I have been thinking about the birth control pill lately and was particularly inspired by this youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oDyCx3A6Ao

I think Sarah Haskins brings up a very interesting point about BC pills, they are not marketed to us for the right reasons. Period control? Mood control? Acne cure? All these reasons have been created as a way to make it easier for women to feel as though they can ask for birth control...but is this mislead/damaging to women?

To me, I wonder why we can't just be honest about the pill....regular periods are a plus but I primarily take birth control because I enjoy having condom-less sex with my partner without the risk of pregnancy. It is that simple. Right now, pregnancy for me is such a serious concern that I take birth control despite potential health risks (from any hormonal birth control) such as blood clots, weight gain, and the unknown consequences of having too much hormones pumped into my blood stream on a daily basis.

So why am I being sold birth control for my menstrual cramps? Is it because all BC pills work the same way and they need to distinguish between different brands for profit? Is it because we are still too afraid of women admitting they enjoy having sex just for the sake of pleasure rather than reproduction? And does it on some level make it easier for young women to be able to get their hands on the pill if...

Shout-out to all the females who want to step up and take control of your protection; your moment in the sun has finally arrived!  The Female Health Company has developed a new version of the female condom made of synthetic latex in a considerably less expensive manufacturing process--and it was approved this week by the FDA Advisory Panel.  FC2  prevents the transmission of STIs and prevents pregnancy, allowing women not only the opportunity to be in charge of their contraception, but their overall health as well.  Plus, the new device has the potential for wider acceptability and utilization since it is expected to be more affordable for individuals and programs, the latter of which might actually push it this time around.  Oh, and did I mention that it feels and sounds slightly less like a Ziplock sandwich bag?

Our own Dr. Colleen Hoff, director of the Center on Research on Gender and Sexuality, co-authored a study on the OG female condom...