Switching birth control

Lydia • 21, into relationship topics and more

Hey all. Sorry for the long explanation, but I just need some opinions on which birth control to switch to. Norethindrone, ParaGard or Depo-Provera

I'm 21, been having regular sex with my man for 3 years now. The whole time I've been on the norethindrone pill which is a progestin only pill. I get migraines with auras so I'm not allowed to be on combination pills (it increases risk of stroke).

The norethindrone works fine for me, I get my period regularly, no terrible side effects. BUT I want to switch because this pill requires you to take it at the very same time every day or else it's 30% less effective. It REALLY hurts my anxiety to have to be so hyper aware of it and so I'm hoping to switch.

I had been thinking an IUD, probably ParaGard with no hormones, but I discussed it with my doc and she suggested maybe re-thinking it because IUDs are normally for women who've already had children. She was totally cool about it and said that I could definitely do it, it just might be a little more painful to insert.

She gave me my other options and the only one that really interested me was the Depo-Provera shot. The fact that most women completely lose their period while on Depo, thrills me, but I'm nervous about spotting and irregular periods. I'm fine with the idea of going in every 3-4 months to get the shot, that's not a problem.

Any thoughts or experiences to share?