Alesse Brevicon, Demulen, Desogen, Levlen, Loestrin, Norinyl, Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclin, Ortho-Novum, Yasmin and Yaz.

So many brands, so much information, so many options. Do today’s young females have the knowledge required to choose the correct birth control pill, let alone make the decision as to whether or not the pill is right for them? There are so many aspects to consider, whether or not the pill is ‘safe’ or even necessary, as well as whether or not the pill is working as a mechanism to open doors for more sexual encounters for today’s young females.

The birth control pill, or simply known as “the pill”, is utilized by females for numerous reasons, the main reason being pregnancy prevention. The pill uses “a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone [being] to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle)” (Teens Health, 2011). However, the pill is also often used in order to regulate the menstrual cycle, assist with the control of acne and those horrible cramps.

But the undeniably big question that continuously crosses many of our minds is whether or not young girls should really have such easy access to the pill? Well, there are two ways to look at it.

In an interview with birth control user (who shall remain anonymous), she got right to the point and stated that she thought “that girls who want to have sex WILL have sex. So I would much rather see them having access to it to be safer” But, she went further to discuss how the advice of a doctor is also crucial as it made her think twice before pursuing the use of the birth control pill. Furthermore, after interviewing a medical doctor at a youth clinic it became widely apparent that young females are not just being handed a pack of pills and sent on their merry way, but rather are being educated, questioned, and even somewhat counseled, if necessary, when asking for the birth control and showing the need for it.

However, the remaining issue is whether or not the pill makes it way too easy for these girls to be sexually active without giving it a second thought? Essentially this leads me back to what my interviewee said, who has been using the pill for almost 5 years now. If they want to have sex they indeed will have sex, so why not provide them with the safety that will at least protect them?

Now, on to safety! There is an ongoing controversy pertaining to the safety and potential health risks associated with the use of any of the pills, some more than others. Again, two ways to approach this:

First off, whatever way you look at it, you are inserting extra hormones into your body with the pill. Nonetheless there has to be research along with FDA approval in order to justify paying so much for these pills to be put on the market and prescribed to females. Further to that, there is always a potential risk associated with any medication or even vitamin that we may take, and it is a risk that we knowingly sign up for when we decide to take a medication.

Yaz and the Pill

Watching this video on youtube showed that yes the negative effects have become a reality for some with the use of the birth control pill. Nonetheless, according to the youth clinic doctor, the use of the pill can also assist in preventing ovarian cancer. I mean, the pill also has a potential to cause blood clots and even death, but isn’t there the potential for extreme side effects with many pills?

I must say, it is still quite a back and forth debate for myself and many others. So by no means should you expect this piece to tell you “yeah, go for it” or “no definitely do not touch the pill”. There are many reasons behind taking the birth control pill, many reasons behind not, but at the end of the day the decision is left up to each one of us…and some medical assistance wouldn’t hurt either. It is vital to discuss something as sensitive as adding extra hormones into one’s body with a professional. Your body is your sacred property, only you can decide what goes in, so be sure to talk to a professional, do your research and make the right decision that caters to YOU!