Volume #6 - Why Birth Control?

HI THERE! 

Today is about BIRTH CONTROL

I’m almost 30, have a “stable and well-paid” job, and feel mature enough to raise kids, but I’m still not open to giving birth. And I’m NOT the only one! In 2022, the U.S. median age for giving birth reached 30.

Let’s dive deeper… Why am I choosing to get an IUD (painful for 2 mins) six months before turning 30?

1. I’m not following others’ timelines. I will be a mother when I feel like it’s the right time.

2. I have goals and milestones I want to achieve before having my kids. I don't want to have a baby with someone I don't see a future with. Plus, abortion rights are getting tighter.

3. I’m single - but don’t worry, there are options for everyone, like egg freezing for when I maybe find my person to build a family and/or choosing to be an SMC (Single Mother by Choice) with a sperm donor.

Believe me… the IUD pain was a long-term investment as I will keep it for 2-5 years, depending on how my financial milestones and dating life.

But I’m not the only one. Most of my friends don’t have kids and those who do have them after turning 30. Life changes unexpectedly. Once, I also thought I needed my life figured out by 25, but I got engaged at 25, called it off at 26, and moved from Dublin (🇮🇪) to NYC (🇺🇸) on my own at 28.

One thing I wish I had understood better was birth control and taken the time to reflect in the mirror, asking myself, "What needs to happen for you to feel ready?" and "What resources can I control to become a mother when the time is right?" without feeling societal pressure, worrying about geriatric pregnancy, adhering to my partner's timeline, or succumbing to the FOMO of others having babies while I contemplate whether to go back to school or not.

Everyone has their own journey; don't compare yourself. Get a whitepaper and make your life a canvas painted with the colors you desire.

So let’s talk about the steps and some options to explore birth control.

FIRST STEPS…

I will quickly go over a few options, but first, let's cover these three steps:

💭 Sit down with yourself (or with your partner if you have one) and do some family planning. Ask yourself the question: Do I feel like I want to be a mother? Remember, you can always change your mind.

🩺 Book your gynecologist appointment to do an annual check and dive deep into your menstrual cycle and fertility. I have met people who are sexually active but have never visited a gynecologist or undergone an STD check.

💸 Check what is covered by your insurance; I know some insurances that cover 100% of the IUD insertion and egg freezing, while others don't cover all types of IUDs or birth control options.

MY PREFERENCES CORNER!

After checking the steps above, what do YOU prefer? Check out this page of Planned Parenthood about the different types of birth control; I will go over the ones I will use myself. I tried birth control pills years ago, but they didn't work for me.

Copper IUD (non-hormonal)

A small, T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus. It's hormone-free and lasts up to 10 years. Benefits include effectiveness and not needing to remember a daily pill, but side effects can include heavier periods and cramping.

How to get an IUD? Talk to your gynecologist to explore which type is best for you. I chose Paragard. Also, be sure to check the potential side effects, but I don't suggest looking into the insertion process if you're afraid of pain. I didn't seek others' opinions on the pain to avoid being discouraged. But It was 2-3 minutes of pain - even a little bit (or much) screaming.

📱nicolemjardim shares a lot of great content comparing birth control options, speaks about hormones, and more.

Fertility awareness methods (FAMs)

Natural birth control techniques that involve tracking menstrual cycles and fertility signs to determine when it is safe to have unprotected sex. Benefits of FAMs include being hormone-free and allowing one to understand fertility patterns. However, they require consistent tracking. This will be my choice after removing the IUD.

How to get FAMs? Check out Natural Cycles - delivered to your door; they are an FDA Cleared birth control app and even have a quiz to help you choose.

Condom

Barrier contraceptives that provide both pregnancy and STI protection. Proper and consistent use is crucial for effectiveness.

How to get condoms? Almost everywhere.

I have seen many stories about birth control and IUDs after posting about my recent journey on Instagram: @hola.yane.

Ultimately, you must choose what is best for yourself and your body.

IMPORTANT: Birth control is one side of the coin; the other side is protecting yourself from STDs. Take precautions!

P.S. My opinions are my own.

Cliqué by Yane

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