should i take birth control

There are so many forms of birth control out there. Obviously you have the internet at your disposal, so use it to research all the different methods out there. Before I took birth control, I made sure I knew the methods and the accuracy rates for each one. Ultimately, for me, because I am pretty forgetful, I decided on Depo Prevara. It is a shot of progesterone that lasts for 3 months. After my first 2 shots, my period dissappeared altogether, along with painful cramping. I really enjoy it and I have had no problems with it. I had a pretty irregular period before, and now...I don't have to worry about forgetting to take a pill or if I have a spare tampon. But the side effects can be different for everyone. There are side effects for every method, make sure you research them as well. For the Depo, your bone density can decrease, so they recommend lots of calcim...I take the calcium chocolate chews because I hate milk. The only other side effect for me has been an increase in apetite...which I have to combat with more trips to the gym :) But its worth my peace of mind and lack of a vicious period.

the schedule thing was a huge concern for me, too. i spoke with my gyno and we decided the ring would be the best thing for me -- it's so easy, they even give you stickers to put on your calender so you don't forget. you should really look into it -- aside from the contraceptive benefits, the pill (or ring) also helps regulate and lighten your flow, manage cramps and minimize hormonal acne. this is just what works for me, you should speak with your doctor about what you want and what you'd like -- some pills can shorten your period or lengthen the time between periods, others are made to use as little hormones as possible to decrease possible side effects, etc. this is a decision that should involve you and your gyno.

I agree with some of the others about not rushing into it. However, with that being said, you are a women and can make your own choices. If you really want to be on the pill, set your cell phone to remind you to take it everyday. Speak with your doctor, as there are awesome new forms of birth control out there that are amazing! I'm on the Nuva Ring and love it. You just change it once a month, when you get your period. Speak with your doctor (they don't need parent's permission to give it to you.) I highly recommend Planned Parenthood, as they deal with girls your age all the time, and will give you safe and sound advice and help you through this time. Good luck, and I'm glad that you are thinking ahead, instead of having something happen and wishing you could change the past. You are 17, and old enough to make your own decissions about your body. Please don't ever let anyone tell you differently!

you need to think twice before stepping into anything buddy.you need to be careful and this is definitely not the age to become pregnant.you need to settle down first.and in case you are bound to do what you must do first consult a doctor.you will definitely not want to regret it later.so take care and have a great life.

Sorry but I have to say this: You are 17? You shouldn't be having an intimate relationship outside of the marriage relationship. Wait for marriage; stop being intimate and you will be safe and not get pregnant. I know this is not popular today. If the guy loves you he can wait. If not, you gonna' stay with him? True relationships are built on committment not feelings. Obviously, you must decide but I'm convinced you will regret not doing "whats right" for you. All the best, countdown21.com

There are so many options out there, you don't have to take a pill. There is the NuvaRing which I have personally used and liked. It is inserted once a month. There is also a patch. You should talk this over with your doctor or a health clinic professional and they can help you choose which one is best for you.

I think you should not take the pills as they can cause problem when you wll be planning for a real kid. I think you should the other precaution mehtod

Do like i did and get the Mirena IUD, you get it and that's it. You have to stay in a monogomous relationship, but that shouldn't be too hard. XP I had mine and it was great, you never had to remember to take anything and you can keep it for like 5 yeas i think it is.

you are just 17 girl. using contraceptives in that age might harm your health. you are a minor,you need parental guidance. do not rushed into things sweetie. i am sure you do not want to wake up one morning: you become a mom at 17.

I can tell you, Gogglez, that my daughter was on birth comtrol and it caused her to put on weight and really increased her bust size. Her doctor finally took her off the pills for her safety. I also have a neice who was on the birth control and she's married. With her last pregnancy she didn't know she was until she went in for an exam. The doctor told her that the birth control caused her to not know that she was pregnant. She eventually had to have an abortion because she was pregnant in the tubes. And also her bossoms increased in size; greatly. Also I knew a woman who use the birth control pills and they caused her to blot up over a hundred pounds. Now she's slowing going down. But she says she'll advise any young woman or girl to not use them.

go discuss it with your dr. I got on it when i was 19 and had a lot of prob's from the hormones and had to try 6 different brands before I found one that worked well for me. I dont regret it at all. I love the sense of security i get, and I also love having regular periods and always knowing when you're going to get it! I set my cell phone alarm to remember to take mine everyday.

You can get the shot if you are forgetful, or even better IMPLANON. IMPLANON is cheaper over the long run and very effective and you don't have to worry about the stupid pill. Some disadvantages of the shot, you get fat, and you might lose your hair.

Well do what you are comfortable with...if you are forgetful, why don't you try the patch? The bottom line is that it is your body, so you shouldn't do anything you are not comfortable with. The whole thing about the pill is that it is still not a 100% safe...nothing is except for well you know ...not doing anything. All I know is my ex girlfriend was on the pill, and she still got pregnant. She ended up having a miscarriage, and she was only 17. It makes you grow up fast...so if you embark on that kind of lifestyle make sure your ready for whatever could happen.

my gf started taking it when she was 16 and have to say we have never had any problems what so ever. Also add that extra bit of safety to the relationship

Without preaching... I know you have to know what we "parents" would prefer... and that's celibacy.. lol... but being a realistic person this is what I think. If you KNOW you're one of those types that forget to take it, why not look into getting the shot? The biggest "down side" of the shot is that some people tend to gain weight. I never did. The upside is that you don't have to worry if you took your birth control. You get shots every 3 months or so, depending on your body. Of course, it also makes it so you go regularly to your gyno because he/she gives them to you usually and each time you get one you take a pregnancy test too to be sure you're "safe" to continue the birth control. I personally LOVED it. Others don't care for it. Talk to your gyno about it though.

I heard it has got lots of side effects in the long run so i don't think its wise to use birth control. I read in a paper that it effects the womb of the person who takes and cannot give a normal birth when she wants to. It permanantly kills some aider factor to the womb and the child grows with lack of some hormons which is very vital. So, i should suggest you not to take birth control pills.

talk to your doctor before you go another step into this. You should ALWAYS talk to a doctor to get the proper and most honest answers. Also, if you do not have a doctor there should be a women's clinic or planned parenthood in your area. They have wonderful wonderful doctors in these places.

I think you should talk to your parents if you can, if you can't I would recommend a doctors opinion. They can tell you whats best for you.

hmmm.. you should go take control cause you never know what will happen in the near future if you get pregnant.. life is not easy so better be ready than sorry..

If you are really forgetfull there are many options. I take Depo, which is a tiny little shot every three months. It works a tiny bit less in percentage, but I havn't had a problem with it yet. You only have to think about it like a regular apointment four times a year, much better than every day! The only thing is, sometimes it makes woman gain weight and they suggest plenty of calcium. But hey, eating healthy and being healthy is a good thnig, right? Definately consider several types of birth control- and don't settle on nothing.