It should be no surprise that there is no “one size fits all” for contraceptive practices among young adults. Oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), female and male condoms, emergency oral contraceptives, and fertility tracking are just a few methods of protection. However, when individuals' access to these contraceptives is restricted by social, political, or cultural patterns they are subject to negative consequences. Unintended pregnancy and social taboos associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often have irreversible negative impacts on an individual's overall right to health. While avoiding unintended pregnancies is a common goal for individuals who use contraceptives, many of these methods also provide protection and physical barriers from STDs and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, some contraceptive methods provide individuals who menstruate relief from symptoms associated with menstruation.
Contraceptives come in all shapes and sizes that can be combined in various ways to tailor an individual's needs and beliefs surrounding conception, or avoiding it. Cultural, political and religious patterns may restrict one's access to appropriate contraceptives based on beliefs and practices. When a woman is unable to access the contraceptive she is comfortable with, her health rights are threatened.
On multiple occasions, the United States government provides examples of control over women’s reproductive rights. Originally approved in 2017 and upheld in 2020, under the Trump administration, the Supreme Court passed a mandate allowing corporations to control the healthcare coverage of their employees - including the coverage of contraceptives. For corporations controlled by people with strong religious values who view pregnancy as an act of God and out of human control, this is a dangerous mesh of church and state which threatens women’s bodily autonomy. This political overstep was a result of cultural and religious patterns influencing healthcare policy. The idea of divine intervention controlling conception and having to complete an unintended or unhealthy pregnancy is known as Fatalism. Although, I believe it has more to do with a lack of widespread universal sexual education. This idea of Fatalism is challenged by the reality that all women are in control of their bodies and have the right to choose if and when to complete a pregnancy.
While some groups view contraception or preventing pregnancy as a sin, many societies have the same stigma surrounding STDs and STIs. Rather than being taught preventative measures such as proper use of condoms and diaphragms, there is no universal sex education for young adults so the knowledge among groups varies. This particularly impacts people living in poverty that already lack access to proper healthcare and treatments. When choice and access to contraception is missing, if there is an unintended pregnancy or long term health consequences of an STD, maternal continuation of education is restricted and threatened. The health of parents and their children are key factors in community health and wellness.
I hope you have been able to understand the importance of access to different contraceptives and how they hold the power to influence an individual's future. Additionally, how cultural and religious patterns play a role in those decisions.
Arguably the most well known form of contraception is barriers, these come in the form of condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps. Condoms serve as a physical barrier between sexual partners and there are many different types. In almost all sexual encounters, a condom will protect both partners from STD/STIs and if used properly will prevent pregnancy 98% of the time. Another option is oral contraceptive/birth control pills. There are many different versions but the two main types are combination birth control pills and the mini-pill. While there are more varieties of combination birth control pills, the main difference is that combination pills contain estrogen and progestin while the mini-pill only has progestin. Because both of these pills contain hormones that control the ovulation cycle, they have different mechanisms of prevention. This is where we can tie in cultural or religious beliefs.
The combination birth control pills will prevent ovulation, meaning your ovaries will not release an egg. If there is a rare occurrence of ovulation, the estrogen and progestin will slow the eggs travel through the cervical tubes. Whether ovulation occurs or not, this pill will thicken cervical mucus making it more difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix and thin the endometrium (lining of the uterus that is required to be thick and venous to support implantation). Similarly, the mini-pill thickens cervical mucus, thins endometrium, and slows egg travel through the fallopian tubes but only sometimes suppresses ovulation. So, in many cases oral contraceptives prevent fertilization - this is different from preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. Some religious groups believe life begins at fertilization, therefore, preventing fertilization is acceptable however preventing implantation is not. This is where two other forms of contraception come in, Plan B and IUDs. Plan B is an oral contraceptive taken at one or two doses the day after unprotected sex, it will prevent implantation of a fertilized egg on the endometrium. IUDs are inserted through the cervix and rest in the back wall of the uterus. There are two types: hormonal and copper. These devices work to prevent fertilization and implantation by changing the environment of the uterus to a non hospitable one. Lastly, natural fertility tracking works by calculating and identifying the time of the month in a woman’s cycle she is the most fertile and avoiding unprotected sex during that time. Ovulation can be detected through basal body temperature and in some cases counted 14 days before a menstruation (however, this is an old calculation and not all menstruators have 28-day cycles). The barrier method is best to ensure protection from STD/STIs and the other forms are best to avoid unintended pregnancy.
The best way to spread information and empower choice is by supporting local health movements that encourage informed choices. Access to contraceptives of choice will ultimately have lasting positive impacts on individual and community health. Where you stand in your beliefs and where your moral compass leads you is entirely your own choice. It is acceptable for anyone to prevent fertilization, prevent implantation, and seek medical assistance for STDs without judgment and with the hopes of maintaining autonomy. The choice is always yours.
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