birth control
"I'm 23, never given birth, had it inserted 9/16. I have high pain tolerance, but the insertion was brutal and I nearly passed out. Horrible cramps and weakness the next few days. Although it's effective, I almost got it removed in the first couple of months because of side effects: crazy mood swings, cramps, bloating, cravings, acne all over, spotting. Like puberty all over again. My doctor advised me to give it 6 months and see how I feel. 4 months in and the side effects are getting better, more noticeable around my period, which has become much lighter but longer. I went from a heavy 4-5 days on the pill to a very light 10-12. I'm not sure if it's a good trade, but I'm going to wait and see if the hormones level out."