Birth Control

So today I made the decision to go on birth control. I'm a little nervous of the side effects, but I figure it'll improve my overall quality of life because I won't have to deal with such painful periods now. I almost feel like the option was thrust upon me, though. Upon telling the doctor I usually had painful periods and ovulation cramps, she immediately jumped to the conclusion that I wanted to be on birth control, and she spent the rest of my half hour appointment convincing me that I needed it. I'm hesitant because of the risks, obviously, and knowing people who suffered from the side effects, and it may have a negative effect on my ability to have children in the future.

Did I even make the right choice? I guess I have three months to test it out, and we'll see. The one I'm on is called Aviane. Has anyone used this kind? What do you use? I'm hoping I made the right decision, but it's not the end of the world, right? What are your experiences with birth control?