Should I take Birth Control? Need advice?

There are many birth control options - which methods are you looking at?

Hormonal birth control is best avoided in favor of other options because hormonal birth control has a wide range of potential side-effects, in teens especially suppressing your menstrual cycle isn't beneficial to your health as the menstrual cycle is regarded as an indicator of your overall health and because it can have long-term implications.

The most recommended option for teens is a copper IUD, which is 99+% effective and lasts for 10 years, side-effects are minimal but can increase menstrual flow and cramps - if you experience side-effects switch methods.

Look at ALL birth control options available to you, see which is best for your situation and lifestyle as well as looking into potential side-effects, from there you can go to your doctor or a family planning clinic for more advice on which methods to consider and they will let you know how to get that method. Your parents don't have to know.

Planned Parenthood - http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-info/birth...

Birth Control Bingo - http://www.scarleteen.com/article/sexuality/birth_...

ive been on the pill since 17 i am now 25.

I have never had acne, weight gain.. only thing i had was mood swings and depression but that was the type of pill i was on and then switched ( i switched a total of 3 times since starting because at different ages different pills will work differently)

i am terrified of getting prego as well as my period were irregular.

So first off your 17 you can go to a DR and get a prescription for the pill without parents knowing however if they have a medical plan and of course want to take advnace of the benefits of lower price from this then you will need a card for it and they may be able to see that you are getting the pill.

some pills without medical can cost 100$

hONESTLY they dont have to know its for sex, but just tell them you would rather be safe then sorry for when it does. as well as to help regulate your periods. trying to hide it from your parents i think is the worse thing to do, if your honest with them their will be more mutual respect.

Of course a parent dosnt want to learn their child is sexually active, it is apart of growing up and they were in the same situations as well.

and honestly I dont think i could wait for marriage either i wanna test the field before commiting to it, however i do wish i would have waited until i was 20