From The Confessional: The Struggles of Being on Birth Control

Birth control is no walk in the park, that’s for sure. This week’s Confessions highlight how tough it can be for moms navigating this necessary but often frustrating aspect of life.

Living in a patriarchal society complicates birth control access for those without a penis. The options are plentiful, but each comes with its own set of side effects. As we age, finding the right birth control only seems to become more challenging.

This week’s post is dedicated to all the moms grappling with the burdens of birth control—you deserve a platform to express your feelings and frustrations about it.

Real Experiences from Moms

For instance, one mom shared, “For the first time in our marriage, I can actually feel pleasure during sex. I had no idea how much hormonal birth control was affecting me.” Another noted, “I’m on day 19 of bleeding after starting birth control to manage PMS symptoms and stop my periods.”

The erratic nature of periods while on birth control can be a nightmare—sometimes they arrive early, other times late, and occasionally not at all. It’s maddening. One mom even joked, “I forgot to resume my birth control and lost 5 pounds! Sorry, hubby… this feels way better than sex.”

Many women report a diminished sex drive, and with young kids at home, sleep often trumps intimacy. As one confessor lamented, “My sex drive is gone… I’m hoping it’s just the birth control, and things will get better once I stop taking it.”

Challenges in the U.S. System

The U.S. also complicates matters with its system of requiring yearly pelvic exams just to get a birth control prescription. Why aren’t these available over the counter yet? It’s absurd when medical guidelines suggest that Pap smears are only necessary every 2-4 years.

Some women have had alarming experiences with birth control. One shared, “I regret getting the Mirena IUD. It’s changed my body drastically, and I’ve now gained 55 pounds. I’m practically a prisoner in my own body.” Another said, “I got an IUD four months ago, and I’ve been on my period for four months straight.”

Long-term birth control can be invasive and costly, and hormonal pills are still not available over the counter. While there are alternative methods like the patch, diaphragms, and natural family planning, the process shouldn’t be so taxing on our bodies when seeking effective birth control.

Finding Support

For those over 35, the pill is generally safe now, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of hassle. If you’re feeling frustrated with your birth control, know that you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid, and our Confessional is always open for you to vent!

If you’re interested in more insights, check out this other blog post for more related stories. Additionally, for those considering home insemination, you can find reliable products at Make a Mom’s site. For detailed information on IVF, this resource is excellent.

Search Queries:

Summary

Birth control can be a challenging experience for many women, especially mothers. With various options available, each comes with its own side effects and challenges. The frustrations surrounding birth control methods, whether it’s hormonal pills, IUDs, or the system surrounding prescriptions, can lead to feelings of isolation. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and know you’re not alone.