"been on this birth control since i was 17. i&#039;m 23 now. never had any bad side effects. the reason i began taking it is i used to have unbearable cramps every month that would keep me in bed. if i started my period at school or work, i had to go home because it was so intense. i was recommended to try birth control pills because of it. i also have not gotten pregnant with my long term relationship boyfriend. works great for me!"