Recently I have been considering going off the pill for a variety of reasons. First, now that the Supreme Court has a conservative majority that may vote to repeal Roe v. Wade, the threat of pregnancy stresses me out even more. I’ve been researching the IUD because of its extremely high effectiveness rate, which is higher than any other form of birth control at 99% (aside from sterilization and abstinence). The effectiveness of the birth control pill varies based on how good the user it at taking it at the same time every day. I’m not very good at this. I tend to take the pill when I’m going to bed, which could be at 10pm or 2am, as opposed to a regimented daily time.
Second, I want to take a break from the hormones that I have been ingesting every day since I was 17. Being on the pill has provided me with some great benefits, including better skin and lighter periods. However, lately I’ve had this overwhelming urge to detox. I have friends who said their mood got remarkably better after they went off the pill, or that they felt more like their old selves. I just want to take a break to see how it makes me feel, because it’s been so long. My mother also recently told me a story of a friend of hers who had a stroke from the pill, and another friend who developed a blood clot. The potential risks never scared me before, but to hear my mother has not one but TWO friends who had serious complications has definitely made me re-evaluate things.
Third, remembering to take a pill every day is ANNOYING. I know this reason doesn’t seem like much compared to the others, but it’s how I feel. This is another reason as to why I’ve been considering the IUD, because once it’s in, you don’t think about it. At least, that’s what SHOULD happen. I’ve heard great things about the IUD from some, and horror stories from others. For example, one of my sisters has reported a great experience with her IUD; she barely thinks about it, has no side effects, and it works great. But my other sister had a terrible experience; hers fell out of place and put her in extreme pain, which forced her to have it removed only a few weeks after it was initially inserted.
My point is, every form of birth control has pros and cons, and it can be exhausting to find the right one. Right now I’m stuck between remaining on the pill and switching to the IUD. No other form of birth control appeals to me. My doctor advised against the shot (concerns about bone health), I tried the patch (ITCHY), the implant freaks me out because I’m squeamish (my roommate had one and she would move it around in her arm to try to gross me out), and everything else either requires too much effort/mechanics for my taste (inserting a ring each month? or a sponge every TIME?) or has a lower effectiveness rate (according to Planned Parenthood, every method aside from the ones I’ve already mentioned falls below a 90% effectiveness rate). My boyfriend has been very supportive, saying he wishes he could take on this burden instead of me, and has suggested returning to using condoms as a non-hormonal, side-effect free alternative. However, condoms are expensive (as opposed to the pill, which is free through my insurance), and not as enjoyable for either of us.
I’m still in a state of ambivalence, so if anyone has information or stories to share please comment! I’m trying to gather as many details and perspectives as possible so I can make a decision.
Unruly Bodies 
Hi! Thank you for your contribution. I personally resonate with this post a lot! So, first, of course I have a story, mine is a little different though. Here goes: so, all throughout childhood and growing up, I’ve been completely against birth control, and maybe even up until this year. The reasons why included seeing how it mentally made my sister go “crazy”, as she describes it, they’re man-made medications/hormones that aren’t natural and lastly, I REFUSED to ever mess with my fertility. However, literally during this pandemic, I finally got so tired of heavy cycles and not being able to get out of bed, so I had a serious talk with my gynecologist. We later found out that I have cystic ovaries. My gynecologist immediately and kind of only recommended birth control. Let me tell you, I fought SO hard on this decision, but I finally gave in because what other options did I have, besides to suffer? Well, I ended up trying out the pill, “Lo Loestrin Fe”, that my former college (I went to ODU for a semester before transferring to UMBC) health provider recommended….. and I hated it. I literally got really nauseous every time I took my pill, I would feel really really bloated all the time, I had 2 cycles every month… which lasted two weeks each. If you do the math, I was always on my cycle, literally. After 2 months, I told my gyno that something different had to be done. She eventually introduced me to my second pill, “Tri-Lo-Marzia”. I personally like this pill much better; I don’t ever really get bloated, I only have a cycle for about 3-4 days, when I forget to take the pill, it doesn’t immediately make me start bleeding, it’s honestly just much better for me, personally. I’ve been on it for 3 months, but once my cysts drain, I’ll definitely be getting off the pill! In regards to forgetting to take the pill, I have a 11:55AM alarm that I never allow myself to turn off, even if I’m at work. I found that this really helps because if I don’t have a reminder, I’ll most likely remember by bedtime.
Also, I don’t trust any other forms of birth control except for the pill. I overthink things a lot, so my brain will just not allow a foreign advice to sit right with me. Plus, I was scared out of them; the only feedback I’ve gotten consists of all negative things. I hope this helps a little and good luck!
Like Madesegun, I also relate to this post a lot! I have considered the IUD mainly out of curiosity. Having to constantly remember to take the pill is extremely annoying, but I also take a daily anxiety pill so I just take them at the same time. I am interested in the IUD since it is long lasting and because I wonder how much of my depression is related to birth control. I’ve always heard people say that birth control has caused them to gain weight and be more depressed, but I have already struggled with both of those things before starting birth control. I was off birth control for a little, but that was right when I started college so my anxiety and depression was at an all time high. I know one of my sister’s has an IUD and I think she got it changed recently and I completely forget the reason. My other sisters have always used the pill since that was the most common thing suggested.
I heard of the ring before, two of my friends actually use it. However, I have never heard of the sponge, shot, or patch. That is totally new to me!
I also love how supportive your partner is! I know that a lot of people would not be willing to change their behavior in order to make it so their SO does not have to take birth control. Super great 🙂
Thank you for sharing this post. I definitely empathize with you and have definitely had my own struggles with trying birth control, specifically for PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). My first time trying birth control led me to gain a significant amount of weight in a short period, while also affecting my mood and irritability. Also, as a trans individual, just the prospect of engaging with birth control really fueled my dysphoria. At the moment, I am not taking anything – but I have a close friend who has been very pleased with her decision to get an IUD. I hope you are able to find something that works for you.
So I’ve been taking birth control pills for over a year now. I’m taking them for menstrual reasons rather than birth control. There are for sure positives and negatives. I actually never wanted to go on birth control pills and it was a last resort for me. And it was an extremely rocky start for me thanks to side effects (mostly bad nausea and painful cramping) and mentally. I was genuinely miserable for a while until the side effects calmed down. However, it has made a difference in my quality of life personally. However, like you said there are downsides. Personally, I take my pill around 5;20 pm. That is usually the time I eat dinner. So I’ve gotten into the habit of taking it before dinner. Can you set something up like that up? But it is annoying to try and remember especially when I want to change my routine. Nothing is more awkward than trying to sneak taking a pill. That foil pop is so loud then! Also personally if I skip a pill I feel physically sick for the next day. That’s really not great. Although it is important to note that is my body and not a side effect of the pill. Unfortunately, birth control reactions/feelings are unique to everyone. What works for one person is a nightmare for another. I wish I could be more helpful here! Best of luck with whatever you decide!
Hey there! I totally get where you’re coming from with considering going off the pill. The recent political landscape has definitely added stress to the pregnancy scare, and the idea of a more effective and low-maintenance option like the IUD is intriguing.
Taking a break from hormones is a valid reason, and it’s great you’re exploring how it might impact your well-being. It’s eye-opening to hear about your mother’s friends’ experiences with serious complications, making you reevaluate the potential risks.
I can imagine the daily annoyance of remembering to take a pill—it’s a legit concern. The IUD does seem like a practical alternative, but the mixed reviews from your sisters highlight the unpredictability of individual experiences.
The struggle to find the right birth control is real! It’s commendable that you’re weighing all the pros and cons. Your boyfriend’s support is fantastic, and it’s great that you’re considering various perspectives.
I wish I had a straightforward answer or magical solution for you, but alas, it’s a personal journey. I’d say keep gathering info, maybe consult with your healthcare provider, and trust your gut. Everyone’s experience is unique, so whatever you decide, make sure it feels right for you. Sending positive vibes your way!