None of us are beginners when it comes to birth control. Since middle school, they’ve been pounding the importance of condom use and safe sex into our brains. We’ve all traded period nightmares with our friends and know of someone who has been forced into the awkward conversation with her mother about the “unbarable cramps” that are giving her no choice but to seek a prescription. Maybe you’ve even taken it upon yourself to set up a meeting with your gynocologist or have scheduled an appointment with Health Services to discuss your options? Some of us advocate for it, and some of us are completely against it, but either way the topic of birth control is one that we, as women are responsible for educating ourselves about.
Since talking with a complete stranger about the needs of your vagina is uncomfortable for most of us, but Googling questions about discharge missing a pill is not, Bedsider.Org has created a way for us to access information online (that is a little more valid and in depth than what you may find on Yahoo Answers). Bedsider is an online support network operated by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregancy. It outlines the options for young women who are seeking to prevent unplanned pregnancies…which means all of us! There’s tons of different ways to do this, and most of us don’t know about more than 3 of them.
The Methods: Every single one of us is different, which is why it would be absurd to expect us all to use one method of birth conrol. Depending on your needs and wants, the birth control that is best for you may vary.
IUD
Implant
Shot
Patch
Ring
Pill
Diaphragm
Male Condom
Female Condom
Cervical Cap
Sponge
Spermicide
Sterilization
“Not Right Now”
Emergency Contraception
Withdrawl
Fertility Awareness
….are all different methods to prevent unplanned pregancy. Haven’t heard of all of them? Us either. For more information on each of the above, visit Bedsider.org and explore which one is the right fit for you and your lifestyle!
The questions: I missed 3 pills in a row! What do I do? Can my partner feel my IUD? I think my birth control is making me gain weight, should I try another one? What if my partner is complaining that condoms reduce sensitivity? Is anal sex safer than vaginal sex? How do I know if I have an STI? We can’t answer any of these, but Bedsider.org has a forum that includes all of the above, as well as the emails to address and the numbers to dial if your question isn’t there, or needs a more in depth answer!
Reminders: An alarm goes off at 5:00 pm. Your roommate isn’t sleeping, and it’s not her boyfriend calling. Another awkward birth control reminder, and another chance for Bedsider.org to take the awkward out your life! You can set up reminders on their siet to send you a text you when it’s time to take your pill, or even schedule your next pap smear!
We love this site because it gives us the opportunity to take control over something we love and care about…our vaginas and our sex lives! Check it out and educate yourself about how to protect yourself against unplanned pregnancy, because the chances are if you’re too busy to remember to take a little pill every evening, you’re probably too busy to be changing a diaper!
Get Involved:
Additionally, if all of this interests you, Bedsider is offering up a chance for you to get involved! The organization (which is not funded by pharmaceutical companies or the government) is looking for volunteer Campus Reps (you) to host In the Wild events and entertain, engage and inform collegiettes and collegents about birth control! Bedsider Campus Reps can gain work experience all while making a difference in public health, generating awareness, starting conversations, and helping college women and men learn about birth control options and get on top of their sex lives!
If you’re interested, you can apply here by September 22nd!