[Opinion] Lovercolumn: Birth Control

“THE PLUMBER”

Executive Producer of Lovercall

“THE ELECTRICIAN”

Lovercall Producer 

Birth control is often a taboo and controversial topic. But without talking about it, women and young couples lose access to proper education and resources that guide them in having safe sex. 

This week on Lovercall, we decided to dive into the topic of birth control and the different methods people can use. 

Date idea of the week

Before we discuss our main topic, we at Lovercall hope to provide our fellow students with a fun and unique date idea in every column. 

This week, we here at Lovercall think going on a thrifting date is a good way to welcome in the warmer season.

Saving some money on new clothes, you and your partner could help each other find a new fit for the season. Dressing up your partner could be a part of the fun.

There are a few thrift stores in the Fredonia area, so you have plenty of options if one store is a bust.

One such example is Recollected, a vintage and secondhand clothing store. 

You could also go to the Salvation Army Family Store or other local thrift stores for a day of fun.

Birth control methods 

There are several different methods of birth control. 

Birth control is not only used to prevent pregnancy but also to help avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Depending on your goal, the different methods may help you in different ways. 

Surely your high school health teacher told you that the number one way to prevent pregnancy and STDs is abstinence, or not having sex. 

But that’s not realistic. College students not identifying as asexual are likely going to have sex at some point — if not in college, during some time in their lives. 

So for those choosing to have sex, here are some ways you can stay safe. 

1. Condoms
   1. Perhaps one of the most commonly discussed birth control methods is condoms. Condoms are a latex-based product that prevents sperm from entering a vagina. Since sperm does not enter the system, condoms protect users from STDs. According to Planned Parenthood, condoms are 98% effective at protecting pregnancy. 
2. The Pill
   1. The birth control pill is a hormonal form of contraception, which means that hormones such as progestin and estrogen are released, which prevents pregnancy. An active pill is taken daily at the same time for three weeks, and then an inactive pill is taken for one week while the user ovulates. To go on a birth control pill, you first need to talk to your doctor and get a prescription. With most insurances, birth control pills are covered. The pill is 91% effective, as people often forget to take the pill daily. Additionally, birth control pills do not protect users against STDs. “The Electrician” shared that while she does experience occasional symptoms from being on the pill, her experience has been overall positive, and she recommends it for those just starting birth control. 
3. IUDs
   1. An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small, t-shaped object that is inserted into the uterus. IUDs are inserted by a medical professional. There are two major types of IUDs: copper and hormonal. The copper IUD is made of copper and is inserted to help protect against pregnancy. These kinds of IUDs may lead to heavier and more painful menstrual cycles, but protect against pregnancy for up to 10 years. Hormonal IUDs are similarly placed on the uterus but release hormones to avoid pregnancy. Hormonal IUDs also stay in place for up to 10 years. IUDs do not protect against STDs, but they are very effective in preventing pregnancy. Planned Parenthood estimates they are 99% effective. 
4. The shot
   1. An additional form of contraception is Depo-Provera, also known as “the shot.” While it may sound scary to get a shot as a form of birth control, this form of birth control lasts for three months at a time. The hormone progestin is injected into the user, and it can be administered by either the user themselves or a medical professional. Some users of Depo-Provera have noted similar side effects as other hormonal methods, such as weight gain, but using the shot helps remove the forgetfulness that may come with using the pill. The shot is around 94% effective and does not prevent STDs.
5. Other methods
   1. There are several other methods of birth control people can use to practice safe sex. We at Lovercall recommend talking to your doctor about which methods are best for you. We hope this was informative and helps you see what options are available to you and your partner. 

Resources

There are several resources available to help give you further information about birth control and contraceptive methods. 

Planned Parenthood:

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/contraception/more_information/resources 

Center for Disease Control and Protection: 

https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm

Reach out!

Do you want to ask the authors of Lovercolumn a question? Do you need advice? Fill out the form by using this QR code. Interested in being a guest on Lovercall? Email frs@fredonia.edu or visit Fredonia Radio Systems, located in McEwen Hall 115 and open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The Plumber” and “The Electrician” are members of Fredonia Radio Systems and are involved in the production of Lovercall.