We know this is a stressful time, we hope that our resources are able to bring some comfort in this unstable time. We are experiencing this together!

Contraception

What is contraception?

Contraception is a mechanism physical or medicinal, that provides a prevention method to pregnancy for people typically assigned female at birth; however, some forms of contraception can be used and carried by people assigned male at birth. For these individuals with female reproductive organs, many want to limit when and if they have children, especially, when the age of many people experiencing their first menstrual cycle at ages 8-15 years. It's important that we keep in mind the many reasons that a person may need a contraceptive: menstrual cycle irregularities, to protect a person with health differences, protection from pregnancy, and protection from an increase in violence for those experiencing domestic and sexual violence.

Consent and Sexual Health Conversation Disclaimer:

It's important that we increase health awareness around the topics of sex, because sexual partners are sharing fluids and bodily contact, which can permanently affect one's health. Being aware of all the health positives and awareness of potential negatives, is what allows for a person to make an informed decision, which is required for proper Consent. No one should ever be pressured into having sex, which includes any type of convincing, talking someone into, or suggesting something should happen. Consent should be clear and enthusiastic, for all partners involved. Someone should never be so caught up in their own pleasure, that another person's pleasure, comfort, or consent is over-ridden or ignored.

Often people who want to have conversations about sex, are not doing so in a way that is comfortable, consensual, and/or without assumption. These traits can build habits that are predatory, and unsafe for people to engage with. It's vitally important that we learn how to de-sexualize the conversations around sex, so that we can be both clinical and caring about the way we interact with eachother's bodies. If there are people significantly older than you, or that have power over your position in a work place, try to engage in conversations about sex (specifically without your invitation); its likely that they often participate in that type of predatory behavior.

Often people in community don't want to call out the prevalence of the predatory nature in romantic, platonic, and sexual relationships around them, which can cause direct harm to the community. However, we also have to understand the historical roots of abuse and manipulation of AFAB people, and how most AFAB people are constantly at risk of violence from men. When an AFAB person is pregnant, the most likely way for them to die is murder by a man. 1 in 6 AFAB people have been sexually assaulted; all AFAB people know someone whose been sexually assaulted. While these often only mention the extremes, all forms of violence, manipulation, abuse, and assault, are never okay; and we should do everything in our power to not let these systems continue to hold power and take hold of over lives. When people are able to manipulate the systems of which a person must live within, there will always be a lack of consent. Even when we believe we are taking the time to care about autonomy, we need to check in with the people around us to see what we can be doing better. Furthermore, when it is safe, we should do what we can to check in with the safe people around us when we are experiencing potentially abusive behaviors from any person. We have seen the extremes of these ideals throughout the darkest times in our human history, however these hateful and abusive ideals still run strong today. Among the many reasons people should take more time getting to know one another and learning the respect that people are willing to have for one another.

Sexual Education is a vital part of growing up, but not having the information can be dangerous and threatening to their ability to consent and stop unwanted or dangerous behavior from others.

We want to end this with the important statement: When you want to help vulnerable people, and when you want to help people be vulnerable, those environments will always attract predators. Predators are always actively looking for the types of groups and people that will allow them to flourish. It is important that when we do any work, from education on health to activism in the streets, we have to be eyes wide open for predatory behavior /nature in our peers. When handling that predatory behavior we have to be willing to let people respond to being told they are reproducing predatory behaviors or social constructs that cause harm. We must be able to call out these systems that oppress us by being predatory in our communities.

The Pill (Birth Control):

The regular pill is a combination of two different medications, that provides a prevention to pregnancy by changing the horomones in the body to continue the menstrual cycles. Not all contraception options include a menstrual cycle, but some are dependent on the person's body and its reaction. Many people begin their journey on the pill when they experience painful or heavy menstrual cycles in their younger years when first experiencing a menstrual cycle regularly. Having this ability to access the pill to regulate the horomones of your menstrual cycle may be an option for you, but make sure to talk with your doctor extensively about other options as well.

OPill (no perscription needed)

Opill's Story: "The first prescription birth control pill changed lives across the country. It gave people more control over their reproductive health and helped them plan for the future. But prescription oral contraceptives can be difficult to access for many individuals — especially those at a higher risk of unintended pregnancy. After nearly a decade of research and collaboration, Opill became the first prescription-free daily birth control pill in the US. This approval marks a major step forward in reproductive health and will help more people access the safe, effective contraception they deserve."

Nexplanon:

Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control implanted in the arm, that can be removed surgically when the patient no longer needs it or within 3-5 years. The implantation in the arm sometimes scares people away from this option, but the implantation is included with a guaranteed local anesthetic to numb the area. (A person on our team has one, "I felt a slight burn/pinch during insertion. It was sore and bruised the week after. No where similar to an IUD insertion, pain level wise. I also got mine done at Planned Parenthood for free!") Some people have a consistent or inconsistent menstrual cycles, but the majority of users do not experience a menstrual cycle during the use. ("You may experience longer or shorter bleeding during your periods or have no bleeding at all." @Nexplanon)

IUD (Intra Uterine Device):

This device is a T shape that sits in the cervix between the vaginal canal and uterus. There are hormonal and non-hormonal options for the IUD, however people have different side effects depending on their own body. The IUD also does not guarantee the lack of a menstrual cycle, but some people report inconsistent or lack of a menstrual cycle. Many OBGYNs do NOT provide a local anesthetic for an IUD placement, and many people report immense pain during and following the procedure. It is best to ask your doctor ahead of time if they provide any local anesthetic for a IUD placement and see what's best for you!

Condoms:

Condoms are a typically made of very thin latex (rubber), polyurethane or polyisoprene, that is in a shape that will cover the penis like a tight sock. Condoms are made with several different types of lubricants, some even have spermicide in the lubricant to have an added protectant. As many people will discuss, condoms are not always comfortable for the user or other participants in a sexual act; however, this does not given someone the right to refuse to wear a condom when asked by the other participant(s). Condoms also only have a 98% effectiveness at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and do not break. Condoms can only be used once per erection. So for every new erection you need to put on a new condom. Condoms also protect from STD transmission but are not always going to be 100% effective, so still get tested often when having sexual intercourse with new individuals.

Vasectomy:

A Vasectomy is a procedure performed on people assigned male at birth who still have the ability to ejaculate sperm that can be fertile. It is done by making a small incision in the skin surrounding the testes, and snipping the small tubes that transmit sperm through the penis to ejaculate. This procedure prevents pregnancy when the AMAB partner with a vasectomy participates in intercourse, by lack of sperm in the ejaculated fluids.

Spermicide Gel:

Spermicide typically comes in a gel form that you can insert to the vaginal canal before sexual intercourse that could result in a pregnancy. Definitely make sure you talk to your doctor about how to efficiently use this type of contraceptive as it can be around 80% effective when correctly applied. Make sure that is you are using this form of contraception that you con-side using a condom as well, or another form of contraception. This is considered an older form of contraception but still exists for our needs.

Tracking Days of your Menstrual Cycle:

Some people also use a method of tracking their cycle and seeing when they are able to have intercourse without a high chance of pregnancy. For many this is due to a bad reaction or experience with the hormonal contraceptive effects on the body, and for some it's a personal choice. Many people do not want to have other bodily changes that can come along with some of these contraceptive options, and this is a good way for them to continue to engage in their sexual lives without fear of pregnancy.