questions about birth control

so, i'm going to see my doctor to try and get some sort of birth control or pain medication for my period cramps. i know a few of my friends are on things like mefenamic acid, and naproxen etc. but none of their parents allowed them to go on birth control because of possible side effects and all that. i was just wondering if there's anyone on birth control in general or just for cramps that had any positive or negative experiences, and what i could maybe expect if i ended up being prescribed it. i know that it's different for everyone, but i just wanted to get a range of opinions : )

Reply 1

bee2018

I know of friends who were on birth control to stop excessive bleeding because they were anaemic and it helped them immensely with that. They were less fatigued and had no cramps. On the flip side, I have had friends who took birth control pills for non-medical reasons other than to prevent unplanned pregnancies, and it had bad side effects like mood swings, sleep and issues with appetite. They came off it and took other non-hormonal contraceptives like the coil because it just didn't suit them.

Generally, you won't really know until you take it. Like every over-counter medication like paracetamol, birth control pills will also has its positives and negatives. Your doctor should go through all the side-effects of taking the pill so you will be well-informed by a healthcare professional before you take an informed decision. You have autonomy as a patient and you can decide if and when you want to take them. Ask them all the questions you want - it's much better than on TSR because it's accurate and up-to-date!

I hope that helps.

Reply 2

bee2018

*Another thing to note: having bad period cramps could be a sign for something else so it's best to ask a doctor/nurse if there's something else going on. Endometriosis is under diagnosed a lot - your doctor may explore this too.

Reply 3

Yuvaa

I started birth control mainly to deal with intense cramps, and it actually helped a lot. The first couple of months were a bit rough, some mood swings and spotting, but it evened out and made my periods way more manageable. Everyone reacts differently, though, so it's good that you're checking out your options.
Also, if your doctor brings up IUDs like Paragard, just make sure to do your research. It’s hormone-free, which some people prefer, but there have been some serious issues reported with it breaking or causing complications. There's even a Paragard IUD Lawsuit going on right now that talks about those problems. Just something to be aware of while you’re figuring things out.

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 4

Anonymous #2

Im on progesterone pill for 2 years now as a teen who has lots of women in the family with endometriosis and had really painful period cramps- even taken naproxen didn't always do enough for me.
Honestly I don't really feel any different- maybe because it has been 2 years now and I am pain free and not relying on naproxen just to get me through a school day and not being able to get out of bed because of deep pain.
I don't know but I think it did cause some weight gain for me- but this may not have been the cause lol!
I think lots of people online and social media are posting fear mongering videos of how birth control completely destroys your hormones and is a really terrible thing- I am no medical professional so im not going to act like I know all about this like they 'claim to do' but if your doctor advises it and you are taking it with no adverse affects I don't think there's much of an issue. Some people don't realise a lot of peoples really painful periods can impact their lives- I couldn't imagine doing gcses and alevels on my period- and if it helps you and is medically advised then your good to go!

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