Sometimes our birth control can be an afterthought. Whether it's remembering to take your pill every morning or to use a condom every time, it's not exactly the most convenient thing to have to think about. But what about when you step back to think about all of the things that your birth control makes possible for you? I'd say it's more than worth it.
I first went on the Pill when I was 17, to help with cramps during my period. And since then I've never looked back. I've taken that little pill every single morning when I brush my teeth for over seven years now, and I couldn't be more grateful for it.
Because not only did birth control help with my cramps, but it also removed what could have been yet another stressor to deal with during my high school, college, and early 20s years.
While I was worrying about my grades, getting a summer internship, getting leadership positions in my extracurriculars, sticking to my budget, finding an apartment, and lots more, one thing I didn't have to worry about was getting pregnant -- and that was all thanks to birth control.
And now, at age 24, running Her Campus day in and day out, trying to grow the business as fast as possible, I don't have to worry about my career getting sidetracked by an unexpected pregnancy (which roughly half of today's pregnancies are!), because I know birth control has my back.
So that's why I'm saying "thanks, birth control!" because it's birth control that enables me to build my career, continue to live my early 20s lifestyle, and enjoy my relationship with my fiance, without getting nervous about pregnancy or allowing the fear of it to take the fun out of intimacy.
So if you agree with me, let's stop grumbling about remembering to take our pill or use a condom or insert our NuvaRing or whatever it is, and instead start saying thank you to birth control for all of the things it allows us to do and to accomplish.
Join me by saying "Thanks, Birth Control" and using #ThxBirthControl to help get this crucial conversation started, and check out www.Bedsider.org for more tips, stats, and info about birth control, relationships, and pregnancy.
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is asking people nationwide to talk about what birth control makes possible for individuals and society. This effort, named "Thanks, Birth Control," can be done in many ways including sending a tweet using the hashtag #ThxBirthControl or posting something on Facebook.