First time on birth control...scared.
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First time on birth control...scared.
| Mon, 04-09-2007 - 1:30am |
I'm 19 and just started using birth control (as in, just put the nuva ring in for the first time today). I'm somewhat freaking out because I really hate the idea of messing around with my body. I hardly even take Advil/Tyelnol because I'd rather let my body do its thing. But I'm in a serious relationship, and I know sex will be a regular thing for us soon, so I felt obligated to get on some form of BC. I find myself freaking out, though...I guess it's because this is completely new to me. Any advice to make me feel better? Anyone else feel like this when they first got on BC? I wish I could rely on condoms alone, but I'm not sure that that's the best idea...I don't want to leave it all up to chance or anything. I'm just scared of the side effects from using hormonal contraceptives.

Well, there are some health risks with the pill, but at your age, especially if you are not a smoker and don't have any underlying health issues, your risk is fairly low. In fact, your risk of dying from complications of childbirth would actually be greater than your risk of dying from the pill! Also, don't let horror stories of side effects scare you. People *with* side effects tend to talk about them, while people without side effects tend not to talk about not having them, KWIM. But, I'll tell you, I went on the pill at 24, and I'm 38 now. I've only had occasional spotting, and mild headaches right before my period. OTOH, I've had lighter periods, and my cramps have all put disappeared.
However, if you are really concerned about the risks, and a good long talk with your doctor hasn't made you feel better, you might consider a non-hormonal method, like a diaphram. NFP is also an option, but it takes a lot of discipline.
heyy dont feel bad i was also freaked.. I am 20 and got the ring a little bit ago and didnt put it in 2 weeks ago bc i was too scared.. i too didnt like something like that in me, like werid meds or antyhing. I was worried to but then i thought its worth it if im going to be doing stuff with guys u know.. so i guess that outways it. Now i wish i woulda put it in then. Ohh well... how is it going now?
Rach
I didn't feel ready to use hormonal birth control until I was 22. I used condoms for four years, and at one point I changed boyfriends and changed my mind. I was no longer okay with the worry and the heavy periods and I decided that I'd give it a shot and see if the benefits outweighed the uncertainty. For me, it's been a double-edged sword. I've had some problems with hormones, but I've also been liberated from my heavy periods.
I still don't take Tylenol unless I have to. I go organic as much as I can afford, and I try to avoid processed foods and too many chemicals. But in this one area....I'll medicate. Having a baby is a HUGE thing, and you want to make sure you're ready for it to happen, rather than leaving it to chance.
I've been using Nuvaring for over four years. It works very well for me and I have no side effects. Hopefully it works as well for you too! Good luck--let us know if we can help!
Co-cl for Birth Control