In support and celebration of this year’s “Thanks, Birth Control” day, we took a minute to interview Stefanie from San Fernando California, 19, to see what her process was in starting birth control and how it fit into her reproductive life plan.
Question: What made you decide to get on birth control?
Answer: My fear of having babies, so basically, I just know that right now I’m way too young, I’m 19 years old and I do work two jobs and I go to school, and I realized that I’m way too busy, I can barely take care of myself, I can’t even imagine having to take care of a child.
I just have priorities that aren’t having a kid. I’d rather focus on my school.
Question: How did you feel empowered to make that next step and go out and get birth control?
Answer: When I was in high school, I lived very close to the clinic and I actually volunteer for them. Just having them there, it made me realize that it’s there for me and I felt safe. Also, the fact that they provided it for free, it also made it easier. Their message was that it’s the safest choice. Even if I’m not sexually active or anything, you never know what could happen and I think that’s just the best way to go.
Question: What birth control did you choose?
Answer: I have the nexplanon.
Question: And how has your experience been with the Nexplanon?
Answer: I haven’t noticed any side effects, just maybe that my periods irregular but that’s not a big deal.
Other than that, it’s good. The soreness from when I got it only lasted about a week, ever since, you forget about it. Sometimes I forget it’s even there.
Question: How old were you when you first got it?
Answer: I was 18. I was on the shot before I was 18. And then I switched to the nexplanon.
Question: So, being on birth control vs when you were not being on birth control, do you feel like that’s made a difference for you?
Answer: In a way, yes. I feel a lot more secure about my future. I don’t have to worry about a kid appearing.
Now, I can solely focus on my school and work. And it’s one less thing to worry about.
Question: So, my final follow-up question is if you could say anything towards the campaign in saying thanks to your birth control, what would that be -- to say thank you to your birth control?
Answer: I would thank my birth control for making me feel secure and safe!
Click here for more stories of how birth control has helped empower women and take charge of their future. Whether you’re ready to make the change as well, or want to share with others your own experience, there are resources that can help! Today, we say join others in saying, “Thanks, Birth Control,” for giving us the power to choose!