I’m going to turn 18 soon and I’m not taking any birth control at the moment. I only use condoms with my boyfriend, nothing else. I kinda want to start taking the pill but to be honest I’m a bit scared, I live in France and I don’t know if there’s any difference between French and American birth control pills but I’m still worried. I’ve read quite a few “horror” stories about taking the pill, like weeks on end of periods or your body just rejecting it really. Even close friends and family have told me it’s messed with them a lot at first. I don’t know if I should just try and see what happens or wait. Not sure what I’m really waiting for though to be honest. My period lasts for at least 6 days and I get really bad cramps for maybe 4 out of the 6 days and I want to find a pill that can also get rid of those pains but I’m scared it will just mess me up even more. Any advice please?