Girls, what are the pros and cons of being on birth control?

[Anonymous]

Ladies if any of you are on birth control what are the pros and cons in your opinion? I can't decide whether to be on it?

[antmaster]

pro: regulated periods (which are often lighter with less side effects), added protection against pregnancy (PLEASE still use a condom though).

con: sometimes minor side effects are possible like headache, weight gain, and sometimes the flow can be heavier the first couple of months you're on bc (I've been on multiple types of the pill, done the patch and the shot, and have never had this but it's always a risk).

It definitely depends on what type of birth control you're looking at, some have only a few minor side effects, others have the possibility for more major side effects, albeit very rare.

[SpicedPumpkin]

Pros are pregnancy prevention and your periods usually being predictable. Cons are side effects like mood swings, weight gain, sickness, things like that. It all depends on the person though. Some people have no side effects and others have a lot.
You still have to be careful because people still get pregnant on it. I know many girls who had their babies the same time as me that did. Most had gotten pregnant on the pill, and a couple on the nuvaring. But the chances are still a lot lower than without.

[SoccerDiva]

Pro: Pregnancy prevention. Can help regulate periods. If you are going on vacation or don't want to get your period that month you can skip it. Helps manage cramps.

Con: Can make you feel bloated and gain weight (I gained 15lbs the first time I went on it. the second time I gained only like 5lbs.) Can sometimes cause abdominal pain.

[megaboo92]

Pro's: pregnancy prevention, can regulate or stop your period

Con's: weight gain, increased acne, tender breasts, some facial hair and having to remember to take pills everymorning (I highly recommend an IUD)

[SolitaireBond]

It really all depends on your own personal reasons.. Will it be just to regulate and perhaps ease your periods.. Or is it for peace of mind (protection) whilst having sex.

[Anonymous]

Pro: Not getting pregnant. Can help regulate periods.

Cons: Side effects, like mine made me nauseous and black out/faint. Probably other side effects, and the effects are different person to person, but that's my con for it.

[ldrccarter]

pro:no period
con: when you DO have it you have it for a longggg time. But no side affects. Also a lttle weight gain