The Peer-to-Peer Resource Guide to Contraceptives
information about birth control in the united states is inaccessible, inconsistent, incomplete, and stigmatized. The materials and knowledge that people can access from the internet and in doctor's office often focuses on the medical. in order to take steps toward a more complete understanding of contraceptives, we have reached out to the uterish community to create a peer-narrative centric resource that attempts to go farther than a medical pamphlet. not all forms of contraceptives were represented in the submissions we received; however we ultimately rejected letting it dictate the comprehensiveness of the guide we presented. thus, some contraceptive forms below do not have a personal anecdote attached. for the ones that do, we have selected specific quotes from submissions below - to read submissions in full, please visit this link
THE PILL
Efficacy: 91% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
How It Works: Birth control pills are a type of medicine with hormones that are taken orally every day to prevent pregnancy.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: Yes
For more medical information: Planned Parenthood’s Guide to the Pill
what the people have to say:
“It lightened my periods! I used to have a full week of super-tampon-worthy periods, but now I'm more of a 5-day light-to-regular kind of gal. I also used to have horrible cramps that have now almost completely subsided.”
-anonymous, 19
"i got it because i wanted birth control but told my parents it was for my periods which i did also need help with bc they were super painful. it's taken a bit to find the right dosage but it's great! i remember to take it everyday at the same time which can be the hardest part for lots of people. it's finally stopped my periods completely which is a godsend."
-tessa, 16
“I have found the pill to be a pretty affordable option and easy to get. I am able to refill my prescription monthly and pick it up at the closest drug store at a time conveinient [sic] for me and while it can be annoying to have to remember to take a pill every day I set daily reminders each morning on my phone which makes it much harder to forget.”
-anonymous, 19
“I went on the pill in the first place to practice safer sex with a AMAB [Assigned Male At Birth] partner. After ending the relationship and entering into sexual relations with AFAB [Assigned Female At Birth], I continued use of the pill because it does wonders for my acne!”
-elysia, 24
“I started the pill when I was 16 because I wanted to have lighter, more regular periods. It was also the age that the movies said people started having sex at, and I wanted to be prepared.”
-jackie, 20
"The first method of birth control I used besides your standard condom was the pill. I wanted to go on some sort of additional contraceptive because I have a ton of anxiety which was leading me to literally buy a pregnancy test every time I had sex (even with a condom) and worry and fret that SOMEHOW--SOMEWAY I'd get pregnant at the age of 16. Anyways, I used the pill for about 2 years but ultimately switched to the IUD because the pill was negatively affecting my mood."
-elisabeth, 20
"i went on the pill at 15 because my periods were really bad. I was fainting, throwing up, missing school, etc. I tried acupuncture, herbal tinctures, changing my diet, but nothing worked. I told my mom i wanted to try the pill and it was my decision and i made it clear that if she said no i would find a way to get it anyway. I was very lucky in that it was really easy for me to access through my primary care doctor."
-anonymous, 17
"I went on the pill to help with my period- it was super heavy and every 22 days- but also as a back up in case a condom ever broke. It scared me thinking that a piece of plastic was the only thing between me and getting pregnant, so I got something else to use with it. I ended up choosing the pill over other contraceptives because I wanted a very low dose of hormones, and also something that I could go off of with out having to go to a doctor."
-kendall, 16
THE IUD
Efficacy: 99% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
How It Works: An IUD is inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Both copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs prevent pregnancy by changing the way sperm cells move so they can't get to an egg.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: Yes
For more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to the iud
What the people have to say:
“I got my Skyla IUD implanted in my high school's Neighborcare Clinic […] Given that my hormones are out of balance, causing really painful and irregular periods, I was hesitant about hormonal birth control, but I liked that Skyla is a lower dose of hormones than Mirena, it's localized, it's low maintenance, and it's effective for a long time. […] It was nice having it inserted at my high school. I already knew the nurse, the clinic was familiar, and my partner was there with me. I use condoms as an added level of protection from pregnancy, and to protect me from STIs.”
-emma, 19
“I was turned on to the IUD (mirena) by my gynecologist because I had been in a committed relationship for many years. I love it! My periods are very regular and very light. I don't feel as many mood swings either. It wouldn't have been affordable if I didn't have insurance, but my insurance covered all of it.”
-anonymous, 27
“I got an IUD because I wanted to be on a continuous system of birth control, and I didn't like the idea of taking a pill every night. I also couldn't take estrogen-based birth control at the time, and hormonal IUDs only contain progesterone -- so an IUD doesn't have the side effects that the pill ha [...] The cramping lasted for a few days, and I was spotting for about six months after. That part was inconvenient, but now, with an IUD, I don't have a period, which is highly convenient […] No period, no side effects, no estrogen, no pregnancy. It's pretty awesome. 10/10 would do again.”
-megan, 18
“When I first got birth control, I went to my local planned parenthood. I wasn't in the space with my family to share that I needed birth control and planned parenthood offered me the depo shot free for a year… Over time, I became more comfortable talking with my family and decided that an IUD was the right next step.”
-audrey, 19
"I'm not so sure about the affordability but my gyno highly recommended it as a reliable birth control method and after some time of asking [my gynecologist] why she personally felt so strongly about it and looking it up on my own I decided to give it a try. It's the first and only birth control I've used and so far it's pretty neat. The only downside is very unpredictable bleeding at the beginning and intense cramping every now and then. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with it!"
-saebrinde, 17
"The pill was a pain and the IUD rocks. My health insurance covered both."
-olivia, 18
“i got the mirena IUD and it was the best decision i could have ever made!!!! i had unbelievably heavy periods beforehand but now after 10 months i barely get a period at all! it's helped lighten and regulate my periods and eliminated most of my terrible menstrual cramps (i still get cramps, but way less often now and not as bad).”
-ginger, 19
“I went with the IUD because they are long-lasting, extremely effective, low maintenance forms of birth control that are so so easy to use. I chose Skyla because it is made for younger people who have never had kids before, so the hormone dose is smaller, and the device itself is smaller making for an easier insertion and better overall fit. [...] The insertion process itself was much easier than I had expected; I did not feel a lot of pain just a lot of really uncomfortable cramping feelings in my uterus […] I was terrified of the insertion, and felt uncomfortable with the idea of having something in my uterus, but the insertion is just a couple minutes of your life, and to me it is so worth it for the benefits that come with the IUD.”
-anonymous, 18
"The IUD hurts like a bitch"
-bella, 19
“I got the IUD at a health clinic when I was 18 because I wanted one before I went to college […] They didn't give options for pills or a shot to numb the cervix so it was pretty painful. The IUD has worked really well for the year and a half that I've had it, it made my period go away after a few months and hasn't bothered me at all. I have not gotten pregnant so I can only assume that it is working.”
-allie, 19
“I used my high school teen health center which set me up on an insurance separate from my parents so that I could have a confidential birth control prescription […] I decided to get an IUD so I could have 5 years without worry. While having the IUD put in was painful and gave me over a week of painful cramping, in the year since I have had no side effects (a bit of weight gain). Not having to worry about the risks that misuse can cause when is comes to safe sex (a reason the pill has a lower reliability percentage) is a major plus.”
-anonymous, 19
"I was a little nervous for the procedure especially after my consultation session wasn't very positive, but had heard good things from my sister. The actual doctors were super supportive and encouraged me to tell all my friends about how simple IUDs are. Implanting it was marginally uncomfortable, but not painful, and I only felt it occasionally in the first month (now never). There's also the added benefit of a reduction or cessation of period flow! Would recommend this to all women who want to feel safe and hassle free."
-ali, 19
“I got an IUD senior year of high school because life is unpredictable and it seemed like an easy thing to do for 5-7 years of peace of mind. I found it relatively easy to access. The biggest barrier for me was all of the misinformation online. I researched all of my birth control options thoroughly, and the IUD seemed like the ideal one for me, except for the fact that most people online said you couldn't have it inserted unless you have had children. This turned out to not be true for me, as I currently have an IUD and have definitely not given birth, but it was still overwhelming to read everything online, and was almost a deterrent… Now that I've had the IUD for more than a year, I couldn't be happier."
-emma, 19
THE IMPLANT
Efficacy: 99% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
How It Works: The implant releases hormones into the body to prevent getting pregnant.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: Yes
For more medical information: Planned Parenthood’s Guide to the Implant
What the people have to say:
“I have recommended it to so many friends because it's so easy, you don't need to even think about it, and it's fun to show people and have them poke at it. It was easy to get, my insurance covered it all and it only took 5 minutes. It did hurt a little bit for a few days and it ached for a little while when it was bruising. It does get a little bothersome with the hormones but on the upside, if you already have pretty light periods, your period will most likely stop or slow to just spotting, that's what sold me on it.“
-anonymous
I started on the pill because it was so flexible. I could try it out and not commit at such a young age (fifteen!) to a certain birth control. I suffered from a lot of morning naseua and weight gain that made me uncomfortable in my body. A year later I made the switch to the implant which meant I could stop thinking about whether I was on top of my birth control and stop carrying around those stupid blue pocket things. Thanks to Obama (thanks Obama) I have never paid more that roughly 20 bucks for birth control that on paper costs thousands.
-cecilia, 19
I went on the pill early on because of bad cramps. I had cramps that would make me very sick for the first couple days of my period when I feel started it. [...] After a while, the pill stopped helping my cramps and I got the arm implant.
-sara, 19
THE PATCH
Efficacy: 91% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
How It Works: The patch is worn on certain parts of the body, and the hormones are absorbed through the skin.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: Yes
For more medical information: Planned Parenthood’s Guide to the Patch
What the people have to say:
"[I] wanted the patch because I thought it would be simple but then it made me super nauseous for the first few days after I put a new patch on(weekly) and i was vomiting when i put my patch on and my cramps were still painful to the point of puking and not being able to go to school. Then I went to an obgyn(the patch was prescribed by my primary physician) and took the pill until I got nexplanon placed which was today so I'm hoping for the best! It was a super easy procedure though. It just took 10 minutes. Luckily it was all super accessible and I just went through my doctors and parents and insurance so it was all covered. I'm super grateful for that because I know it's not that simple for everybody!!"
-anonymous, 17
THE SHOT (aka DEPO-PROVERA)
Efficacy: 94% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
How It Works: The depo shot is an injection received from a nurse or doctor once every 3 months. The shot contains the hormone progestin which prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: Yes
For more medical information: Planned Parenthood’s Guide to the Shot
What the people have to say:
"The depo shot has worked great for me for the last two years because of its convenience and effectiveness. I go to the clinic every three months, get a quick shot in my butt or arm, and then don't have to think about it any longer. I have not had any mood swings or weight gain, and my period stopped! It is incredibly effective and you don't have to worry about taking a pill everyday."
-anonymous, 20
"I loved the Depo shot, it was easy to get a shot every 3 months and not worry about ever missing a pill but know it is 99.999% effective."
-bella, 19
THE VAGINAL RING (aka NUVARING)
Efficacy: 91% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: the ring is worn inside the vagina, where the vaginal lining absorbs the hormones.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: Yes
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to the vaginal ring
What the people have to say:
“I went on the NuvaRing when my boyfriend and I made the decision to have sex. I didn't feel comfortable telling my mom at the time, and luckily I had the wonderful option of scheduling a visit at the healthcare center at my school, where I talked to professionals and decided on the best option for me […] Other than swelling and tenderness in my breasts during certain times of my cycle and some emotional swings, I've loved the NuvaRing and everything about it! I set reminders and I feel that changing it every 3 weeks/a month is fairly lower maintenance than the pill and doesn't feel as permanent as the arm implant or IUD, which are the main reasons I chose it, and I wouldn't do anything differently!”
-kate, 17
“I originally went on birth control because of my severe cramping and how it was affecting my life, especially my swimming […] I switched to the nuva ring, which I've now been on for 4 years. I was given the option of inserting the ring for three weeks and getting a very light period on the fourth week, or leaving it in for the entire month and switching it out at the end of the month. I chose the latter because that meant no period, no cramps. It's allowed me to do what I love (swim competitively) without pain. I don't have to worry about being incapacitated for over a week every month due to my cramping.”
-sinead, 21
“I originally started using the NuvaRing to help with the horrible cramps I had when I got my period. I used to have to miss days of school because I was in so much pain, so my doctor recommended that I start using some type of birth control. NuvaRing seemed like my best option because there's no way I'd be good with taking a pill every day. It's super easy to use and you don't ever feel it (weird, but people have asked). The only thing you have to watch out for is if you have sex with it in or are using tampons, there's a chance it could come out. It's not a big deal if you notice and put a new ring in within the next couple of days […] I've been able to get it pretty easily through my primary care doctor but it's also available through Planned Parenthood!”
-emily, 21
THE EXTERNAL (“MALE”) CONDOM
Efficacy: 82% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: External condoms are small, thin pouches made of latex (rubber), plastic (polyurethane, nitrile, or polyisoprene) or lambskin, that cover the penis during sex and collect semen (cum).
Prevents STDs?: Yes
Hormonal?: No
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to the condom
What the people have to say:
"The one time I had a variety of sex that could conceivably (ha) impregnate me, we used condoms mostly because I want to be responsible with regard to STIs. It was uneventful, by and large, but I did slowly learn how to use condoms with my sex toys to help prevent STI transmission even without a biological dick involved. [...] I just, from my experience, cannot recommend condoms enough--especially since even with the difficulty of finding unlubed ones they're still so much easier to find than dental dams."
-anonymous, 21
"I use condoms as an added level of protection from pregnancy, and to protect me from STIs. I've been able to find these for free at my high school and my college. At my college I am buy them through our Sexual Information Center for wholesale. My brand of choice costs 8 cents per condom, which is not burdensome to me."
-emma, 19
THE INTERNAL (“FEMALE”) CONDOM
Efficacy: 79% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: The condom covers the inside of the vagina, creating a barrier that stops sperm from reaching an egg.
Prevents STDs?: Yes
Hormonal?: No
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to the female condom
What the people have to say: no responses.
THE SPONGE
Efficacy: 76-88% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: The sponge prevents pregnancy two ways: It fits snugly against the cervix, blocking the entrance to the uterus so sperm can’t get to the egg. The sponge also contains spermicide, which slows sperm down so it can’t reach the egg.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: Yes
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to the sponge
What the people have to say: no responses.
SPERMICIDE
Efficacy: 71% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: Spermicide is a chemical put deep into the vagina right before sex.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: No
for more medical information: Planned parenthood's guide to spermicide
What the people have to say: no responses.
THE CERVICAL CAP
Efficacy: 71-86% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: The cervical cap covers the cervix, stopping sperm from joining an egg.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: No
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to the cervical cap
What the people have to say: no responses.
THE DIAPHRAGM
Efficacy: 88% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: The diaphragm is a barrier that covers the cervix, stopping sperm from joining an egg. Adding spermicide to the diaphragm before it is put it in the vagina makes it much more effective.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: No
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to the diaphragm
What the people have to say: no responses.
STERILIZATION
Efficacy: 99% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that permanently closes or blocks the fallopian tubes.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: No
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to sterilization
What the people have to say: no responses. but check out "Tie my tubes: a radio documentary" FOR PERSONAL NARRATIVE.
VASECTOMY
Efficacy: 99% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
HOW IT WORKS: The small tubes in the scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off by a doctor, so sperm can’t leave the body and cause pregnancy.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: No
FOR MORE MEDICAL INFORMATION: PLANNED PARENTHOOD'S GUIDE TO A VASECTOMY
What the people have to say: NO RESPONSES.
ABSTINENCE OR OUTERCOURSE
Efficacy: 100% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: Abstinence prevents pregnancy by keeping semen away from the vagina, so the sperm cells in semen can’t get to an egg and cause pregnancy. Outercourse can prevent pregnancy the same way abstinence does: by keeping sperm away from an egg by engaging in other sexual activities besides vaginal sex.
Prevents STDs?: yes (with the exception of some sexual activities under the purview of outercourse).
Hormonal?: no
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to abstinence/outercourse
What the people have to say:
WITHDRAWAL (aka PULLING OUT)
Efficacy: 73% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation to prevent semen from reaching the vulva or vagina.
Prevents STDs?: No
Hormonal?: No
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to withdrawal
What the people have to say: no responses.
BREASTFEEDING (aka LAM)
Efficacy: 98% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: exclusively breastfeeding — meaning nursing at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night, and feeding the baby only breast milk — causes the body to naturally stop ovulating.
Prevents STDs?: no
Hormonal?: (no artificial regulation of hormones)
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to breastfeeding as a contraceptive technique
What the people have to say: no responses.
FERTILITY AWARENESS METHODS (aka THE RHYTHM METHOD)
Efficacy: 76% (as of 2017, Planned Parenthood)
how it works: The days near ovulation are when one is most likely to get pregnant. people use "FAMs" to prevent pregnancy by avoiding sex or using another birth control method (like condoms) on those “unsafe,” fertile days.
Prevents STDs?: no
Hormonal?: (no artificial regulation of hormones)
for more medical information: Planned parenthood's guide to FErtility awareness methods
What the people have to say: no responses.
*EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION*
post- intercourse form of pregnancy prevention includes Plan b, the morning after pill, paragard iud
for more medical information: planned parenthood's guide to emergency contraception
What the people have to say:
"when i was in high school, there was a period of time when i was only using condoms and not on birth control. one time, the condom broke during sex, so i went to a drug store the following morning and took a plan b pill, and i felt a bit sick for the next couple days, but was well worth it considering that i did not get pregnant."
-anonymous, 19