--- title: "Beyond the Pill: Birth Control For Your Life!" date: 2021-07-28T03:00:00-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/beyond-the-pill-birth-control-for-your-life" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Beyond the Pill: Birth Control For Your Life! In this video, young women share their experiences of finding the birth control method that works best for them. It discusses why people use birth control, busts common myths about birth control, and addresses potential side effects of different birth control methods. It focuses closely on the pill, the ring, the patch, the shot, the implant, and IUDs. The young women also share their experiences with emergency contraception and the importance of using condoms alongside their birth control methods to protect them from STIs. > Hear young people share their experiences with different birth control methods, including IUDs, the implant, shot, pill, ring, patch, condoms, and emergency contraception. [Read the full article ](https://vimeo.com/271757026) SOURCE: Beyond the Pill • LAST UPDATED: May 24, 2018 ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception) - [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access) - [condom (external)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/condoms) - [Depo-Provera](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/depo-provera) - [IUD (intra-uterine device)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/iud-intra-uterine-device) - [long acting reversible contraception (LARC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/long-acting-reversible-contraception-larc) - [birth control pill](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-control-pill) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Contraception Side Effects MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried. ![My Story- Dealing With Contraception Side Effects](data:image/png;base64,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) MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-contraception-side-effects) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Controlling My Period with the Pill AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start. ![My Story- Controlling My Period with the Pill](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEkUlEQVRIiYVWS5brthIDinT2v52M39tS2i2yAGRA2e6+k/hQtC1RQP1IFP/+//+QJIkUdbrRHTUlWJUUOYpzjjHnfDzG4zEej3pMjslRYZlwoqSlLW11d7ckyXHhvz+5rz/v/Xkj5/t+lAAJCgAI4jNeL+QX0q9/+bHkvTBIDmqS+L6KfIG+sZGz+sfw/f79CPf84TjoQew4tn1mTQAgyeRw8G3q6x0kqTfHPd5M57rRYye2ZduSbU0SAELcP36hm3EOY1Vs+EPDmwm3Q3bsSJYlqSW17UkCAXi8zZ/odggEsW8nDoeDehHgBOY23JLV6la3rAneQSQRftARv0ARABRcOHfeftggA8COHMktdWt3793d/Q7RywMgCd7oon3XBREXrHjgxMoGGALIyerb9u7uvXfvliZ+RcZnTpyYVuQAqUREOcNv9NgAQSZ5Rf9l/tq91t671b8JcIrXiWPFKvtUB4ioIkE/aICQCSy55W7v1t69115r7dXd88feeKH7RocUKUBSIVOCFCtSqkAihyD5kdjeu9faa+3r2t0zMPLb8OgmsGwxCQ9BZ4xIGIoHZAABndwenNzufdDXda3eM/Y56mzZSk6uFDXUJTkpDoOpyvFJSgkgEpMnvXddvsxf17Wu77X3tHXjW2ehLbshQe0Wg1QCpCs1MoY1WJ1DADhRt7vV+8Snjwff39feU1KSE1lJp9Qs4eMB7ArgGicUVW0WwaQM2vax/c7w3mvtda3rWuua3Q3cWXL3mdOdbnZDYhCWTw40omENVANIlUHZn/i8S+j6EGwksd07vd03AdRUo8XAVQHNcg3XZPVdQlUCZJ+t1SdEe/devdde11rfc+9DoHR77+yd7vRGd7UgMbGHUak7gOjKTwJZvW/zXxx7r72vva651joeoPchwN7oZu90QyogjElXuYdqoA5BzBLQLw/uJPevMdd1AYgEdfbGWtgLe9fu6qbl0BWzXHI1NdDFV4020PI5fH7iqltqqed1XQjOvsXe3Atr195H/WkbdBKWKZXQHRaB2C52Ph50n1y31Ceajub393UfvGp2c+/aq/YeJ8+JwQSmXKLE6hwNKevjwTmdX4Zbis6BNZ/PJwLGlNhdvUf36H2bn4Q0YJVLrAbrqHgOQbCtjwduWY4DBwE5n89vJIxLLmmefaCmRacAFw2asopVYZMA4hoCGmjrmN/ax/xzlINEcX59PZkwGfawLE0LVvkoPZwKeCQFUrGOLLn8Jug+Z6le6AGBIkbNr68vBpXMeB4hsysRMoAUA4axw6MzEm6RrgYaafuV2Hd8EgLFSs2vf54EBvJI/kqAMBmACZNOBXZVnabBDgXCiGkBnfRLKt/mhwDJKqLm1/NZwAyEox+YgIomMyrHCSd1pMinvXEsUsCtHic4b/MRFFgkxnw+rwIeQIgiJtlFVbnKYJgYqFvvYJ42wqABEbobrRvdydsDVBGY1/dVgEmSs6iiR2UgAIpJ3S1nXt1s7MCmefojfzrFe93pdkmSxbl2D4KkSFX5hIVM8YX4aVfffdxpEW6xdQK/ZT2nhE6Zgv8CaA5/06beWzIAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) AB describes how birth control made it easier to predict when her period would start.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-controlling-my-period-with-the-pill) [ResourcesRead ## Avoiding Coercion in the Promotion of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). ![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-fsl8vtn2U1k-1024x769](data:image/png;base64,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) This piece from the Guttmacher Institute critiques certain public policies regarding long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/avoiding-coercive-promotion-of-long-acting-reversible-contraceptives-larcs) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Wishing I Had Knowledge of Menstrual Cycles at a Younger Age L discusses the taboo around birth and menstruation in her French culture and the process of learning to chart her menstrual cycle as an adult. ![Free Menstruation Stock Photo Gallery:When period blood turns into art- A photo gallery](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAC2klEQVRIiYWUYZLrOAiEv+b5Tfbd/3BbtTfYI8xkRr0/hEByUrVKynFsaKAb0L///I0kRAgFEVIgyYA1Bj/ffH/z/NLzi69Pvj55fvJ88vODLQW/Ln5/8PHQ4w+PPzz+4uOh3w+ui/gVIMjL9rvfvZ637947XHoH+Wp7fyIhab7Q/NtW2vK9Ti+9CzOBVLhImjf9JD/r1YrKDCAleOMduTYWC7oDTM2iA1NfhK6ulAojhCx0hD2gFYRloyCERJQBZHQhLnWlbKFmjBfoEJIiCEFgz2CKWURs7KUq1+J+xa3Sd71UVmJiRWAk530EIUVRJ14qKBUW0RPfyvAbPwrhwIC30Yl7C2QF2SOqbmvam6zNbeY7QtEB5ldRMap/q4Jqq24ASurmJ1kOIlr8KUmjt9Q9B6u7tNgTTJHd85FFBCEcKs9ZwXq1dSqgrYu2xE+R1TezHUcQZguQNRX0BlaDtjXvbS8c8ynNZrWIyDmoUTgEyHOrQEf6t1DdCEIhxjYcmwCn07GL/vccYmQucea+H4Ovsyvvxz4ee8l/aNXQOkwBv6/ARrLTal06kWpps602nQjGBge347KY9zaup+vklnptiPSdHuZdAArQXqZ2evESaouQRtMYz0PsyMWczzCJ7vPnLLmr9sK2GeNaFjLGKrbTwsg2lm0jnLI7S12u/fV2BS4v0lGhZ4Ja6cjYFvN+FmTtNVSdR4wBsXWRnXXMGM1mFs+MhMmCZg9psb8lbnsMEOGdIqqCEgo68ek8uZo33RIv5LQGTVFyW6K1m+pKxijhtQJsuMNjSmegK1hElMKVX+fY0PZKxyWybYYto2EHYzji6smSVl+2bnsR1VrKubA2yxs/OUHDV3dyirwPW85CarugKVXK8RU9SfDlpigF8A6+xlOrlzapnRvP7eO1uWpeapLvg1nE15D3vtjXRRG6llavl1wVhbgP5zaptT1uGawlVUTeX8+//wEilnPm/+JQLwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) L discusses the taboo around birth and menstruation in her French culture and the process of learning to chart her menstrual cycle as an adult.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wishing-i-had-knowledge-of-menstrual-cycles-at-a-younger-age) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Talking to My Mom about Birth Control BK discusses the research she did while considering using the birth control pill and how talking to her mom helped her to be even more informed. ![BK](data:image/png;base64,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) BK discusses the research she did while considering using the birth control pill and how talking to her mom helped her to be even more informed.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/talking-to-mom-about-birth-control) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Explaining Why I Wanted to Go on the Pill BK discusses her conversations with her mother and doctor about going on the birth control pill. ![BK](data:image/png;base64,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) BK discusses her conversations with her mother and doctor about going on the birth control pill.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/using-the-pill-to-manage-menstrual-health) [ResourcesRead ## Endometriosis and Birth Control Pills This article explores how hormonal birth control pills may help manage symptoms of endometriosis, but may also include side effects. ![What happens to endometriosis when you’re on the pill?](data:image/png;base64,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) This article explores how hormonal birth control pills may help manage symptoms of endometriosis, but may also include side effects.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/endometriosis-and-birth-control-pills) [ResourcesRead ## Contraception and Depression How might hormonal contraception affect our mental health? Can it contribute to anxiety and depression? ![The back of a woman sitting on a bed in front of a window](data:image/png;base64,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) How might hormonal contraception affect our mental health? Can it contribute to anxiety and depression?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/contraception-and-depression)