Teen BC

[mogirl87]

I'm a 17 year old girl getting ready to start birth control. I know there's no miracle method, but it would be really awesome to find something that doesn't cause acne, weight gain, or worse periods. My periods are already too much to handle. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? I'm planning to be on it for years. I'm going to college in the fall, so there's 5 years for sure. I'm not interested in an IUD due to the side effects I've already heard about, and the shot sounds really scary and just not for me.

[holiday83]

Hi Teen BC,
When I was your age, I was on Estrostep and really liked it. It didn't have any side effects until this year (I was on it for 9 years before I switched). Make sure to mention your concerns to your doctor before he/she perscribes you anything. They know the drugs the best and your medical history so there is sure to be something that will work for you =). I am on Kariva now and I really like it too... but I have only been on it for 2.5 months so I am still not 100% sure how my body will react to it. I hope this helps.

[mogirl87]

thank you! that helps a lot!

[tUrRrRa]

I've been on Yasmin birth control pill for almost 6 years now and I love it! I've never had ANY bad side effects. It makes my periods lighter, I get no cramps, less bloating, my skin improved, and I didn't gain weight. It also did not affect my sex drive... so I definitely am staying on this pill and not trying any new ones! I know not every pill works the same for everyone, so if one doesn't work for you, try another. Your doctor can talk to you about the different kinds. I prefer one where each pill has the same level of hormones (except for the pills at the end where you get your period of course!). I went on Yasmin as a teen before I even had sex because my periods would make me very nauseous and I'd have to go home sick from school from throwing up so much. Now that NEVER happens!

If you think remembering to take a pill at the same time each day will be tricky for you, look into the patch or the nuva ring, which are similar but you don't have to remember about it on a daily basis. If you don't want to deal with weight gain, do NOT take the shot b/c weight gain is common with the shot.