Reevaluating Birth Control: Personal Reflections and Health Considerations

Introduction:

Before diving into today’s post, I want to clarify that I am not anti-birth control. Birth control is a personal choice and a right that has benefited people worldwide. My intention is not to discourage or judge anyone but to share my musings based on my personal history, my experiences as a mother to a young daughter, and my work in women’s health.

Why Question Your Birth Control Method?

Birth control is a vast topic that can be discussed from many perspectives. Today, I want to pose a couple of questions: “Why am I using my particular method, and how is it making me feel?” and “Do I actually know how I feel without it?”

In my work with women’s health, I increasingly see young women exploring the idea of going off birth control for the first time after years of use. Many were put on it for reasons unrelated to pregnancy prevention, such as irregular cycles, painful periods, or skin issues. Over time, they have simply continued using it for its convenience in managing their periods or preventing pregnancy. However, upon deeper discussion, some women share that while birth control solved some issues, it may have introduced others, like mood swings, weight changes, or pain.

My Personal Experience

I was one of those girls who was put on birth control at a very young age to treat irregular periods. Knowing what I know now about how birth control affects hormones and brain chemistry, I often wonder about the long-term impacts that it may have had on my developing brain. It took me 20 years to question the connection between my bad sleep issues and birth control. Were they related? I don’t actually know still but even now I still wonder.

Exploring Alternatives

There are other ways to regulate your cycle and address PMS, painful periods, hormonal skin issues, PCOS, fibroids, and more. If preventing pregnancy isn’t your primary concern or honestly even if it is you can still consider exploring acupuncture & basal body temperature charting, herbal medicine, and dietary changes to optimize your cycle. I think it is especially important to keep in mind for young girls whose brains and bodies are still developing.

The Importance of Questioning

Questioning your birth control is important. Have you considered how your birth control makes you feel physically and mentally? Why are you using your current method? How is it working on your body? Methods generally work by physical barriers, synthetic hormones, chronic inflammation, or timing intercourse. Is your method aligned with your needs and what you want for your body? Is your partner influencing your choice, or is this a discussion you’ve had together?

Conclusion

My aim with this post is to encourage you to think critically about your birth control method and its effects on your health. Awareness of the various options available to women and young girls is crucial and giving yourself permission to question things and make choices based on what is right for you.

What are your thoughts on this topic? I’d love to hear your perspectives.