confused about BC

I've never taken birth control but I really do want to start taking some. My SO and I have been sexually active for 1 year now and have only been using condoms as protection. I wanted to know if anyone had birth control recommendations? I really want to try something that has very little or very rare side effects and possibly one that can help control my period a little more. 
I will be talking to my doctor soon but I sort of wanted to go in there with some kind of idea of what I actually wanted. so any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated. 😊