Let’s talk about birth control – there are so many options and more reasons than just preventing pregnancy for using it. To find out what collegiettes are using when it comes to birth control, we asked 13 college women to tell us what they do for birth control, and why.
“I use the Pill. Being in a committed relationship, I feel completely comfortable using it as our sole method of contraception. After discussing it with my gynecologist, we stopped using condoms, which I personally feel much more satisfied with. My doctor told me that as long as I take my pill at the same time, don't miss any pills, and don't take any antibiotics along with it, I should have no issues with pregnancy! I'm very careful about taking my pill at the same time; I always suggest to other girls who have issues remembering, to take it first thing in the morning. That way it becomes part of your daily routine, compared to some time in the evening where you might not always be in the same place. The cell phone alarm is a great backup reminder too! My boyfriend and I are each other's only partners, so I we don't have to worry about STD/STIs. We originally used condoms in addition to the Pill, but we both enjoy the feeling without them much better and have been together for two years.”
-Jill, UMass Amherst Class of 2016
“I use both condoms and the Pill for birth control. I think that in order to be safe and not risk pregnancy, I should use both. I know birth control pills are very effective but using condoms makes me much less worried about the small possibility of getting pregnant. Maybe I'm paranoid but I want to be sure of it! Both work for me because my birth control is free and my boyfriend and I alternate between buying condoms. Double the protection means less stress for both of us!”
-Kate, Michigan State University Class of 2018
“I have the Nexplanon arm implant. I chose the implant because it works for three years, I don't have to do anything more after its implanted and I no longer have a period. I tried the Pill but I was terrible at taking it every day.”
-Elise, Minnesota State University, Mankato Class of 2016
“I use the NuvaRing for birth control, and it's the first I've ever used. I initially got put on it because I wasn't having consistent periods. They would come like once every 2-3 months and I felt weird. So I got put on it to regulate my periods and also to prevent pregnancy. I like it because I don't have to take a pill every day since I'm a really forgetful person. The NuvaRing is a flexible clear ring I insert vaginally, and I can't even feel it once it's in. I just have to remember to put take it out three weeks after I put it in, my period comes, then put one in exactly one week after I took it out. Pretty easy! I personally haven't noticed side effects like weight gain or anything.”
-Amber, Georgia State University Class of 2018
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“I take a hormonal birth control pill consistently. My partner and I also use condoms or the pullout method along with it. The Pill is easy and reliable for me since I was already on it for endometriosis. We use condoms/pullout method as back up.”
-Amy, University of Florida Class of 2017
“I've been on the Pill for almost a year now, and my experience with it has been all over the place. My symptoms change month to month, and I've experienced everything from nausea to cramps to randomly skipping a period. I thought it would regulate my period a lot more, but instead my periods are really inconsistent — heavy one month and almost nonexistent the next. Because the symptoms are so inconsistent, they've caused me a lot of anxiety, which is why I've recently made the decision to switch to an IUD this year.”
-Brenna, Indiana University Class of 2018
“I have an IUD and I love it! Dealing with the Pill every day wasn't working for my hectic lifestyle and the IUD I have comes with the perk of avoiding that pesky monthly gift. It also is about 99% effective when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancy, which is super handy. Even though the procedure itself was rather painful, I would recommend it to almost any woman for sure.”
-Lauren, UMass Amherst Class of 2017
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“Personally, I just use condoms. I choose to just use condoms because they have a high chance of preventing pregnancy and STDs. It works for me because I feel safer, but I am aware there is still a small risk. This is the only form of birth control I have used, so far it still works.”
-Morgan, University of New Haven Class of 2018
“I'm currently on the Depo-Provera shot. Of all the birth controls I've tried this is hands down my favorite. My roommate started using it our freshman year and the thought of getting a shot every three months that stopped my period terrified me at first, but two years later sounded like a dream. After being on the Pill for two years it started making me sick each night when I took it and being in a serious relationship I knew I couldn't stop taking a birth control. With the shot I don't ever have to worry about missing a pill, or getting my period at the wrong time, and it's only one shot every three months. I highly recommend this method to anyone who hates the Pill.”
-Hailey, Hofstra University Class of 2017
“I began taking the Pill after graduating high school, and truthfully it's one of the most beneficial decisions I have ever made. I decided to get my prescription when things were getting more serious with my boyfriend at the time, but it has proved to be more than just contraception: It cleared my skin, balanced my hormones, and lightened my periods considerably (they went from seven heavy days to two or three). I once took the morning after pill when it wasn't really necessary and realized it's something that should only be done in emergencies. It upset my stomach. I've also heard that taking it too often can reduce its efficiency, so I'd definitely try to avoid it unless the situation was pressing.”
-Annika, Gettysburg College Class of 2018
“Actually, as a lesbian, I don't use birth control. While I'm actually still a virgin, birth control is never something I've considered taking and it's kind of nice to not have to worry about.”
-Jessica, Montclair State University Class of 2017
RELATED: 6 Changes to Expect After Going Off the Pill
“I've taken the Pill for about four years now, and after talking with my doctor it seemed like the easiest and least scary method of birth control. It's become part of my routine in the morning, but I do have a silent alarm set on my phone just as a reminder. This is the third pill I've tried, so it certainly took a bit of time to find the right pill for me, but it's definitely worth the time.”
-Jenn, WIlfrid Laurier University Class of 2018
“I use an oral contraceptive as well as condoms. I know some people might think that this is excessive, but pregnancy is something that I do not take lightly. Before going on the Pill, I used to only use condoms, and this method never felt safe enough for me. I don't like the idea that it's only 97% effective; with my luck, I'll be the one in the 3%. Using two methods just makes me feel a lot better about having sex, and I think it's important that I feel comfortable! Going on the Pill also helped relieve some of the horrible side effects of my period, like cramping and bloating, so that was a huge plus. Also, wearing condoms isn't just for pregnancy prevention, but it prevents the spread of STDs. Ladies, if you haven't gone to a clinic with your new guy to get tested — go! Wearing a condom should not be an option, it's a must!”
-Rachel, University of Florida Class of 2017
