Birth control is anything but simple. Protecting yourself against pregnancy can get overwhelming with so many options, song-filled commercials, and various side effects. Luckily, there is a website that navigates through the tangled web of birth control: Bedsider.org.
Bedsider.org is controlled and operated by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. Developed by a large team of experts and medical professionals, Bedsider.org is website that assists you to choose and manage your birth control.
Thankfully, Bedsider.org is not threatening, nor does it shove abstinence down your throat. This website’s main intention is to provide you with facts to make an informed, healthy decision concerning birth control.
To research the different types of birth control, go to “Birth Control Methods” (http://bedsider.org/methods). This simple, interactive visual aid covers different types of birth control methods, ranging from withdrawal to the pill. If you click on a method, it describes the effectiveness, the side effects, the amount of necessary effort, STI protection, and the cost.
The “Method Explorer” has filters that allow you to choose your birth control according to certain factors. Do you need a birth control that is ideal for tons of spontaneous sex? Click the “Do Me Now” tab. Need a birth control that will mix well with Keystone Light? The “Party-Ready” tab is just for you.
One of the worst parts about birth control is remembering to take it. If you are using the Pill, the Patch, receiving the Shot, or taking the Pill, Bedsider.org can help! By signing up with Bedsider.org, you can receive a reminder via text message or email. All you have to do is pick your method and plug in the time you want your reminder.
Worried about exposing to the world that you are taking birth control? Don’t fret! The emails and texts are discreet. The sender is “Reminder” and come with a silly fact. A normal reminder would look something like this, “43% of women and 27% of men say they’ve gotten dumped via text at least once. Fortunately, there’s always someone better on the way. Now go take your pill.” Never again do you have to worry about taking your pill on time!
In addition to informing you about the numerous methods of birth control, Bedsider.org has a ton of articles about relationships, sex tips, and ways to stay safe, physically and sexually, during hook ups.
Bedsider.org is a well executed website that tames the complications of choosing and maintaining your birth control.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Rochester chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.