Illustration of various forms of birth control. Aubrie Rice // AS Publicity Center
By MacKenzie Dexter
Let’s face it, birth control can be a daunting topic. While it is part of many people’s routine, there are decisions we need to make when deciding which form to take. There are also trial and error periods to see what works with each individual body, which can be frustrating. It is no secret that birth controls can cause mood changes, pain and take time for your body to adapt. There is also a lot of stigma attached to birth control that can make people nervous to ask questions.
Birth control and the effects it has on our bodies can be nerve racking. One of the best ways we can alleviate fears, debunk myths and support one another is sharing our stories and experiences. At the end of the day, it is an individual’s right to decide what they do with their health.
Some popular forms of birth control include: hormonal and non-hormonal [copper] intrauterine device [IUD], pill, implant, shot, vaginal ring, patch and condoms, to name a few. More information about each birth control, effectiveness, pricing and common questions can be found here.
Lindsey Troutman, Planned Parenthood Generation coordinator, said that talking about birth control and our experiences creates less stigma around the topic. Even a conversation as simple as talking with friends about their experiences with birth control in a nonjudgmental environment can be educational and stress-relieving.
“I think just not being judgmental when someone mentions their birth control or sexual activity,” Troutman said in an email. “The more comfortable people are with talking about sex and birth control, the more prepared they will be.”
Sarah Bates, a certified nurse midwife, said in an email that learning about different forms, as well as sharing experiences, will help others if they come with questions. Clients come to her with simple and specific questions about birth control.
“Sometimes a client will come to the clinic asking for birth control with no idea what is available,” Bates said in an email. “If this is the case, I start by screening them for any contraindications, give a general overview of available methods, and get to know them a little bit so I can steer them toward a method that is likely to work for them.”
She said that tapping into support systems, such as family and friends, can help a person to make decisions and find advice.
“Educate yourself and share your knowledge with the people around you,” Bates said in an email. “The more you know about birth control the more easily you will be able to talk about it with others.”
When I first started the pill in high school, I felt like I was hiding a big secret. I kept my birth control private so people wouldn’t judge or think negatively of me. I was afraid that they would call me names or think less of me, even though I started taking it to alleviate period symptoms and help with acne. However, later I learned that it wasn’t anyone’s business to comment on choices that I was making for my body.
“Remember that you’re actively empowering yourself by taking control of your sexual health,” Troutman said in an email. “It can be intimidating but there are so many people who have gone through the same situation as you and there are people there to support you.”
When using birth control, it is important to remember that everyone’s body is different, so while the pill or an IUD works great for some people, they may not work for someone else. However, being honest about your experience when friends ask is going to be helpful for everyone, especially when it comes to misconceptions or myths.
“I think one common myth is that just because someone is on birth control, they are having a ton of sex,” Troutman said in an email. “This isn’t necessarily true, as birth control has other benefits, such as hormone regulation and helping with acne.”
There are many reasons to be on birth control and it’s not anyone’s business but that person’s, Troutman said.
“Another myth is that only women can be on birth control,” Troutman said in an email. “I think there is a lot of stigma surrounding trans and non-binary people and birth control. Anyone with female reproductive organs can be on traditional birth control. It’s not just for women.”
Bates also shared about side effects with birth control.
“All forms of contraceptive have some type of side effects, some can be dangerous, others bothersome, and still others may be a benefit,” Bates said in an email.
While I was on the pill for over three years, I decided to get the copper IUD. For people who don’t plan on getting pregnant for awhile or don’t want to worry about remembering to take a pill everyday, the IUD is a great option. However, even though I had friends who had the IUD, I was still nervous about the insertion and stigma around them. I didn’t know how bad the pain would be, if my family and friends would judge me or if it wouldn’t work for my body due to side effects, such as intense cramping and heavy periods.
However, I am happy with the decision I made and not letting what others thought of my decision affect my choice.
Blaire Ziegan, a fourth-year student, shared her experience with the copper IUD. Overall, she has enjoyed her IUD and hasn’t had any side effects that made her regret getting it.
“It’s worked great,” Ziegan said. “I was mostly afraid of the pain, but it was manageable.”
Ziegan said that the IUD is a great option since she doesn’t plan on having children for awhile.
“It’s just great to be protected no matter what,” Ziegan said.
While IUD insertion may seem scary and shocking to your body, making sure you talk to your doctor about your concerns and ask any questions you have is important. Also, coming prepared to the appointment can be helpful to make the process easier. Some examples include, having someone there to support and take you home after the procedure, taking ibuprofen or Advil before and after, communicating with the doctor during the procedure and taking the day off to relax and recover.
Rachel Edwards, a second-year student, got an implant and said that overall she had a positive experience. She said that her gynecologist gave her a numbing shot on her arm and showed her where it would be placed.
“I had a few nerves about it especially because I hadn’t had good experiences with birth control in the past, but the process was easy and quick,” Edwards said over Twitter.
Aside from initial spotting and cramps, and adapting to the hormones, the side effects went away for the most part, Edwards said.
“Just breathe through it, ground yourself and read up on stories of people who have it [the implant] not just the bad ones, especially because everyone’s body is different,” Edwards said on Twitter.
While there are still stigmas attached to every form of birth control just remember, it is your body and you don’t owe an explanation to anyone about your choices. It is important to have accurate information so you can make the safest and best decisions for your body.
“It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, having safe and consensual sex on your own accord is a great thing,” Troutman said in an email. “You deserve to have the right to control what happens to your body.”