Scared to start birth control
Hi! I’m 19 years old and I just got my first prescription for hormonal birth control and I’m absolutely terrified right now.
I went to the gynecologist for the first time on Monday for a consultation but ended getting prescribed the patch. I was really uncertain about the idea of trying hormonal birth control because other than mild acne my cycle is super regular and manageable and I’m super scared of messing with it but the doctor I saw completely scared me off the copper IUD saying she sees a ton of complications in young women my age. She did reassure that most women don’t lose their cycle on combination hormones and that I more that likely wouldn’t experience any significant weight gain or breast growth. I felt pressured more than anything but my doctor said that if I ended up hating the birth control that none of the side effects would be permanent and I could stop it whenever I wanted which I found comforting.
My period just began so I plan to put the first patch on tomorrow morning. I am incredibly anxious about the side effects and I guess I just want reassurance that I’m not about to ruin my life lol.
I live a healthy lifestyle, have a decent diet for the most part, exercise regularly and I’m not at risk for any conditions to my knowledge so my mom says I have nothing to worry about but I’m terrified to tears right now, however I’m an anxious person in general which isn’t helping.
I just don’t want a baby.
Posted Jun 11, 2026, 10:37 PM UTC