Birth Control
Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is essential to our health, well-being, and even economic success.
Access to safe, effective, and affordable contraception is essential to our health, well-being, and even economic success. Yet all too often, good information can be hard to find. And decisions made by distant policymakers — some well-intentioned, others not so much — can get in the way. The following fact sheets and articles touch on the health information and policy advocacy knowledge you need to make good choices for your health while becoming a smart activist for contraceptive access.
Health Facts
Health Facts: Emergency Contraception
By: NWHN Staff Birth Control, Emergency Contraception, Levonorgestrel, Plan B, Ulipristal Fact Sheets, Health InfoEmergency Contraception (EC) is a birth control method used after unprotected sex or when a primary form of contraception fails. It is generally used only in these specific situations and is not advised for use as regular contraception.
Health Facts: Hormonal Birth Control and Blood Clot Risk
By: NWHN Staff Birth Control, Blood Clots, Combined Hormonal Contraception, Hormonal Birth Control Fact Sheets, Health InfoEven the safest drugs and medical devices carry some risk of side effects but with good information about the risks and benefits of various birth control methods, you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.
Policy Info
Reproductive Coercion and Sterilization Abuse
By: NWHN Staff Gynecological Health, Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs), Reproductive Rights, Sterilization Fact Sheets, Health InfoIt’s not possible to understand present-day reproductive coercion, or its lasting impact on marginalized communities, without understanding the United States’ long history of sterilization abuse.
Contraception Self-Advocacy
By: Tessa Ruff Birth Control, Reproductive Freedom, Reproductive Health, Securing Sexual & Reproductive Health and Autonomy Deep Dive ArticlesAdvocating for yourself in the provider’s office
is a crucial part of ensuring that you get the best contraception care for you. Here are a few tips and strategies.
Smartphone Contraception: Policy Issues
By: NWHN Contributor Apps, Birth Control, FDA Advocacy, Natural Cycles, Pregnancy Fact Sheets, Policy UpdatesNatural Cycles is a high-tech version of the classic rhythm method (also called natural family planning or the fertility awareness method) in which users track their ovulation cycles in order to avoid pregnancy.
Policy Issues: Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
By: NWHN Staff Activist Resources, Birth Control, Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs), Securing Sexual & Reproductive Health and Autonomy CampaignsAggressive promotion of LARCs—or of any method—infringes on reproductive autonomy, and can’t be separated from the broader context of reproductive coercion.
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Online access to birth control can be a convenient and easy way to get your preferred method. But like everything else, shopping online for prescription birth control can be confusing if you don't know what to expect.
Phexxi is a contraceptive gel that works by taking advantage of the vagina’s natural acidity to reduce sperm’s vulnerability to acidic environments.
Why Am I Hearing About a New Study on Essure When It’s No Longer In Use?
By: Evita Almassi ,Birth Control, Essure, Permanent Contraception, Since You Asked Women’s Health FAQsEssure (a permanent non-hormonal, non-surgical birth control method) is no longer available in the U.S. - but many women still have the device in place, and a study of the device, mandated by the FDA is ongoing.
Why We’re Skeptical of Conservative Support for Over-the-Counter Contraception
By: Sarah Christopherson ,Birth Control, Over-The-Counter Deep Dive ArticlesShould we be thrilled that conservatives are embracing over-the-counter access for birth control? When something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Female-Controlled Barrier Methods: Forgotten but Not Gone
By: Ginny Cassidy-Brinn ,Birth Control, Diaphragm, Female Condom, Internal Condom, Intrauterine Device (IUD), Vaginal Barriers Deep Dive ArticlesToday, higher-tech methods have eclipsed diaphragms, but the method is being rediscovered by people who are dissatisfied by hormonal options or non-hormonal IUDs. Updated: Feb 10, 2020
How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis After Having Taken Depo-Provera?
By: NWHN Staff ,Birth Control, Bone Health, Bone Mineral Density (BMD), Depo-Provera, Since You Asked Women’s Health FAQsWhen Depo Provera was approved for use in the U.S. in 1992, preliminary research indicated that women who used Depo Provera experienced a loss of bone mineral density (BMD), which might put them at higher risk for osteoporosis and bone...
The History Behind Your Birth Control
By: Gabriela Salas ,Birth Control, The Women's Health Activist Newsletter Deep Dive ArticlesToday we’re saying #ThxBirthControl to celebrate the ways that birth control gives people the power to plan, space, and prevent pregnancy, empowering them to determine their own reproductive futures. Recognizing the importance of affordable, safe, and effective contraception in women’s...
FDA Meeting – Agile Transdermal Contraceptive Patch AG200-15
By: Sarah Christopherson ,Birth Control, FDA Advocacy TestimonyTestimony Delivered at the Meeting of the FDA Bone, Reproductive and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee
FDA Comments – Draft Guidance for Hormonal Contraceptive Products
By: Sarah Christopherson ,Birth Control TestimonyPublic comments on FDA guidance for the development of new, safe and effective hormonal contraceptive products.
TFW your tax dollars help promote an anti-birth control birth control app.
By: Maggie Gorini ,Birth Control, FEMM Deep Dive ArticlesIt’s called FEMM and you don’t want it anywhere near your personal life.