasn't ready. Overall they were confusing, unhelpful and sometimes even rude. However, that's just my personal experience.

Is there anything else we should know or that you'd like to include about your personal journey or experience with birth control?

Whatever birth control form you choose just make sure you're comfortable with it and never feel pressured to use birth control if you don't want to.