The Stigma Around Birth Control

Although there are a lot of side effects of birth control, it is not a bad thing and it shouldn’t be looked at as one. It helps so many women with so many different things, other than preventing pregnancy, such as easing menstrual cramps, clearing acne, balancing hormones, and helps prevent certain kinds of cancers. Birth control helps women who suffer from PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles. In addition, women can feel more comfort and security if they choose to have sex. Whether a woman is on birth control and not or whether they choose to stop or begin taking it is nobody’s business except for the women’s. As women we seem to never be able to win, and it is the same when talking about birth control. Whatever form of contraceptive or safe sex practice we choose to partake in as women, society will always find a way to tell us we are wrong. So do what you want to, if you choose to not take birth control, that’s ok! And if you chose to take birth control, that’s ok! Because at the end of the day it’s your body. The stigma of birth control is still around, however the more that we talk about it and people become more educated on the topic then this stigma could end.

As women we are judged and looked at poorly for many different things. Our bodies, our behaviors, attitudes, and unfortunately the medications we take, specifically birth control. 

Now while this experience of judgment about birth control may not affect everyone, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t affect someone. There is a large stigma around birth control, whether you chose to take it or not, someone always has something to say about your decision. Women who decide to take birth control are sometimes looked at poorly or as promiscuous because society thinks that these women just take it because they want to have sex and not get pregnant. Which in my opinion is perfectly fine and none of anyone’s business. Women who chose to not take birth control are sometimes heavily criticized and looked down upon for not being safe if sexually active, even if they chose other safe sex practices.A person in my life once told me that I was “dumb” for not being on birth control. Even if a woman is taking birth control to regulate her period, balance hormones, or for any other reason other than a safe sex practice, society seems to always tie it back to sex. 

There is also a stigma around women on birth control when it comes to having an intimate relationship, if a woman says no to participating in sex, often some men’s responses are “but aren’t you on birth control”. Birth control is not consent, nor does it mean that a woman who is taking birth control is sexually active. Women also may be pressured by their partner to get on birth control to prevent pregnancy, but why is it always the woman’s responsibility to take measures to prevent pregnancy. Society tends to keep talk about birth control and women’s reproductive health very quiet and secretive. This stigma around contraception and birth control makes women feel ashamed of the choices that they are making for their own bodies. On the other hand if there was a type of birth control that was made for men then it would most likely be talked about, accepted, and possibly even praised by the public. Many men are quick to tell a woman to get on birth control, however many men who say things like this don’t know what can come with going on birth control. Side effects of depression, high blood pressure, weight gain, and the list goes on and on. I think that if more men knew the side effects and potential risks of birth control, they might rethink what they have to say about it.