I was having a discussion with someone the other day (cannot remember who it was for the life of me), and we were talking about birth control. The term "Birth Control" has many specific definitions. It can mean the pill, the shot, the ring, a condom, any form of vasectomy or tube-tying, or even abstinence. I'm sure there are many more out there that I haven't heard of, but nonetheless. With all of these methods, how can we know which one works and which one is a waste of money? Well, clearly the cheapest and most effective way to prevent birth is abstinence, but let's be real here...we're living in a generation full of hormones. Here's the two most common birth control methods and they're possible side effects:
The pill: Ladies, this one's for you. It seems like you can walk down the street for not 5 minutes, and I guarantee you will walk by at least one girl who's on the pill. I've recently found out that girls as young as 11 or 12 are on the pill! I mean, when confronted about it, many girls will say it's used to "clear up the acne". Right.
Now, I'm not in a great position to debate birth control seeing as it's been prominent in my household for as long as I can remember. I personally have been on birth control since I was about 13 years old. Birth Control Pills seemed to be the only way (according to my doctor) to cure, or at least cover up the condition I have called : Endometriosis. (say that one five times fast). Oh, and by the way, I hate it. The pill is designed to change your hormones in order to prevent ovulation during the 3 *cough* OTHER *cough* weeks of the month. I have been on pills that made me borderline bi-polar. Not to mention how expensive it was! You're looking at an average of 30$ a month for this. You're paying the equivalent of your cell-phone bill for a tiny little pill that is NOT 100% effective.
A condom: Alright, we all know that condoms are not completely effective. In fact, they are 98% effective, if used right. (I should be citing my source right about here, but I learned that from an episode of Friends about 7 years ago.) So needless to say, no one should rely completely on using a condom to prevent pregnancy. They break, they slip, the expire, etc... Do not, I repeat, DO NOT rely completely on condoms when having sex. It's best if each person is on some form of birth control.
Birth control must be one of the biggest controversies of this generation! honestly 11 years old? DAMN at that age you don't even have acne! Condom are still reliable, like only 2% failures so its still a way to go, plus its one of the cheapest and easiest!
ReplyDeleteP.S. love the brakets by the way, especially the last source ;P
I believe that if you don't want to get pregnant before you get married, just don't do it, but hey, that's only me. When I went to my doctor, he said that Birth Control is used to help clear the acne on the face/back/other areas. I agree with Thor666 though, you don't even have acne at the age, chill with the pill. When we mean take a chill pill, we don't mean this one.
ReplyDeleteWell, good job, keep up the good work.
Well.. I would like to start off by saying, thank God for all forms of birth control. It saves so many people from difficult situations. At the same time I strongly believe that if two people decide to have intercourse then they do so knowing the risks involved. Therefore, I think that the precautionary mesures they take to prevent a pregnancy is entirely up to them.
ReplyDelete-Nick M
Birth control can be a good decision for some people and it can be a bad decision for others. I've heard of stories where this pill can make a girl gain weight just because her hormones are out of balance. Also the hassle in remembering to always take it I'm sure sucks. Also for condoms I agree with what Nick said above, the two people should know what they're getting themselves into and take proper precautions, if you don't wanna end up on the show 16 and pregnant just don't have intercourse but clearly nowadays that's easier said than done for most people.
ReplyDeleteRight now I am on birth control (I really don't care who knows). I was on it before because I was prescribed medicine that needed me to take birth control in conjunction. Obviously, it's for my acne. But on the other side, if you really think you are ready for intercourse you should be fully aware of the consquences. If you are at least going to have intercourse you should be at least responsible enought to take the necessary precautions to not end up pregnant; and if taking birth control is that precaution then go for it.
ReplyDeleteI definitely enjoyed reading this :P It's true, people should probably use more than one birth control, but like you said, the cost is nuts. And of course, very few people will stay abstinent, it's just the way the world works. Although taking a pill the same time everyday and the side effects are unbelievably annoying,its definitely the smart thing to do
ReplyDeleteIf you read the label for birth control, it says it may cause depression, suicidal thoughts, etc. Of course when I started it, I didn't think twice about that, but five months later I was doing terribly and we couldn't figure out why. My mom suggested it was because if the pill, and that I should stop taking it, so I did. A month later and I'm back to normal! I'd really recommend something different, but I guess that's from a personal experience... I think people should just use their brains and not have sex until they're ready and smart enough to protect themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting blog, well for the simple fact that...I wasn't very informed on birth control. I had a slight idea of what it is but never really got around it.l think birth control is a great idea for those teens that decide to not use condoms. It's doesnt mean that it might prevent the girl to get pregnant but atleast it's a 50\50 chance. But kids as my father would say '' use a condom!''
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think all girls should be on some sort of birth control or always have 'a condom' available because you never know when the big day or when your occasional (if your like that haha) will take place.
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