It's impossible to know what is best for YOU, just because we might like certain things. Personally, I love my Paragard, because I don't have to worry about it and there are no hormonal side effects that hinder my life. Those things would annoy me, especially since I also date women, so I don't really need or want to worry about birth control aside from when I date men.

I agree.

I've been looking into getting a copper IUD like Paragard, but that's also because I have bad side effects with hormonal birth controls. You could very well have no side effects, or even a positive experience with hormonal birth control methods by it making your period lighter or reducing period side effects. It's different for everyone. I hope you find a good fit for you.

I get the depo shot, and it's what works best for me. But that's not to say that it will be the best option for you!
The Planned Parenthood website has a great quiz that helps match you up with birth control options that might be best for your lifestyle. It asks you questions like "how bad would it be if you got pregnant now?" and "do you plan on getting pregnant in the future?"
It matches you up with a few options that you can discus with your doctor. You might want to check it out.

I have the copper T IUD and I love it sooooooo much

The best contraception is whatever works for you personally, only you and your doctor can come to this conclusion.

I had the Mirena IUD for years and loved it. Many don't tho, I hear.

Best in terms of what? Effectiveness? Convenience?

On the pill but I really covet the copper IUD. My doc doesn't handle it and she let me know that the gyn in town who does is generally against giving them to childless women. I'm also considering the cervical cap but I'm not sure I'm comfortable switching to a less statistically effective method.

I'm on the Nuva Ring and I really love it. You take it out once a month for your period, then put a new one back in at the end of that week. It's not as time-oriented as the pill, stays in and can't be felt during sex and I just feel like it's the easiest shorter-term BC I've heard of.

I have been taking a normal hormone pill for about 6 years now. I've never had a problem with it. I used to forget to take it all the time and the only reason I got pregnant was because my doctor decided to change my pill way to many times and my body rejected them. If you get a pill, pick one and stick with it. I've been taking Apri since I was 19. I wouldn't recommend Yaz just because of the health problems that can come with it. I was offered to try Mirena IUD and Nuva ring but there were too many bad things that come with them. I don't like the fact that they are considered Bad Drugs...

I had the Mirena IUD, which is a hormonal IUD. It was wonderful for a month, but when my period came around the device dislodged and I had to have it removed. I have a very heavy flow, which is why the device failed for me. The insertion process was the only other unfortunate part. It feels like bad cramps, but with my heavy period comes horrible cramps so honestly it wasn't too bad for me. My doc said I would have to take the day off of classes, but I went to class and was perfectly fine. A bit of cramping but not too major.

I now use the Nuvaring. I really like that I don't have to remember to take a pill every day. Hell, I can't even trust myself to take vitamins every day. There were a few things I noticed, though, like a change in consistency of vaginal discharge. It is a little inconvenient, but extra cleaning and rinsing the ring in the shower helps.

Also, I'm in a long distance relationship so I honestly don't require protection for months on end. Fortunately, the Nuvaring can be stored in a fridge until the expiration date with no problems.

Like others have said, birth control is different for everyone. I hope my input will help you decide. You should check out the Planned Parenthood birth control matching quiz if you haven't already.

I agree with the previous posts that we can't say what would be best for you, but I will share my experience. I used to use the NuvaRing until I wasn't able to afford it anymore (my insurance doesn't cover any form of bc so I pay out of pocket) I absolutely loved having the vaginal ring. You just pop it in and forget about it until your menstruation week. I had it for almost 4 years and only had issues feeling it for the first 3 months. It sometimes felt like it was going to fall out, but after a while it works its way up higher (not unreachable because our vaginas aren't an endless pit ) and you can't even tell its there. My fiance never felt it during sex and even if you start your period after you put the new one in, you can still use tampons which I don't think a lot of people realize. Once you get into the groove with the NuvaRing and stick to your schedule, you don't run the risk of "missing a few pills" and if you decide that you want to have kids sooner than you expected, then you can stop no problem. I will advice you that if you are in my boat paying out of pocket that it cost me anywhere from $85 to $102 a month (depending on pharmacy and location). Once the legislation goes through for my insurance company to cover BC completely, I am switching back no questions asked. I've been on birth control to regulate my period for 11 years and have been through various types but the NuvaRing was hands down my preference. Good luck on your decision!

Cerezette non break pill is awesome!

Pills

IUDs have the highest effectiveness; however, I prefer the pill. Partially, because I really like how I have the power to stop taking them at anytime that I want if I'm having side effects (I don't need a doctor's appointment). I also have never had a problem taking it on time since I'm slightly obsessive about it. I'm too paranoid to just use condoms, but I might consider the Nuva Ring if the pills stopped working for me.

I've got the Mirena IUD right now. I'm too forgetful to use pills for, you know, actual birth control.

I'm pregnant now but once I deliver, I'm going to get an IUD (not sure if I'll go with the Mirena or the copper one yet.) It's nice because it doesn't release hormones into the bloodstream like the pill, which can really affect your health. And you don't have to worry about birth control for up to 5 years (I'll definitely be spacing out my pregnancies by 4 years at least, if we do have another one.)

I've only used the shot and the patch. The patch I didn't like because you leave it on I believe for a week. I used it on my hip, I started to get annoyed that it would start getting loose and a little worn out. The hip is the only place I was ok wearing it because the other places are visible and it looks ugly and embarrassing. I tried the shot twice. The first time I liked it. They say you get pregnancy-like symptoms, but I got none whatsoever. Not even the cravings and weight gain so I was happy with it. The second time was a whole different story. I got cravings, gained weight, cramps, even nausea and dizziness. For a while I even thought I was pregnant. The worst part was my period, it just wen crazy. I missed it for about a month, then I got a heavy one for a few days. Then it came back two weeks later but light and it lasted 16 to 18 days. And thats how it was forthe rest of the time I was on it, so not worth it. Now my period is just all screwed up!

Only condoms. I can't use hormonal bc.

I do the pill, but you do what's right for you. What seems better for one person may not work for another.

pills b/c you can stop them whenever if they give you a bad reaction