Is birth control worth it?

The pill isn't as bad as you've heard. The higher the dose of hormone, the higher the weight gain, but most are marketed as low-dose, and you can always ask your doctor about it. Having been on it for several years, I haven't experienced any weight gain myself- though I also make a point to stay active. And I have had no other side effects other than it helping my moods, since I suffered from pretty bad PMS. Now I'm less likely to go on a hormonal rampage. It helped my acne. Honestly, I don't know what other "side effects" it can cause that would be a point of worry. The risk of stroke and heart attack are nominal, unless you're a smoker, in which case the risk is only elevated by... not much.

As for being only 99% effective, well, you can't get higher than that! The only higher percentage you can get is 100%, and that's only going to happen if you plan on staying celibate. Even condoms have a lower percentage than the pill, due to rick of tearing/slippage/breaking. So if you're having sex, the pill is THE way to go.

Some birth control methods can cause side effects and some don't. Every woman is different, of course. The higher dose of hormones, the more likely to experience side effects....especially weight gain, bloating and mood swings. Those were my 3 biggest problems.

I have been on the NuvaRing for over a year now and haven't had a single one. I was very sensitive to pills so I would start cramping and spotting just a few hours after I forgot to take it.

As far as pills, I have been on quite a few but my favorite was Femcon. They are chewable (you can swallow it regular though too) and didn't seem to effect me as badly as the others.

Good luck!

yes and you can go to any family planning and they will give you a medical exam and fill your prescription for cheap or free. you are being responsible and a normal teenager and i don't see anything wrong with your decision. i've been on the pill since i was 14(my mom's idea and i was all for it!!) and 15 years later, no pregnancies, but also use a condom for std's, but now that married, it's just a second precaution. maybe once you're on the pill, you may want to have a discussion with your parents so you don't have to feel like you are hiding anything, but seeing you do such a grown up thing like getting yourself to a doctor and using birth control, they may take it easier than you think!! good luck and i hope there are more teenagers out there like you!!!

I took it for nine years and never had any pregnancy scares. I gained a few pounds but turned around and lost all but five pounds of it. It made my periods very predictable and almost painless (a MAJOR plus for me as I had terrible cramps and flow before starting it). When I went off of it I got pregnant within six months just as I planned. I think it is well worth it compared to an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy.

Just use condoms

don't use it. its immoral and wrong. don't have relations with men if you don't want children.