Yesterday, I did a Q&A on Instagram and someone asked about birth control, so I decided to write about that instead of my planned post. I’ve been using birth control since I was 17, with a short break in between. I started taking it after telling my mom it would help with my cramps, and I’ve been on it regularly since then.
As I grew older, I heard more about the negative effects of the pill, so I considered switching birth control methods. I thought about getting an IUD but went with the mini pill instead, as I’m comfortable with pills and it’s easier to stop taking them whenever I want without dealing with a procedure.
Let’s dive into what the mini pill is. First, there’s the combination pill, which includes both estrogen and progestin and is the most common form of birth control. I was on this before switching to the mini pill, aka POP (Progestin-Only Pill).
The estrogen in the combination pill can lead to issues like migraines, weight gain (I gained about 15 pounds), hormonal changes, mood swings, potential blood clots, a decrease in sex drive, and possible difficulty getting pregnant after you stop taking it. Though it can help with acne, I preferred to stop dealing with these other side effects.
Since developing a thyroid issue, I’m thankful I switched off that pill since it can worsen thyroid conditions. The mini pill, which contains only progestin, has been a better fit for me. I lost weight after switching, saw improvement in my mood stability, and there are no issues with fertility if I decide to stop taking it.
There are two minor downsides to the mini pill. First, it’s important to take it at the same time every day. Missing a dose by more than three hours means you could get pregnant in the following three days, so it’s not ideal if you’re forgetful. I use a reminder app to help. Second, it can make your periods irregular, which can be concerning in combination with the first point.
These downsides aren’t enough to make me go back to the combination pill. Remember, I’m a blogger, not a doctor, so if you’re considering a change in birth control, consult with a doctor to understand all the risks and options.
Lastly, you can actually get birth control like the mini pill online through services like Nurx, which makes it really convenient.