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A note on contraception:
There's something I've wanted to talk about for a while, but I didn't, because I obviously believe in bodily autonomy - especially with regards to reproductive rights.
But as with many medical things, it's never crystal clear. I've decided to speak -
There's something I've wanted to talk about for a while, but I didn't, because I obviously believe in bodily autonomy - especially with regards to reproductive rights.
But as with many medical things, it's never crystal clear. I've decided to speak -
as I've seen lots of women on my TL talking about getting the loop; going on the injection & being happy that their periods have stopped etc.
I was this exact person. I went on the injection (Nur Isterate) when I was 19. I wanted the BEST goalkeeper possible. The gynae I went
I was this exact person. I went on the injection (Nur Isterate) when I was 19. I wanted the BEST goalkeeper possible. The gynae I went
to advised against it, but still prescribed it to me and gave me my first jab.
Now, what most people (not necessarily Drs) say they don't like about these injections, is that they can 'make you sterile' or essentially hinder your ability to have children. As a 19 year old, you
Now, what most people (not necessarily Drs) say they don't like about these injections, is that they can 'make you sterile' or essentially hinder your ability to have children. As a 19 year old, you
can imagine I didn't exactly have an issue with that.
What I have since discovered, is that not being able to have children is a) not something the injection will cause and b) pales in comparison to the long term problems it's caused me.
What I have since discovered, is that not being able to have children is a) not something the injection will cause and b) pales in comparison to the long term problems it's caused me.
Now, this is not something discussed when contraception is on the table: ANY contraception, being hormonal in nature, causes an imbalance in your endocrine system. The continued use of them exacerbates that. The injection affected my thyroid, my progesterone levels, and even
worse, it triggered my depression, and has even resulted in a mild mood disorder. (THIS IS BY NO MEANS SAYING it *CAUSES* these conditions, but it exacerbated it in my case.)
Getting your endocrine system back to any semblance of balance is VERY difficult, and I won't go into
Getting your endocrine system back to any semblance of balance is VERY difficult, and I won't go into
that. But the truth of the matter is, not all doctors have a thorough knowledge of the endocrine system, and WE aren't educated on this INCREDIBLY vital part of our bodies, which - if balanced - can essentially negate many health issues.
And I obviously support reproductive
And I obviously support reproductive
rights & your right to birth control. But if you can, please:
avoid any contraceptive that stops your period; avoid using them if you don't need to (i.e. prescribed for other conditions, not having sex). If you can, physical contraception is always better.
It has caused me so
avoid any contraceptive that stops your period; avoid using them if you don't need to (i.e. prescribed for other conditions, not having sex). If you can, physical contraception is always better.
It has caused me so
many issues, which will take me ages to mitigate. If I can help prevent that for you, I'll be happy.
*disclaimer - I'm obviously not a Dr, and would recommend that every woman go to an endocrinologist at least once, to establish which options are best for you.
*disclaimer - I'm obviously not a Dr, and would recommend that every woman go to an endocrinologist at least once, to establish which options are best for you.
