I wanted to start this post out by telling you all a very personal story about my health that has changed my life forever. Birth control is a hot topic these days and I feel like everyone has their own opinions on it; good or bad. I know birth control is a very controversial topic for a lot of people and I am not going to bring politics or religion up in this post at all. I want to bring awareness to birth control along with shed a little light into something going on in my life.
Let’s start from the beginning. I was put on birth control at the age of 15. Why so young you ask? My periods were never on a schedule. I could never plan or anticipate when I would get my period each month. And it’s not like I had a super light flow back then. I don’t know if any of y’all remember your first periods but they were horrible! Sorry for the TMI but seriously, y’all, they were bad. Not only that, but my cramps were a killer. My mom figured by that age I was also going to be sexually active and wasn’t about to deal with a pregnant teenager. Nor was that something I wanted.
All of my menstruation issues ceased immediately when I started birth control. I also never had any side effects that a lot of people talk about either.
Fast forward 17-18 years. I am now 32 and still taking birth control. Why you ask? It’s not because we are trying to prevent getting pregnant. Grayson and I have talked about having kids plenty of times and it’s not something that we are trying to prevent.
For the past 5-7 years I was taking my birth control straight through with no breaks. This means that I have never had a period for 5-7 years. I consulted with my doctors and gynecologists to make sure this was safe and they assured me it was. And sure enough, I never had any issues.
I decided I wanted to get off my birth control a little over a year ago so my body could get a break. I had no idea what my body, personality, periods, etc. would be like if I stopped taking it. I mean, I had been on birth control for almost 18 years!! I consulted with my gynecologist and she said that it would be fine to stop taking it.
So far so good, right? The first few months were great. I honestly didn’t feel any different and my periods were somewhat on a schedule and pretty light. YAY! When month 6 hit with no birth control it all started changing. My periods were becoming heavier and heavier which I didn’t think anything of. I figured that was pretty normal. Then the cramping started getting worse which I just attributed to heavier periods.
Month 9 rolls around and I can barely function when I am on my period. I’m bleeding so bad and the cramps are so unbearable I wanted to go to the hospital. Thankfully, my gynecologist is a good friend of mine. I sent her a text explaining my symptoms and she said it sounds like I have endometriosis and that I should make an appointment for an exam.
Sure enough, I do. That gave me very few holistic options. The easiest and most practical option was to get back on my birth control until I am absolutely ready to get pregnant. Sadly, we are now going to really have to take the time to plan this out because of my endometriosis.
It breaks my heart to hear about people not having access to birth control that need it. So why is it so hard for women to get birth control in this day and age? Birth control is basic healthcare. It is way more than just preventing pregnancy/contraception. It helps with period pain, it controls acne, it regulates periods, and in my case helps manage endometriosis which is a HUGE medical condition affecting thousands of women.
Let me introduce you to Simple Health. How would you feel if you had these issues and you were told you couldn’t get birth control to help your medical needs? Simple Health is all about care that fits into your life, starting with online birth control prescriptions & delivery. Their product isn’t birth control itself. It is a much simpler, more affordable, hassle-free, location/income/insurance-agnostic way to get your birth control. Access to birth control can now be fulfilled via online prescriptions & free home delivery. The Simple Health doctors can prescribe any brand of birth control pills, patch or ring.
Their motto is that healthcare should be affordable for everyone. It should be convenient, easily accessible anytime and anywhere no matter where your doctor may be. It should be quick. That is why Simple Health can save you time and money. The patient should always come first whether you are insured or uninsured. Simple Health will try and serve every single patient that uses their app.
Simple Health uses telemedicine to provide simple, convenient & affordable care – starting with online birth control prescriptions & delivery. Talk about a better way to get birth control! So how does it all work and how do you know if you are a good candidate?
Who is Simple Health for?
The First Time User – Are you looking to try out birth control for the first time? You can get personalized recommendations for a birth control method based on your health and preferences.
The Former User – Were you taking birth control in the past and want to get back on?
The Current User – Are you currently on birth control but tired of dealing with the pharmacy? You can always transfer your Rx to Simple Health and they will ship it to your door for free. No more forgetting to refill your prescription and lapsing on your pills.
Now that you’re hooked, let me tell you how it all works whether you are a first time or current birth control user.
If you are new to taking birth control or starting you will first, take an online evaluation. You will answer some questions and go over your medical history. A doctor will then review your profile, recommend a product and then write your prescription. You will then have free, recurring delivery straight to your door.
If you are currently taking birth control you will just tell Simple Health your pharmacy and prescription and they will do all the work to transfer your script to their system. You will also have free, recurring delivery straight to your door.
There are so many of us that need access to birth control for slews of reasons. And you know what? Those reasons should never be judged by anyone. Women should be allowed access to birth control no matter what. Now that I know I will be on birth control until I have a child and most likely after I have a child to prevent endometriosis pain, I need easy access to birth control pills.
I want to end this post by saying that I am not pro-birth control or against birth control. I am all for women getting the healthcare they need no matter what it takes. I personally have a love/hate relationship with birth control. If I didn’t have endometriosis I would most likely not be taking it. But the scope of my life and healthcare needs have changed so this is something that is even closer to my heart now.
If you want any more information or have any other questions I urge you to visit their site.
I want to mention that this service is not a replacement for a routine evaluation by your primary care physician or gynecologist, and regular follow-up with your in person providers is recommended.
Also, CLICK HERE and use code DTKAUSTIN for FREE birth control!!
I started taking birth control about 4 years ago, and even though the relationship I started taking it for ended, I loved how amazing my periods became – no more cramps, no heavy flow, I even switched to a pill that got rid of my hormonal acne… but now you’ve got me worried for when the time comes that I eventually need to go off it – oh dear!
But it is terrible to think there are so many women who don’t have easy access to birth control, and I’m glad companies like Simple Health are working to change that.
https://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Author
I think you will be ok if you’ve only been taking it for 4 years and had been fine, health-wise before! I don’t think my body knew what to do after years and years and years on birth control and I had ended up having endometriosis without even knowing! So who knows when that came about! UGH!
I’m so sorry to hear about your endometriosis and the period issues! Glad to know you are aware of your body and your body needs! I had no idea Simple Health existed! It definitely sounds like it makes it easier to get birth control for those who really need it!
So sorry you have such heavy cycles! This sounds like a great way for people to get access to birth control when they may not be able to access it otherwise.
XOXO
Cathy
This sounds like such a great program and thank you so much for sharing your story!!!
xx rebecca // the crystal press
http://www.thecrystalpress.com/holiday-input-2018
Interesting info. Btw I absolutely love the photos<3 Such a cute Fall decoration.
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
This is so awesome babe. Such a great service for those that are in need of birth control! Love how convenient it is, definitely going to look into it more! Thanks for sharing!
Kileen
cute & little
Thanks so much for sharing this! I will absolutely be checking it out!
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
This sounds like such a great service! It’s not always feasible to visit the Dr every time you need to re-up this prescription!
This is amazing! I’ve had awful issues with birth control in the past and this seems like a more convenient way to try it out!
Thanks for sharing this online service. It sounds convenient and easy to use.
❥ tanvii.com
I’m with ya lady – I had awful, awful, awful periods super early on and have been on birth control since I was 13! I recently switched to an IUD and it’s so much easier. I love that SimpleHealth allows women to gain access to birth control so easily – it’s amazing!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
So sorry to hear about your endometriosis! I can’t be on birth control because it turns me into a crazy person but this sounds like a great service to get your pills online!
I’m so sorry to hear about your illness. This is great info for anyone who is also suffering from this. Thank you.
Such an informative post! I also have been on birth control since I was 15, so it is helpful to hear how your body may react. Thank you for being vulnerable and talking about this important topic! xo
Girl, you and I had very similiar experiences. I stopped because I thought taking it for so long was bad for my body and had conflicting reccomendations from my gyno. When I went off, about 6-8 months into it, I was in so much pain it was unbelievable! So glad to know I’m not the only one.
I was on birth control for 5 years straight and I had the same experience as you! No periods, no side effects.. that was the life! haha.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that after getting off of it. When you’re ready, it will be so worth it though I’m sure the post I just wrote will scare you away LOL. Happy you found a great option for you in the meantime!
So informative and good to share with others too! I was put on birth control at a young age too, due to heavy, irregular periods.
It’s good to know that there are different options out there now.
OMG!!! My best friend experienced something similar, so I’m sending her your post!!!
Coming Up Roses
Ashley – you did such a great job with this post! As a nurse and as a woman, everything from the facts to the symptoms I love! I have a very similar story, too! I’m the same age and have been on bc since I was 14 and basically straight through to now 32. I also have endometriosis and it’s no joke. But I love mostly how you explain bc as basic healthcare, because it is! Thanks for sharing this for everyone!
I started to take birth control about a year ago for health reasons and it was the best decision ever. Thankfully my insurance covers. I completely agree with you and how it’s basic healthcare.
I am so glad you shared this post! It is so important that everyone have access to birth control if they need it! Working in health care I just don’t get it! I am happy you found a product that works for you!! I am going to need to check it out.
I started birth control for the same reason as you and was on it forever until I decided I wanted to have a baby. I’m so glad you are open and honest about your experience!
I am SO glad I read this! I SO need this in my life!