Breaking the Birth Control Stigma
Since joining the board of the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network in 2023, I have been deeply moved by the strong support for our mission from Idahoans across the state. We came together to form this network in hopes of creating a safe space where Idahoans of all backgrounds can seek unbiased information about contraceptives and together, champion efforts to preserve and expand access to these important tools. What we’ve heard affirms our work and also has touched my heart.
We know that contraceptives are most commonly prescribed and used to prevent pregnancy, but what may be more of a surprise is how frequently contraceptives are used in medical applications that extend far beyond pregnancy prevention. We've heard from family members, friends, and residents across the state that using contraceptives to manage medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, acne, and other health issues has significantly improved their quality of life.
Many peer reviewed journals and studies indicate that contraceptives can help alleviate menstrual pain and affiliated symptoms, but what is lacking in those studies is the real humans behind the data [1]. These are people with aspirations, passions and to-do lists. They are living, working and raising families in Idaho. They are athletes on our favorite college sports teams. They are homemakers. They are church leaders. They are teachers. They are executives. They are up at 4 AM to feed the cows. They are friends, family members and colleagues. And, they have unbearably painful cycles, migraines, mood imbalances and chronic, painful conditions – all of which are often improved significantly by the use of contraceptives.
What is perplexing about hearing these stories is how commonplace they are and yet how infrequently we discuss these applications. Creating a stigma around this topic shrouds it in mystery and creates room for assumptions to be made. The reality is, millions of Americans utilize or have utilized some form of contraception. The estimation is as many as 90% of females aged 18-64 have used contraception in their lifetime [2]. Of those users, millions are treating challenging medical symptoms to great success.
While I am not here to offer medical advice, it is clear that contraceptives have even broader impact than they get credit for. Protecting access to these important tools is crucial not only for family planning and pregnancy prevention purposes, but also for the health and well-being of the heroes of our daily lives—some of whom may be quietly fighting a battle we know nothing of.
The Guttmacher Institute, The Right to Contraception in the United States
Kaiser Family Foundation, Contraception in the United States
