Back to Campus

Heading Back to Campus: Making Smart, Safe Birth Control Choices for Your Health

As the new school year begins, college campuses buzz with excitement and fresh starts. Whether you’re a first-year student navigating dorm life or a returning upperclassman juggling coursework, internships, and social life, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your personal health, which includes making informed decisions about birth control.

While access to contraception is often more convenient in a university setting, the wide range of options can also feel overwhelming. What’s most important is choosing a method that not only fits your lifestyle and preferences but also supports your overall health, particularly if you have any risk factors for conditions like blood clots, high blood pressure, migraines, or a family history of clotting.

Here’s what to consider when making your birth control choices this semester:

Know Your Options

Birth control today goes far beyond “the pill.” Here are some common categories:

Hormonal methods: This includes the pill, patch, ring, injection, and hormonal IUDs. These methods rely on synthetic hormones to prevent ovulation and are highly effective when used correctly.
Non-hormonal methods: Options like the copper IUD or barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms) offer alternatives for those who want to avoid hormones altogether.
Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC): Hormonal and copper IUDs, as well as implants, fall into this category. Once placed, they can last for 3–10 years, depending on the device.
Emergency contraception: Available over-the-counter in most states, this is a backup—not a primary method—of birth control.

Understanding these categories is the first step toward making an empowered decision. But the next step is often even more important: understanding your own health.

Talk to a Healthcare Provider Who Takes Time to Listen

If you haven’t had a detailed conversation with a healthcare provider about birth control, now’s the time. Student health centers usually offer contraceptive counseling, but it’s important to make sure you’re being heard.

Some key questions to ask during your appointment:

What birth control options are available to me?
Are there any methods I should avoid based on my medical history?
How does my family history (e.g., stroke, clotting disorders, cancer) impact my options?
What are the pros and cons of hormonal vs. non-hormonal methods?

A good provider will take time to review your health history and not just hand you a prescription. If they don’t, advocate for yourself or seek a second opinion. Your health is too important to rush through.

Be Aware of Blood Clot Risks

Combined hormonal contraceptives like the pill, patch, and ring contain estrogen, which is associated with an increased risk of dangerous blood clots. While the risk is still relatively low for most young people, it can increase significantly if you have:

A personal or family history of blood clots
A genetic clotting disorder (like factor V Leiden)
Migraine with aura
Obesity, or you smoke (especially over age 35)

Clot symptoms can be subtle or sudden and they include painful leg swelling, unexplained shortness of breath, or chest pain. If you ever experience these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.

If you’re unsure about your risk, a clotting history checklist or even genetic testing may help you and your doctor make a safer choice.

Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

Some hormonal birth control users report changes in mood, anxiety, or depression. While the research is mixed, it’s a real concern for many. If you’ve had mental health challenges in the past, talk openly with your provider about what you’ve experienced and what to watch for.

There may be safer options that won’t interfere with your emotional well-being, including progestin-only methods or non-hormonal options.

Find What Works for You

Your roommate’s birth control method may be totally wrong for you. And that’s okay.

Your decision should consider:

Convenience (daily pill vs. long-acting implant)
Privacy (some methods are more discreet than others)
Health (family history, personal risk factors)
Cost and coverage (what’s available through student health or your insurance)

You deserve a method that fits your values, your body, and your life — not just one that’s “standard” or most commonly prescribed.

Make Time for Preventive Care

College life is busy, but don’t skip your annual checkups. Your birth control needs and health risks can change over time. Make it a habit to check in with a healthcare provider at least once a yearand anytime you experience new symptoms, side effects, or changes in your medical history.

Conclusion

Heading back to campus means more than buying books and finding your classes. It’s a moment to prioritize your health, autonomy, and future. Birth control isn’t one-size-fits-all, and making an informed choice now can help you avoid health risks later.

Whether you’re focused on preventing pregnancy, managing painful periods, or supporting your mental health, there’s an option that’s right for you. Ask questions, know your risks, and choose what’s best for you.

Your body. Your health. Your future.