Queen’s Sex Talk Realness: Contraceptives
Have you ever wondered what other girls are using to keep from getting pregnant? If they’re on birth control, too, or if they never have been? I interviewed three female Queen’s students about their preferred contraceptive method and if they’ve ever hooked up without using a condom!
How old are you?
Girl A: 19 years old.
Girl B: I am 19.
Girl C: 20.
What is your current relationship status and for how long?
Girl A: Currently in a relationship for almost 2 years.
Girl B: I am happily anchored to one monogamous partner. We’ve been dealing since around Christmas time but have been officially exclusive since April.
Girl C: In a relationship for 4 weeks.
Are you on the birth control pill? Have you ever been on the birth control pill?
Girl A: No
Girl B: I am not and have never been on the pill.
Girl C: Yes—since I was 16.
If you aren’t on the pill, or haven’t been, why?
Girl A: I have always been really scared of taking the pill since I personally don’t know much about it. The fact that I am ingesting something that I barely understand is quite terrifying. So perhaps if I actually talked to my doctor or did a bit of research, I would be more open to try it out. I’m very paranoid when it comes to taking pharmaceutical drugs as I always try to go with a more natural approach.
Girl B: When I first became sexually active, I never considered the pill because it didn’t seem logical to spend money and attention on contraception that, to be honest, wasn’t frequently needed. Since becoming more active and doing more research, there are two reasons I don’t think the pill is the right option for me. Firstly, between my inconsistent day-to-day schedule and forgetfulness I think I would end up compromising the pill’s effectiveness. Secondly, I pay a lot of attention to the ingredients of products that go in and on my body so I wanted to avoid hormones and their possible side effects from having free reign.
What is your go-to contraceptive method(s) in your relationship?
Girl B: My go-to contraceptive method now is the Mirena IUD.
Girl C: Birth control + pull out or condom (pull out was my previous relationship, condom for current).
What is or was your go-to contraceptive method(s) when you are hooking up with someone, or just casually dating?
Girl A: I always use condoms. Although I know they aren’t 100% effective, I do take my chances.
Girl B: Before using Mirena, I used the standard male condom. Even though I trust my IUD as contraception I would still want to use a condom if I were hooking up with someone I didn’t know very well.
Girl C: Birth control + condom.
When hooking up with someone, does a lack of a condom stop you from having sex? Has it ever stopped you?
Girl A: It definitely has stopped me before. Not having a condom is a “no go” no matter how awkward the situation might end up.
Girl B: Yes, not having a condom has stopped me from hooking up.
Girl C: In my mind it should have stopped me and I thoroughly considered it, but no, it has not.
Have you ever taken the Plan B pill for whatever reason?
Girl A: No.
Girl B: No.
Girl C: Yes.
If no, would you ever take it if something went wrong during sex?
Girl A: No. But if something ever goes wrong, I think I would try just about anything. One would call that utter desperation.
Girl B: I’ve never had to take the Plan B pill *knock on wood* but I think I would as a last resort. I think there are a lot more scary stories surrounding the Plan B pill than actual experiences.
If yes, what were your thoughts/feelings/concerns surrounding that?
Girl C: The side effects were awful, and I don’t think it should be used as a form of birth control. But it’s definitely a relief if you feel as though you really need to/should take it.
Nowadays, IUDs (intrauterine devices) are the most recommended form of contraception for young women, including teenagers. Would you ever consider getting one; why or why not? Do you have one? If you have one, talk about your decision to get one.
Girl A: Once again, my lack of knowledge makes me rather hesitant on trying it.
Girl B: My older sister, who heard about it in her final year of university, introduced me to the idea of using an IUD. What swayed me is that you pay once (for a lot cheaper if you have student health insurance), you get it inserted once (which was actually painless for me and took about five minutes) and you are ready to go whenever you want for the next five years. I’ve had my IUD in for about four months now and here’s what I think so far. Cons are that for the first six months your period is very wacky and sporadic. You just always have to be prepared with a liner but the good news is it lightens up or disappears after that. Another down is that once or twice it has shifted position and my partner and I have been able to feel it. Fear not though because so far it has always fixed itself with a little patience. Personally, the pros of being able to be spontaneous and not having to smell or feel latex have been well worth it. It’s also nice to know that the hormonal IUD is apparently as effective as a tube ligation without being permanent.
Girl C: No, I spoke to my family doctor about it, and the side effects are not something I would want to go through. I like the fixed schedule of birth control and knowing that I am responsible for taking my pill daily vs. hoping that an IUD works properly.
Do you talk about the pill, condoms or pulling out with your friends, or is it a taboo topic?
Girl A: It ultimately depends on which friend, but it can definitely be considered a taboo topic with a few of my friends. I find that it is the people who I grew up with who are often more timid about sex related issues. Perhaps it is because we’ve known each other since we were kids, making the topics strange to bring up. Most of the people who I have met through university are more open to discussion in regards to condoms, the pill, etc.
Girl B: It always feels taboo with new friends but once the ice is broken I think everyone is happy to have more people to share experiences and opinions with.
Girl C: Yes—all the time. Especially for opinions/experience with different types of contraceptives.
Are you open or private about your contraceptive methods?
Girl A: I don’t think I talk about it very much with my friends, but if anyone asks, I’m pretty open about my contraceptive methods.
Girl B: Somewhere in between. I am not usually the one to start the discussion but I’m happy to contribute if it is brought up.
Girl C: Open.
Stay tuned for Queen’s Sex Talk Realness next Tuesday! If you are interested in participating in future Sex Talks, please contact me at rachel.day88@hotmail.com! Be sure to like our Facebook page for updates.