---
title: Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You
date: 2022-07-14T01:16:39-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-identifying-what-contraception-works-best-for-you"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Identifying What Contraception Works Best for You

AB shares her advice about beginning the journey of finding the birth control method that works best.

## Transcript

**AB:** I would say, first of all, don't discount your mental health. I know some people find that birth control affects them differently mentally, and don't feel guilty or feel like that that's not as important as your physical health or physical symptoms, because you deserve to have birth control that works for your mental health as well, so that's advice that I have.

Second of all—hmm, I don’t know. Yeah, just like, you don't have to use the thing that works best for all your friends. Or something kind of funny, you don't have to include this, but there's sometimes different stereotypes that goes along with different birth control. My friend was like, “I can't use a NuvaRing, that's for, like, moms, like, that’s for moms in their 40s.” You can use the NuvaRing, you do not have to be—but the, sometimes the way they market it to be, or like Nexplanon—I know people who, I don't know, they just have specific ways they're marketed. But, it's okay to not be a mom in your 40s and still use the NuvaRing. I don’t know.

I don't know, I guess, I would just say the first thing, though: be concerned about your mental health. Don't be afraid to try new things, or to be annoying to your provider and be like, “Hey, um, we need to talk about myself and my problems more. You can't just prescribe me this and let me walk out the door within two minutes, like, I want to sit down with you and work through this and maybe try a few things.”

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception)
- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access)
- [bodily autonomy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/bodily-autonomy)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesWatch

## A Conversation about Contraceptive Choice and Reproductive Autonomy with Dr. Kristyn Brandi

OBOS program associate Grace Koch hosts a crucial conversation with OB-GYN and Complex Family Planning Subspecialist Dr. Kristyn Brandi, about access to contraception, freedom of choice, and the impact of birth control on our reproductive autonomy.

![Video cover for interview with Dr. Kristyn Brandi](data:image/png;base64,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)

OBOS program associate Grace Koch hosts a crucial conversation with OB-GYN and Complex Family Planning Subspecialist Dr. Kristyn Brandi, about access to contraception, freedom of choice, and the impact of birth control on our reproductive autonomy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-conversation-about-contraceptive-choice-and-reproductive-autonomy-with-dr-kristyn-brandi)

[ResourcesLook

## Contraceptive Choices Poster

This downloadable poster provides information on contraceptives. It includes emergency contraception. It details how to use them, key facts, and their effectiveness.

![A marble table with contraceptive methods and a pregnancy test](data:image/png;base64,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)

This downloadable poster provides information on contraceptives. It includes emergency contraception. It details how to use them, key facts, and their effectiveness.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/contraceptives-choices-poster)

[Stories & ConversationsListen

## Finding the Right Contraception

MC describes her abortions and her trouble finding contraception that works for her.

![Abortion & Contraception](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAC9ElEQVRIiY2WS3bsOAxDAZb23aNe1NtaXkq3B6QoOpVB++Qk/sgACYCK/e8/fyxZhHiJZV5mea9gBSv0Cl4vxUuvsEMRsi3JINDeem99b/196+ubr7e+vvX3ra+3vt96E1YdnyeSJPT7wf9aJUUi+gGNf9L8vPwNHUn+oAojU4geZA3qgV2nDJRGZ6yBfhDOei/HL2SeYPQpD6bBOV+PyD9SwA90/cIxy+zaT/nwoRArIHU4NLIVumR6/OZc8UTsbiYHklbkyxDGYBOQfB6+mcYf9RYHSs0vBz7qrVLfChRWPA0YfWBk2wyBOK60q+DugJQoUdCpPcX5RaKhzFC8oLOPRO8IpUSUDjH7QOaUz+CgCGksNCTqOxJkn9fkgBB2dqMBzS0oh4KDRG4Y7QQ6HRwVWQmnNhbZuaLmQ625JaDjBAI4ll4aaQi1yoDyE1sufZ6K35PDccWB24ouX0pUWD4jBjJuKTvayeXSDaHNgUsOXL9PNchiGVSvHTdvj1VjJcU5AyPsGwE7zRAUDuT0IGl1YLMPwR3VRD+OjY0nqxagLSHv6uBm9+Rq3eSd2BzrKig+0F1+mU1LdJQ5IfKYjVUlf0iUsIXeE9t2o1HpjVA1oewbicWNoLDoJyeEd0fbqvFLiXfqg3bX0T90E4uDnvP5GBq0IU4HYxOi/DweHMMnR0lzOmhfU9E6hpPx0EhXdybNGLS0SmtjG6SQ9pArXwjYqIeRCiul2EfVc/PILlf2Z7NR/HAObRT5YAvLJ0kuizowHPQ7nbl2bVUE82OnEnKaCK61x6npwUOWYXUF1mjt1MsKvEdSLW0QhKbJvRF9ilOeufeYnINdRXmLKdE2Uf7RHQyTxd1Eq6AxN/fm4jywR0xq21HqP+NTQ/QQpPz3UXdkTWvL/Tl2lURbkhW5Ez2+f84N5gvdk1qoJFu9zUTP8FW1ZvuW/jzuv7fxMXNPkKQYloxQ3Ls0wVzZ2/htZT4dEoU+4jDhDos4GDzJNNY8r+vqP49YgDvj4UtoAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

MC describes her abortions and her trouble finding contraception that works for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/finding-the-right-contraception)

[ResourcesRead

## State-by-State Laws and Policies on Abortion and Contraception

These regularly updated fact sheets outline state-level restrictions and legal requirements around abortion and contraception in the United States.

![lady-justice-g9888ec9c1_1920](data:image/png;base64,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)

These regularly updated fact sheets outline state-level restrictions and legal requirements around abortion and contraception in the United States.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/overview-of-state-by-state-abortion-laws-in-the-united-states)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## In Control: Our Stories, Our Lives, Our Birth Control

Why do people use contraception and what happens when they cannot afford it? These first-person stories testify to many different experiencesl, and show why reproductive access is so important to our bodily autonomy.

![An Asian woman looks concerned as a pharmacist hands her birth control pills](data:image/png;base64,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)

Why do people use contraception and what happens when they cannot afford it? These first-person stories testify to many different experiencesl, and show why reproductive access is so important to our bodily autonomy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/in-control-our-stories-our-lives-our-birth-control)

[ResourcesRead

## Insurance Coverage of Contraceptives

This fact sheet from the Guttmacher Institute provides an overview of federal and state insurance coverage for contraception.

![A laptop with a health insurance claim form on the screen](data:image/png;base64,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)

This fact sheet from the Guttmacher Institute provides an overview of federal and state insurance coverage for contraception.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/insurance-coverage-of-contraceptives)

[ResourcesRead

## How to Switch Birth Control Methods

This factsheet from Reproductive Health Access covers the basics on how to transition from one method of birth control to another.

![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-hFphI8Zx_E4-unsplash-2](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet from Reproductive Health Access covers the basics on how to transition from one method of birth control to another.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-switch-birth-control-methods)

[ResourcesRead

## Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs)

There are two main categories of birth control: user-dependent birth control like the pill, patch, or condom and long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs).

![Two drawn hands reach out to each other. The one on the left has two IUDs, with the words "hormonal" and "copper" written over them. The hand on the right as a birtin control implant in its palm. The hands are light pink against a darker pink background.|](data:image/png;base64,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)

There are two main categories of birth control: user-dependent birth control like the pill, patch, or condom and long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs).](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/long-acting-reversible-contraception-larcs)