Birth control is often talked about like a single decision - pick a method, take it, move on. In reality, it affects far more than pregnancy prevention. It can change your bleeding, your pain, your mood, your skin, your libido, and how you feel in your own body. If choosing birth control has ever felt confusing or overwhelming, you’re not alone. There is no “best” option — only what fits your body, priorities, and tolerance for trade-offs.

Let’s talk about that appointment you keep rescheduling. You know the one — awkward, uncomfortable, and battling the dentist for your least favorite appointment. The Pap smear may not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your health. And once you know what it’s actually doing (and what to expect), it gets a whole lot less scary. Let’s break it down.