To those with periods who are actively searching for a new birth control method, I got you. There are many options for birth control that serve many different purposes. Some are simply for preventing pregnancy with no hormonal benefits. Some are almost exclusively hormonal leading to an easier period. It seems as though only two types of birth control are normalized: condoms and “the pill”. There are so many other options with varying results in terms of pregnancy prevention.
Condoms are the only type of birth control that actively prevents STDs as well as pregnancy. These must be used every single time, and come in a variety of materials, the most common being latex.
When it comes to “the pill” there are actually many different variations of pills those with periods can choose from. On average, it is about 93% effective in preventing pregnancies. There are daily pills that have both estrogen and progestin, there are also progestin only pills.
The most invasive birth control types are the birth control implant such as Nexplanon, or an IUD such as Kyleena. These are 99% effective when preventing pregnancies. they only need to be professionally inserted once every 3 to 5 years. These options are reversible at any time, however a doctor is required to administer this birth control.
There is a birth control shot (Depo Provera) you can get once every 3 months. This is 96% effective in preventing pregnancy. This is a very low maintenance option for those who struggle to remember a daily pill without wanting to commit to something being embedded in your body for a number of years.
For those who have a partner willing to get a vasectomy, this is a 100% effective birth control and is also fully reversible.
To those wondering what Progestin does to prevent pregnancy, it actively thickens the cervical mucus which blocks the passage of sperm into the uterus. The estrogen component in birth control controls menstrual bleeding for those who are actively taking it.
There are many different ways we can actively take care of ourselves while on our period so it doesn’t seem as awful. The first thing you can do is optimize your sleep. Sleep has almost endless benefits during this certain time of the month. It helps to increase your cortisol levels which will make you feel better while on your period. Using some sort of warmth is a popular way to stay comfortable whether it be a hot shower, heating pad, or a nice hot tea. I’m the first person to Advocate not to tell you what you can and can’t eat especially when you might have certain cravings, however I will encourage you to attempt to drink more water than you feel you might need as your body is actively depleting itself at this time.
I hope this helped someone make an informed decision on how to move forward with what works best for their body. if you choose not to go on birth control that is a completely valid decision as well. Take care and get some sleep no matter what time of the month it is.
Links to resources in Virginia:
Free Condoms- https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/family-planning/
Help with getting birth control- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
Virginia Birth Control Access Map- https://powertodecide.org/what-we-do/information/resource-library/contraceptive-access-virginia
STD testing resource- https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/disease-prevention/testing-hepatitis-hiv-and-stds/
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