Finding a birth control that works for you is important. Many types of birth control are available, but everyone is different and one method that works for one person may not work for another.
I recently had an IUD inserted since I was tired of having to remember to take birth control pills, not to mention the side effects, such as mood swings and weight gain, were a major pain in the ass. I was going to get Nexplanon, which is the arm implant, but after talking with a healthcare provider, I decided an IUD was the most suitable option for me.
I chose to get the hormone-releasing IUD Skyla. So far, it is working great. The insertion process was quite painful in addition to the cramping that followed but other than that I am highly satisfied. The best part about having Skyla is that I don't have to worry about birth control for the next three years. I don't have to worry about an unplanned pregnancy for the next three years. I love that feeling since I don't want children until I'm close to 30. I have plans that include finishing grad school, traveling, buying a house and getting married before any children come into the picture.
Also, I tend to have heavy periods and while birth controls helped, the constant mood swings were too much. With my new IUD, I may not have a period, which is OK by me.
While the Skyla IUD may work for me, it may not work for another woman. Aside from Skyla and other hormone releasing IUDs, there is the copper IUD, which is also more commonly known as Mirena. I briefly gave thought to choosing Mirena because it can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years up until I was informed that it can cause cramping and heavy bleeding. I had heavy periods as a teen and I don't want to experience that hellish nightmare again.
It may take some time before you find a birth control that works for you, whether that be an IUD, pills, the shot, NuvaRing or the arm implant. It took years of being on different brands and types of birth control pills and at one point, the Depo-Provera shot until I realized that these methods were just not working out for me. It does have an effect on your quality of life.
Prior to getting my IUD, I was freaked out by the idea of having one inserted inside of me because I feared that one would perforate my uterus (that is unlikely to happen) or that it would fall out (also unlikely to happen). Now that I have one, it's great so far. The worst part is indeed the insertion process. After that, it's smooth sailing.
If you have questions or want information about seeking birth control that is most suitable for you, Planned Parenthood has some helpful information.
Finding the right birth control makes all the difference in the world. Believe me.