school, stress, and birth control

Students SRNA

Published

Hi everyone! I am starting my program in a few short months. I'm a little nervous but also really excited, and I'm getting my affairs in order (leaving work, finances, ect.) The last thing I need to get in line is baby prevention! My boyfriend and I have been together for years, we have decided to wait to get married until I graduate, and this is definitely NOT the right time for us to be having kids. All my friends who are currently in the program are telling me "get on the pill ASAP!" The problem is that I get extremely anxious/depressed and exhausted when on the pill and IUD is not an option for me (tried it once, extreme pain, never again) We have always been extremely cautious with barrier methods, proper use, every single time. However, this still makes me nervous because condoms are not always reliable, and we can't handle a pregnancy when I'm in school (financially or otherwise). I'm debating whether I should just take the pill and deal with the side effects (although any extra anxiety or fatigue during school would be unwelcome) or continue with condoms and pray that we don't get unlucky. Sorry if this was a little TMI, just trying to make the right decision before I start school and have zero time to worry about it. Any friendly advice or suggestions are welcome!

Trauma Columnist

traumaRUs, MSN, APRN

88 Articles; 21,249 Posts

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

While we wish you the best in school, we can not provide medical advice. Please follow with your provider.

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