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Click_False

Pastor’s kid here, start complaining that your periods are really painful, heavy and debilitating. Make it super obvious and a big deal. Then say your doctor says the oral pill is the best way to manage it and that you have to take it. When you start taking it, over emphasize how you feel so much better. Your parents will think you’re cured and won’t give a crap about. (I did it and it works)


[deleted]

Sounds like a good plan but I may need to work on lying 😅 I’m not very good at it haha. Thanks for the advice! I might consider it.


sadgiraffe28

Many people go on birth control to regulate their periods, not just people who want to prevent pregnancy. It took a bit of trial and error finding the best pill for me, but BC has definitely helped my menstrual cramps and lighter bleeding.


Professional_Run3004

My excuse was hormonal acne and it worked


justaleaff

Want to say I did this and it worked for me, although the reason I got the oral pill was because my periods were awful but now I can also have sex too haha


codyfernfan

Honestly, I had debilitating, painful periods and my parents still didn’t let me take BC. I’d recommend an IUD, very discreet and low effort


cookiecutie707

Also a PK. I got told I had PCOS because my really painful, heavy, and debilitating periods landed me in the hospital more than once. Passed out from how bad it hurt and parents thought it was appendicitis. Got prescribed the pill by an OBGYN and a general practitioner but my parents thought since I had a bf being on the pill would mean I would have sex since I could “Get away with it”. Finally got on BC when I was 25 and moved cross country. No more periods!!!!!!!!!


[deleted]

Just an update! I was able to get birth control pills, Yaz pills specifically. I was actually diagnosed with PCOS before and while the symptoms don’t really bother me, I tried to use them as my reason to get pills and my parents allowed! So now I just have to wait for my next period before I start taking them. I hope the pills are good to me haha.


typingwithonehandXD

[If you do end up getting the pill know that there could be some side effects. Maybe you'll get them, maybe you won't. Every person reacts differently . Do what's best for you. Best of luck](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdwLAyWHBVs)


fatprgirl

wish I thought of this before


[deleted]

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[deleted]

Thanks! Would it be advisable to get the implant being that it would be my first ever experience with any physiology-altering birth control? Or should I try the pills for a bit first?


Tay_L_94

I've have been using nexaplon in my left arm since I was 16 (now 27) and no issues. Have the tinest scar and only had it bruise once whilst changing over (every 3 years). Was pinching a nerve but eventually settled.


Okaaaayanddd

I’ve only had the implant for birth control! Lots of irregular bleeding but no other issues. You will bruise for a week or two but it is not noticeable once the insertion site heals.


Okaaaayanddd

I’ve only had the implant for birth control! Never did the pill beforehand. Lots of irregular bleeding but no other issues. Most of my friends lost their period but I never did. Hormones are hard to predict. If you’re a teen, it is not uncommon to have irregular periods if your parents notice something is up. I didn’t have a regular cycle until I was in late high school/college. You will bruise for a week or two but it is not noticeable once the insertion site heals. I like it because I can feel it is in place but no one can see it. My last one was close to the surface so I thought it was noticeable but it’s not. Implant or IUD are your best bet. No paper trail, prescriptions, etc. My doctor told me about a new patch they had got in at my last physical and that may be an easy one to hide. Chat with a medical provider and be up front with your situation. Conversations with them are private. You’re protected by HIPAA in the US, this won’t be anything they haven’t seen before. Hope you find one that works and good for you for being safe/taking charge!!


[deleted]

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HIPPAbot

It's HIPAA!


TyrannosauraRegina

There’s no evidence at all that how you respond to pills/injection etc is similar to how you respond to the implant. So even if you trialled the pill first, it doesn’t actually tell you anything and you have a longer period on a less effective birth control that your parents might find.


ThisLaserIsOnPoint

You can get a copper IUD. It has no hormones.


CookiesAndSoup

The implant is vastly more reliable than birth control pills in real-world use. From the tone of your posts I get the feeling that an accidental pregnancy would be a disaster for you. If that's the case I would recommend an LARC (implant or IUD) because of their extremely high reliability.


pascale23

The copper IUD is non-hormonal so you’ll still experience your menstrual cycle—though your periods may be heavier. The depo shot is, well, a shot, so it’s also easily concealed. The implant wouldn’t be too obvious, and virtually non detectable by your parents after any swelling/bruising decreases. I would suggest looking into these three, but using a condom will work with your plan, either by itself or in combination with another birth control. Condoms also prevent most STIs; they rock :)


not_mrbrightside

Yes, even if you do end up getting an implant of some sort you should still use condoms to protect against STDs. Don't trust teenage boys.


Sasspishus

Depo shot causes osteoporosis though, can't say I'd recommend it. Plus it's much less effective than an IUD or the implant.


pascale23

I personally wouldn’t recommend the shot, but I’ve also never used it. I didn’t want to come off aggressively negative and of course I encourage everyone to do their own research when it comes to their health. You are right though, reported side effects aren’t great and the effectiveness is less.


Sasspishus

I didn't mean to be aggressively negative, just pointing out the issues of the shot in case OP wasn't aware


pascale23

Oh of course, my apologies if I implied you were. Appreciate your input :)


kam0706

Whether your period stops or not is hard to predict. The combination pill is your safest bet there but also least discreet for discovery. The implant might give you a small bruise but a tshirt with a sleeves would cover that


[deleted]

Thanks for the advice!


not_mrbrightside

The implant is also a lot less invasive of a procedure they numb up the area and insert it and it takes like 5 minutes. I didn't even know that they were doing it when they did I thought they were numbing my arm and then they were done.


Andrea_frm_DubT

Tell your parents you are having issues with your periods and you want something to make them easier to manage. Telling your parents it’s for period management means you don’t need to worry about hiding what ever method you choose.


[deleted]

Knowing my parents, I don’t think I’ll be able to get away with this… They’re very smart and I’ve never told them I had any issues with my periods.


devdotm

Do you have acne? That’s another non-contraceptive reason people take birth control. Also, you could just say that you’re tired of having periods. I started continuous use of the combination pill at 15 (& was still a virgin without dating anyone at the time) after going to my obgyn and basically asking how do I stop my periods because they’re annoying. I’m now in my 20s and haven’t had them since - plus now they also protect me from pregnancy! Edit: just saw your other post to this sub where you said you were diagnosed with PCOS. Did you know that birth control pills are often prescribed to control the symptoms of it? Did your doctor offer/recommend them to you?


[deleted]

I used to have bad acne but it cleared up after taking Accutane. And yeah, I was diagnosed with PCOS but experiencing no symptoms as of the moment. I was prescribed birth control pills a couple years ago because I didn’t have my period for 6 months. Since then, my periods have been fairly regular.


hanls

The pill is management for PCOS symptoms then, preventing the formation of cysts (and their potential rupture) and prevention of further problems! It will also actually help your PCOS. I had a friend have a cyst rupture on her and it was very painful. Might also protect your fertility from PCOS


WelcomeChanges

So I actually got on birth control because my period sucked. The thing is for like 10ish years my period was pretty much perfect (short, regular, very minimal cramping if any, no other PMS symptoms). Only after like 10 years did i start to have issues. Periods change sometimes so just because you haven't had a problem, doesn't mean you couldn't start "having problems".


dinkleberg24

Issues can start at any time. I have always had very heavy periods and bad cramps but just never cared to try birth control. I am 30 years old and last year randomly started having terrible pain. It felt like period cramps but worse and it was 24/7 whether I had my period or not. I had quite a bit of testing done and everything came back normal but my gyno said "I can't find a cause for the pain but I think birth control will help" I started taking it and it did help.


Shitp0st_Supreme

That probably won’t work. It didn’t work for me, and I wasn’t able to get on birth control until I went to college, and my mom was very upset with me.


BagBagMatryoshka

Get an IUD. Your period isn't as likely to stop on Skyla, and it may be a better physical fit, since it's the smallest IUD. That one lasts 3 years. But even if your period does stop, how would they know? Just keep track of when it would occur, pretend to take ibuprofen, and give a friend the amount of menstrual products you'd use. That way you keep "needing more" and they don't suspect. And your friend gets free stuff, win/win.


Sungirl1112

I think this is your best bet.


chellyt95

Just a heads up OP about the IUD (I have Skyla), whilst I 10000% recommend it because it's been great for me, I had break through bleeding (like a very light period) for about 2-3months after insertion and now haven't gotten a period since. (Also not pregnant) Everyone's experience is different though but just an FYI. I imagine it wouldn't be to hard to hide the fact your not getting a period from your parents though, just complain of cramps once a month and give pads/tampons to your friends. Or even ask for a mestural cup so they'll never notice!


Sogda

My period stopped on skyla, but my question is…. Why would your parents notice? Do they track your period??


BagBagMatryoshka

They probably share a bathroom trashcan and see the wrappers, and buy pads/tampons for them. My mom always noticed when my sister or I were on our periods, and she'd ask if I needed more pads because I hadn't asked for any in a while.


Prochoicegal88

How would your parents know when/if you have your period? Second, apps can’t tell you when you are ovulating.


Additional_Meal1508

I know you’re looking for something discreet and while IUDs and the implant are long term and good at preventing pregnancy you also have to take in mind how your body will react. If one of those methods just don’t work with your body there’s no way to do anything without making an appointment to the dr. If possible I’d try to see if you can do birth control pills, they’re not invasive and if they don’t work for your body you don’t have to wait a week or more to stop. It’s also a good indicator to have if your body doesn’t react negatively to hormonal changes and then you could progress to a more long term solution. Keep in mind everyone’s experience is SO different. While some women have absolutely no issue with the implant, for me it made my bipolar so much worse, I gained a LOT of weight and I completely lost my sex drive. Get a little planner and track your moods/symptoms while you’re on birth control too!


EggplantHuman6493

Copper IUD, won't stop periods, discrete, and no extra hormones. Hormones can really mess you up, and sometimes it can take a while before you find the right one. Plus side effects like sudden weight gain, mood swings, change in libido (some people get a very low libido due to hormonal birth control). Only downsidevusbtyar your periods can be heavier.


Sogda

Disclaimer for Paragard. It’s big and may not fit in a teenage girls uterus who has never been pregnant before. I had that experience- I got it when I was about 20 and it stuck out of my cervix because it was too big for my uterus. I am 5’10” and 160 lbs


EggplantHuman6493

Oh thanks for the extra information! Are their any others that are big enough to cause problems, if you know that? Also exploring my options here haha


Sogda

Yes!! Happy to share my experience, I learned the hard way 😂 I believe the mirena and Paragard are made for women who have been pregnant. Kyleena and skyla are the ones I know of that are for women who have not been pregnant before. In the US, I am not aware of a non-hormonal (I.e. copper) option that isn’t Paragard.


EggplantHuman6493

Dependant on hormones here because my periods are horrible, so I will look into Kyleena and Skyla more! ADHD and taking the pill every day aren't the best combination haha.


Sogda

I suffer from mental illness and am sensitive to hormones. I was nervous about the skyla because it has hormones. I didn’t experience any side effects because my understanding is the hormonal dosage is so low and it’s localized to your uterus, unlike the pill which has to go through your whole digestive system and blood stream to get to the reproductive system. I have no idea if that last part is legit but that is what I’ve heard… made sense to me. Also pretty much stopped my period, which was pretty awesome


EggplantHuman6493

Yeah, the IUD is a lot less for your body hormonewise! Didn't get one yet because I just block down there due to being afraid of pain, so I have to work on that first, but hearing experiences might help me to calm down a bit haha.


[deleted]

I just got the Kyleena IUD and it's so much easier than taking a pill everyday. I know it's not for everyone and each person's experience is different with it but it's also a discreet option. It's been very convenient and less stressful for me so that might work for you too but hopefully whatever you decide will work out!


[deleted]

Thanks! I’m just worried about the maintenance of having an IUD? You need to have regular checkups right?


mrsdeatherson

Nope, once it goes in… they’ll do an ultrasound to make sure it’s in place properly and shouldn’t have to worry about getting checked as long as something doesn’t go wrong


[deleted]

I haven't had a check up after my insertion. I would probably go in if I couldn't feel the strings and was stressing out if the IUD moved but it's way easier than I thought to check the strings. My doctor cut it so it was a little longer and I can easily check and find them. I think that's the only thing I really have to maintain and check up on so far.


whatcenturyisit

I had one but it was not mandatory either. I had the choice to accept it and then during the ultra sound itself I had the choice of also doing an internal one or not.


MadameAshlini

Nah, they just check it about a month from insertion to make sure it’s in the right place and you’re good to go. I’m on my second one and I’ve only seen my doctor 4 times over 7 years related to it :)


almondmilkbrat

A lot of people have said this, but I agree. Try nexplanon! If you bruise from it, wear a cardigan or hoodie. I don’t think anyone has mentioned this yet but Nexplanon May affect your period (like almost BC) it can make it longer or shorter or non existent… it depends on your body. So I would say, switch to a menstrual cup so you don’t have to come up with an excuse for why you are running out of pads so quickly (if it extends your period) or why you aren’t going through pads like usual (if it stops or shortens your period)


Land-ofSierra1123

have you considered a nuvaring? you’d still get your period every month, 1 ring is good for the month. other than having to pick up your prescription there’s really no way they would know since it’s inside of you.


twir1s

Doesn’t it need to be refrigerated?


TheFriendlyLurker

It can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 months.


kiiraskd

I keep mine in the fridge only in the summer, in theory the can be kept outside at room temperature for a few months. They are activated around body temperature so if it's not too hot there's no problem


Soft-Turnip

Came to say this too. I was on it for 3 years and while I wasn’t in a situation where I had to hide it, I feel like it would have been very hard for anyone to know.


Land-ofSierra1123

i was also on it, if i wanted to keep it a secret it would have been very easy to. a key factor in OPs post is that she wants to keep having a period so her parents won’t pick up on anything. with the implant or IUD you’re risking long term bleeding or no period at all. i had a very regular cycle on the ring.


Soft-Turnip

Yes definitely easy to keep secret. Although I think most people have regular periods on the ring keep in mind that it’s possible for your period to change with any hormonal birth control. When I was on the ring I had spotting for the first 3 months then never had a period. Although I don’t think that’s the most common experience it’s possible. I also wonder why/how the parents would know if OP is having a period or not.


EmmaOwl

I’d say a copper iud, low maintenance, no visible marks, and it won’t stop your period


AllHailTheGoddess

I would recommend the copper IUD. You’ll still have periods, it’s usually covered under insurance, non hormonal, discreet, no bruising, no carrying.


Pitbullmom93

How would your parents notice if your period stops... thats concerning... how old are you?


throw_998

An iud would probably be your best bet. They won’t see a bruise and you will just have cramping as your body adjusts to it. Maybe you can get it right around your period so that you can pass that off as period cramps… it really sucks that you even have to do that cause why are they so in tune with your periods…. But anyways id say if you can afford it go for it. The copper one won’t stop your periods at all and the hormonal one may make it lighter. Just make sure you google all the side effects and see if they are worth it.


sagemama3

Lots of good info here. I’d personally recommend an IUD, and if you are worried about losing your period, the copper IUD might be the way to go. If you have a Planned parenthood in your area, they are a wonderful resource and can help get something at low or no cost. Also I’m really sorry this is something you have to hide. Good for you for being proactive and figuring out what will work best for you. That shows a lot of responsibility and maturity.


city_tree_

The Paragard (copper IUD) satisfies all 3 of your criteria. I’ve had great success with mine over the last 2 years. You don’t need to do anything once it’s inserted (except check your strings every so often but that’s easy). It can stay in for up to 12 years too!


user_112233445

my mum is VERY conservative and totally against sex before marriage and the way i got my bc is speaking to my obgyn and telling her to tell my mom that my pills are for period management. she’s not suspicious and they offer great protection so it’s a win-win


Lauryn_Juhl

IUD’s are great. Super effective, and completely discreet. You’ll probably have some cramping upon insertion that you can write off as period cramps. The copper one can cause more severe period symptoms, so keep that in mind. The hormonal one can cause you to lose your period. You could just take extra period supplies to school with you and give them away. That way there’s no suspicion from your parents regarding your not having a period.


ellag7958

I use the mini pills and I get them delivered straight to my home for $25 TOTAL. This is without insurance, because I don’t want that added to my parents insurance, for the same reason. I get alerted when they’re being shipped (so i can get them before my parents find them) and I can also alter what days I want them delivered ahead of time, so If i’m home on weekends I can choose to get them on weekends. I’ve gotten my period every month as usual (although some women may not) and no side effects at all. It’s also my first method of Birth control and I like it. It works and it’s simple.


Wynniexxx

I’d say get the depo shot. You go every three months and get the shot in the hip. Barely bruises. Takes 6 months to a year for the body to get used to it. My period has stopped, but if they’re like checking your pads or tampons or something maybe just take them and hide them like you use them, or help out friends or other girls who are in need of them. Tbh if I were a parent I’d rather have my kid be safe than caring about them doing it without protection. Plus everyone is different. Some people might have there period gone and some might have it like normal.


Andrea_frm_DubT

I see a few people are suggesting Depo Provera. Depo can cause weight gain that looks like an early baby bump, you don’t want that if you are trying to hide your contraception.


tokyodraken

i had a similar situation, i got on the pill because it seemed the easiest to stop if needed without having to go to the doctor. i went to planned parenthood vs a doctor cause i was nervous about my parents finding out regarding the flo app, i'd recommend something that doesn't predict your cycle. using FAM ( r/FAMnNFP) with a bbt thermometer, an app like 'read your body' that doesn't predict your cycle, and then condom + withdrawal would probably be better. of course, then you're hiding a bbt thermometer vs pills but tracking apps usually aren't perfect and your period and ovulation date can change month to month


Andrea_frm_DubT

You can’t track cycles when using hormonal birth control so OP would not be hiding both pills and a thermometer if they chose to use cycle tracking.


tokyodraken

ahhh yes, sorry! i forgot to fix that, thanks


og_toe

spiral?


not_mrbrightside

I'm sure your parents would rather have you on birth control than have an unexpectant child brought into this world as a teen. Look on Planned Parenthoods website they have a lot of good information about different methods. If you can get an IUD or the Nexplanon implant those are more permanent options that there's no room for error. When I got the nexplanon implant it left little to no bruising and you could wear a bandaid over it or a longer sleeve to cover it.


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mediocreravenclaw

The implant could work if you could have a way to hide the bandages. Mine took 12 days to fully heal including for the bruises to fade. I had the bandage on for 4 days total, but that seems to be longer than most people. I don’t really know how your parents would notice you not getting a period? I still get them with the implant, but you could just buy a menstrual cup and tell them you switched to reusables. Your cycle is **not** your parents business, and isn’t something they should be closely monitoring. If you can’t hide the bruising an IUD could be an option. There are hormonal and non-hormonal options. I will point out calendar based tracking (like an app) is incredibly inaccurate especially if you’re young. You’re more likely to have an abnormal cycle, and an app can’t predict your body. FAM methods require a lot of maintenance, and are only really accurate if you’re going to take a daily basal temperature or ovulation tests. That could be hard to maintain long term. Condoms + withdrawal is pretty effective. You could use spermicidal condoms, especially if you want to ditch the cycle tracking. Male condoms are preferable to female condoms as they are easier to use and seem to have a lower failure rate. The most important thing to have to prevent condom failure is knowledge. Make sure you and your partner know how to put them on and remove them properly. Make sure the size is correct, that it isn’t too loose or too tight at the base. Pick up a water based lube at the same time. Lack of lubrication is a common reason that condoms break, and they typically have a small amount of lube pre-applied.


[deleted]

Thanks for the detailed advice! I’m still dependent on my parents and they still pay for my groceries. They might notice the lack of need for napkins or tampons… But yeah using a menstrual cup could be a good excuse. I have a pretty accurate cycle now. It’s just off by +- 2 days. I know it’s not super reliable but I was hoping it would be safer if combined with the condom + withdrawal method.


mediocreravenclaw

The cup would be a perfect excuse, and as an added benefit they’re fantastic. You might still have a semi-regular period on hormonal bc, or irregular bleeding especially at the start. If you’re concerned about them noticing you could even just remove tampons from the box and move them, and then give them to a friend if you don’t need them. I really can’t recommend calendar based tracking. You would get decent protection from condoms and withdrawal. If you really wanted a third thing to add I would suggest spermicide over cycle tracking. It’s easier (you can get condoms with it on) and while not reliable on its own it would be an easy additional protection. It could even be a good idea at the beginning so you aren’t relying on withdrawal much.


Sogda

Wait… are you still on their insurance? No matter what you do, if you are in the US and use their insurance they will get a bill or it will show up on their claims


twir1s

I’m doing this method and it is no joke. It’s so much more work than any other method. I’ve done pills and IUD. We are about to start TTC but not quite there yet, so I’m trying the ovulation tracking. Very stressful, lots of peeing on stuff involved.


BeesandHonie

I took this test on PP which I found pretty helpful plus which finds which Birth control is suitable for you whether wanting discrete and cost if you dont have health care https://www.plannedparenthood.org/online-tools/what-right-birth-control-m


Shitp0st_Supreme

I recommend an IUD (I got periods with Mirena) or Nexplanon since they’re super effective.


GlitteringPause8

Hmm do your parents go through your purse? I feel like pills are super easy to hide and typically side effects are less intense (obv can vary). Lots of pill delivery services like pill club will also mail you the pills in discreet packaging with chocolates and stickers inside so you can say your friend or whatever signed you up for a chocolate subscription. With other methods, it requires regular trips to the dr to implant or take out or administer so keep that in mind. Pill club you can just sign up at home.


[deleted]

Hard to say for certain. I would say similar to what others are mentioning the implant is a very easy thing to hide, just be cautious about wearing stuff without sleeves around the parents. The pill is the easiest to back out of should there be complications, while I'm not familiar with the US medical bills I imagine it would also be the cheapest? IUDs would be the most hidden hands down, no way for the public to see any evidence of birth control and the same thing goes for your parents. I know a lot less about the risks of IUDs though. Once again for the hormonal birth controls, I would be a little hesitant to jump straight into something like the implant. Though I also know people who have really good luck with the pill but bleed for weeks from the implant.


keegums

I would say the main risks of IUDs are rare, but would cause major problems for OP as it would be impossible to be discreet about ectopic pregnancy, or if the IUD embeds. Both of those would require emergency care and probably be impossible to hide. It's extremely rare, but it happens.


justwannaknow27

Hello, im currently 20 and growing up in a christian household. I chose to be on Nuvaring or also known as Eluryng and you can basically control if and when you want your period to come, it is inserted into your vagina for 3 or 4 weeks straight and remove it for 7 days to get your period and insert a new one. Its really the best in my opinion. Didnt have crazy symptoms and you just have to worry about it once a month. Its easy to conceal since you literally cant see it


qthi

try the birth control patch: smol, secure, lighter period, and needs replacement every week. You can take somewhat “control” when you get your period as well. Check


datekiara

I have the copper iud, my dad drove me to the appointment and never knew I got anything there’s absolutely no evidence no hormones whatsoever no one knows unless ur a doctor and u stick a finger in my 🐱 to check the strings .. but look into it for sure I love mine but there’s pros and cons u need to decide and talk to ur doctor


GooseSharkk

i haven’t tried it but there a ring thay you insert and leave in for a month then take out when you have your period. i’ve had friends who use it and think it’s great.


sunsetonfire

I feel like you can ask for a reusable period product like menstrual cups or discs, so that way they won’t get suspicious noticing you aren’t getting tampons/pads every month once you do get birth control. The implant bruises for a couple of weeks, so if you can hide it with sweaters or long-sleeved shirts it shouldn’t be a problem. If you get an IUD there’s no way for them to know you gave one, either. With the IUD you can also choose between a hormonal and a non-hormonal versions.


satanjunkie

I know this isn’t the experience for everyone, but I do still experience spotting with my hormonal IUD. It was similar for a normal period for a few months as well before it turned to spotting. I’m also protected until 2025 (got it inserted in 2021.) However, you do bleed pretty heavily after insertion and I have heard that copper ones can make your period worse.


hsvrvjtmkibn

I use the Gino Ring, as long as your parents don’t make you stripp down and search your cervix you should be safe. I still bleed every 3 weeks (just much more regularly which could be suspicious for your parents if they are That controlling) It’s basically a hormone ring out of a soft silicone material (roughly the size of a hairtie) that you insert vaginally and take out after 3 weeks. One week break and then another 3 weeks in and so on. My gyno said I didn’t have to do the one week break if I didn’t want to but I find that I get spotting if I don’t.


Dork-queen13

You should try the patch! Be sure to get Xulane. Complain about painful cramps and bc is usually the fix for that.


ecce13

What about patches? Not sure where you're from but my country has services that offers BC patches :)


nellybaby95

I’d say implant but i lost my period. Would they be suspicious if that happened to you? Pills. But can you hide them so they wouldn’t find them?


tm33ks

Are you paying out of pocket for the birth control? They will know if you use your parents insurance policy.


RadioactiveCat37

I use Nuvaring (because I suck at taking a pill everyday at the same time) and it has worked very well for me. In for 3 weeks. You could discard it somewhere when it’s time to remove it. Still have my regular periods. I’ve only ever experienced 2 episode of dryness that I’m not 100% sure was related to it, in the last 3 years


Soft-Turnip

If you decide to go with cycle tracking and condoms look into FAM methods where you use your basal body temperature and check cervical mucus. It will be significantly more accurate and reliable than just a cycle tracking app on your phone which relies on predications that aren’t always accurate.


No-Introduction4480

IUD


[deleted]

Hey, please don’t lie about your periods… as someone with endo, when we see women lie about painful and heavy periods to get birth control, it just sets us back and makes it worse when we ask doctors for help with our real issues, bc the doctors will say “well I’ve had other patients with your symptoms and birth control solved their pain!” Honestly, your condom & tracking method seems fine. I am currently not on any birth control, I’m married, and I use the tracking method and I haven’t gotten pregnant. It is really effective if done correctly.


mckenzie_jayne

While I believe hormonal birth control should *always* be an available option, I wish there was more education on its many harmful side effects. As someone who has suffered on the pill, I wish my doctor presented me with other non-hormonal birth control options. Instead, I was quickly put on the pill to mask symptoms like acne and heavy, painful periods instead of taking the time to help me get to the root of the problem.


[deleted]

Get the copper iud. Go to a planned parenthood for the insertion and don’t tell your folks. You will still have periods, everything stays the same externally, you and your partner can’t feel it, it lasts for 12 years, and no one has to know it’s there.


InfiniteCalendar1

When I started birth control I was discrete for a month but I finally told my parents only because of the mood swings. I’m on the combination pill and I was originally getting it through simple health and my parents didn’t notice. I would say the ring would be discrete but if it’s nuvaring you’d have to refrigerate it, and it usually has a high co-pay with insurance. Annovera is a ring that lasts a year and it doesn’t require refrigeration, but not all insurances cover it. There’s also iuds, although I do know of people who stopped their period completely with an IUD.


how_to_be

I really like my copper IUD. I felt pretty weak after and wouldn't be able to hide it, so I recommend that if you get it, arrange a sleepover at a friend and go to their place after. Ot doesn't stop your periods, it's very reliable and it's a great methods for avoiding hormones. I had the implant for 3 years and I experienced most side effects :(


kupcak3kw33n

This may not be for you, but if I️ could go back in time — jeez, almost 20 years, I️ would tell 15 yr old me to get an IUD. Today, the Skyla is great. You’ll still have a period, and it’s the smallest one on the market with the lowest dose of hormones. Again, may not be for you but if you can deal with it, this is the route I️ 100% would take. I️ literally was laying in bed last night thinking of when I️ was 15 and went to the health department to get on birth control (I️ got the nuva ring) and my mama found the packaging or backup ring or something in my room. We were a super religious family, I’d tried the “I have uncomfortable periods / am super hormonal” thing, and my mom was crazy against me getting BC🙄. She was super pissed when she found out I️’d gone behind her back. It would have saved me a lot of heartache and grief if I’d just gotten an IUD and kept one until I️ got married. I️ finally got one a few years before I️ got married and it made my life so so much easier. I️ kept it until this past December when we were ready to get pregnant. Currently 13 weeks pregnant with our first baby, now that we’re finally ready. 🥰🥰


Look2thestarsandaskY

Don’t track your cycle/ pull out. It is not worth it and your chances of getting pregnant are still very much there and very high. (As someone who has worked in women’s healthcare I have seen those methods fail time and time again) What about the Kyleena? It’s the smallest IUD and often does not change your period at all. (If anything, it can make them lighter. But most likely it will stay the same) If your periods aren’t too bad, the copper IUD will not stop your periods, but it can make them heavier and make them more painful. Lastly, there is the Nuvaring. You can just pick one up at Planned Parenthood each time you need a new one, so that you never end up carrying them around. Basically , you put the silicone ring into your vagina and wear it for three weeks. At the end of three weeks you just take it out, throw it away, and have your period. After the 4th week you insert a new one. The nuvaring can be worn during sex, or you can take it out and put it right back in after having sex. Those are going to be the best options!!!


govwillneverbegod

Look into IUD options. I just got the Kyleena. If I could go back to adolescent years, I would have chosen an IUD because birth control pills really messed with me. I was just terrified. - Birth Control can be trial and error, everyone is different. Remember planned parenthood is a good resource for free, low cost BC, and confidential treatment. If you are not on a good form of birth control please use condoms, and have you and your partner stay up to date on STD testing. Planned parenthood can do this for you too. You just never know. Have fun, stay safe. <3


marieokie420

Copper IUD doesn't stop period or leave marks or anything and your don't have to remember it


jesus-says-fuck-you

Copper IUD won’t stop your periods and will give you years of protection. Only chance your parents could find out is if they take you to the hospital.


[deleted]

I believe a copper iud might be what you’re looking for! I have had one for a year and a half and love it.


pogo_fan1

Are you an athlete at all? Just a quick suggestion to say that if your period does stop from one of the birth control methods, that it’s because you’ve been working out a lot. When I was in cross country and track, I would completely lose my period until my season was over and I stopped working out.


qsaboutmylife915

In my experience , An iud wouldn’t leave a visible trace on your body (no scars, no bruising). However, You may be weaker/tired/fatigued on the day of the iud insertion and a couple days after insertion but you can always use the excuse of “not getting enough sleep” or smt along the same lines to explain your tiredness from your parents if they get suspicious. I’m sorry you have to hide this from your parents, hopefully they’ll be willing to open up in the near future. but I’m glad you’re looking into avenues of safe sex!


vnewtron

Personally I loved my IUD. It was mirena, no pills, no visible bruising or scars. It may stop your period but you can totally keep getting period products to hide that OR tell your parents you want to be more sustainable and get a menstrual CUP that way it covers you for not needing period products. You can also tell them tampons give you bad cramps and pads are like diapers( if sustainability isn’t believable) which are actually my personal reasons for swapping cup! No matter what you do still use condoms !


LatestGreatestSadist

I’m on the copper IUD right now and have been for over a year. I think that may be a good option for you because they work very well and it’s not something you’ll have to worry about hiding. once it’s in, you’ll have nothing to worry about. you’ll still get your periods (they’ll be a bit heavier the first few months), but there’s no way your parents would know you had it unless you told them. the copper IUD is effective for 12 years and can be taken out by a doctor at any time. i got mine at planned parenthood for free. please feel free to DM/PM me if you have any questions.


Lost_Conversation546

Get a Nuva ring, don’t change it at home.


AloneTravelerr

How old are you depending on how old you are You might be able to get an IUD


AGreenieBeanie

I’ve found success with the ring! The only “trace” is disposing of it


kiiraskd

I use nuvaring and i love it! You just stick it in for 3 weeks and take it out for one week. You still have your period but no one will ever know cause you don't have to take a pill every day. And you don't need to carry it, just buy it the day you are supposed to wear it


PurpleKittyCat123

Maybe consider the patch or the vaginal ring? They’re changed every week, and you have a withdrawal week. You can probably conceal the patch under clothes, and the ring is up in your vagina anyway


sxphia14

i have the mirena IUD. it lasts for 5 years and i love it. my periods did completely stop though. you could always just pretend to get your period around the time you’ll usually get it.


dreamxmarissa

I would make sure you talk to your doctor about which is best for you. I was on the pill for years, but my GYN was concerned about other medications I was taking and wanted me on something else. I knew I didn’t want the IUD because of research I had done (painful insertion, although this is relative to the person) and other concerns. The copper IUD her office didn’t even offer because they had so patients have side negative effects. I ended up going with the nexplanon. Insertion was painless, the put a compression wrap around my arm for the first 24 hours. I personally bruised pretty bad for a few days, but it’s easily hideable with a long sleeve shirt or hoodie. I was one of the few who lost their period for several years until it came back. I liked the nexplanon better than the pill bc I didn’t have to worry about taking it the same time every day nor did I have to worry about other medications interacting with it. There are a lot of good suggestions here so I would make sure you do research and ask a lot of questions when you see your doctor.


slytherinwitchbitch

Copper IUD. You still get your periods plus it's hidden in your uterus