Today, millions of women are on various versions of contraceptives, whether it be the pill, the shot, or the patch. No matter what version you are on, though, there seems to be an automatic stigma that comes with someone else knowing you're on it. It's disappointing, really, because there are just about a thousand reasons why someone might be put on birth control. However, deciding to go on the pill is a huge decision in and of itself since there are so many side effects that can come from it, even if you're going on it to solve a problem like cramping. It almost seems like a lose-lose.
Debilitating cramps during the menstrual cycle could be a reason that one could be put on birth control, despite how much they would like to avoid it. For someone not on the pill with these cramps, their daily life could be put on hold because of how painful it can be. However, if they decided to go on to stop these cramps, they could face other issues that come as side effects of the pill. These side effects can include depression, mood swings, and weight gain.
That being said, there are COUNTLESS reasons that someone might be on birth control, so if you hear someone near you say they're on it, your first thought should not be to jump to the fact that they are sexually active. In fact, millions of women are on birth control for reasons that don't involve using it as a contraceptive, and instead, are using it for reasons like the ones listed above. There are women who have seizures, can't go to work, or wind up sick because of their menstrual cycles. There are women who don't have regular menstrual cycles that need regulation. There are plenty of women who are put on the pill because the pill contains hormones that they need regulated and NOT because they are sexually active and want to prevent pregnancy. It is unfair of you to assume that just from hearing they're on the pill.
Instead, take a step back if you hear that someone is taking a form of birth control. First off, realize that it isn't your business why or why not they are on the pill. Instead, realize that there are countless reasons they could be on it and it isn't your job to figure out which one it might be. Furthermore, take a step back and let your heart go out to them a little bit. Synthetic hormones can mess with your system and cause side effects in the midst of fixing the problems that were there at first. One of the big ones is depression, which is not something that anyone should have to deal with.
Your heart should also go out to them regarding what form of contraceptive it is. Many women have gotten infections or health problems from the form of birth control that is inserted into your arm. Other women have had allergic reactions to the shot and the patch. The pill seems to be the safest bet, but oftentimes it can be difficult and inconvenient to have to remember to take it consistently. Various forms of contraceptives also can cause issues, so if you're a woman, be sure to look into all options thoroughly before deciding. If you're a male, have some sympathy for women who are having to deal with it.
That being said, in summary, here are the myths you need to remember:
