What made you stop taking birth control pills and what are the other options?

Hi everyone! I have been on a low dose of combo pills for 8 months. I am considering to stop using the pills since I have been going hard times. However, I have no clue about the other options, any side effects and how effective they are.. I am also curious about what made you decide to stop using the pills if you did? Even though I already realised the side effects months ago, I am too stubborn to stop taking them and let my bf know their effects on me..