Let's Be Real About Birth Control

Birth control is such an interesting thing because more than half of the population that can use it doesn't really understand it. This comes from several dozen reasons including religious beliefs, family structure, societal pressures and misinformation all over the internet. I figured it was time I put my two cents into this topic to hopefully give some thoughtful insight, especially for those who are considering the usage of it. 

Types 

1. Pill - Everyone has heard of the pill form of birth control. It's probably the picture that pops into most people's head once they hear the word birth control. There are loads of brands and types of birth control pills. The standard structure is to regulate the menstrual cycle which helps with avoiding the issues of pregnancy. There are pills that have low dosage hormones, high dosage, mixed hormones and just pure "female" hormones as well as pills that offer only four times a year menstruating.  

1. Ring - The ring is a low dosage form of birth control that is inserted by the user, similar to using a tampon. The ring is low dosage and requires it to be refrigerated until use. Note that is can "come out" during intercourse but, if you place in far enough inside, you shouldn't have any issues. If you're used to using tampons, you won't even notice while you have it in and it doesn't impact you doing intercourse but minimally, if at all. 

1. Shot - For a three month effective usage, there is the birth control shot. It works much like the ring and pills but requires a doctor's appointment and one shot lasts three months. 

1. Implant - The first implant option gets implanted into your arm by a doctor. This, like an IUD, is a longer term solution as it can be effective for up to five years. 

1. IUD - The final birth control option is the IUD. This has two options, a hormone option and one without hormones (copper). Both options require a doctor's visit as the doctor is the one who needs to insert it. On average, the hormonal option last three to six years and the copper option last five to ten. 

Uses

1. Stabilize Hormones - Since almost all birth control options have hormones, it makes sense that adjusting and stabilizing hormones would be a use for it. People who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome use birth control for this purpose, myself included.

1. Prevent Pregnancy - The main reason everyone thinks over 50% of women are on birth control, to avoid unwanted or unexpected pregnancies. It is an awesome perk because, let's be real, why can't women enjoy sex, too?

1. Lighten Periods - Many people experience shorter and light flow periods when starting birth control, any kind. I am a living example of this as my period would normally last six to seven days and the first five days I would bleed like someone slit an artery. Now, after using birth control, my period lasts between three and five days and only day one is heavy. 

1. Ease Menstrual Pain - It would be logical to think if the flow of the period is lighter the pain is less, yeah? Birth control is known, but it's not a guarantee, to ease cramping pain. Personally, it's made mine bearable so I don't need strong prescription drugs anymore to tolerate it. 

1. Combat Acne - Acne tends to be a direct result of hormones rather than having a dirty face and/or body (yes, body acne impacts people, too). A few of my friends would get cystic back acne and once they started birth control, that went away. 

1. Regulate Menstruation - Some females suffer from "sporadic" or not consistent periods from timing to length. Birth control restructures that and gives you one every month, unless you take the four times a year kind, and makes it a consistent length. It's nice for the people who were never regular.

Side Effects 

• Weight Gain/Loss 
• Acne 
• Smell Sensitivity 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Headaches 
• Vaginal Discharge 
• Very Serious Issues (Blood Clots, Stroke, Heart Attack)

Misconceptions

• Pregnancy cannot happen while taking or on birth control.
• Birth control is only for avoiding pregnancy. 
• Women who are on birth control are sluts/whores who just want to sleep with a lot of guys without having babies. 
• Birth control is not essential to leading a healthy life.