Let's Talk About Birth Control - Project Focus

Introduction

After hearing numerous positive and negative stories from friends about birth control, I decided to ask women who had been on birth control about their experience with it, why they went on it, and what information they believe other women should know when considering different kinds of birth control. 

Common types of Birth Control

Implant: An implant in your arm that slowly releases hormones.

Pill: A hormonal pill that you have to take everyday at the same time. 

IUD: There are hormonal and nonhormonal options.It’s a coil that is inserted into the womb.

Injection: An injection that releases progesterone.

Patch: A patch that you wear on your skin, and replace every seven days.

Reasons for going on Birth Control

The three most common reasons the women asked went on birth control are:

• Avoiding pregnancy

• Regulating periods

• Preventing period pains

Process with Birth Control

A lot of women said they found the process of getting onto birth control relatively easy. They commented that the waiting lists weren’t too long and that the procedure for the implant, in particular, was quick and painless. 

When it came to coming off birth control, women with the implant had more trouble. The process was unsettling and there was pushback from NHS staff.

Positives

A lot of them said that the pill helped them regulate their periods better, and the implant stopped or reduced the number of periods that they would have. 

Some also said they experienced their skin clearing up, and felt lucky in not having as many side effects as some of their friends. 

Negatives

Alternatively, some women said they experienced worse acne after going on birth control.

Some experienced weight gain, whilst others experienced weight loss, but all of them considered it a negative because of how unhealthy the weight changes were. 

They also noted the mental health effects of birth control, making some of them struggle with focus, have increased anxiety, and feel more depressed in day-to-day life.

Final Comments from participants

There was a mixed response from the women asked, where some said that they would not go back on birth control nor recommend it to friends. Others said that they found it to be an overall positive experience for period issues. It was best summarised by someone who said “It’s just a case of finding out what’s right for you and your body.”

Sources

Survey