3 Ways to Show Some Love

Last year, we partnered with Cosmopolitan and learned that even as sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates increase, 60% of those surveyed said that they rarely or never use condoms. From February 14-21 we celebrate National Condom Week, the perfect reason to talk to those around you about the importance of condoms and other methods of birth control to prevent both STIs and unplanned pregnancies.

Encourage Those You Love to Evaluate their Birth Control

The kind of birth control a person uses can impact their life in a lot of ways. But finding a method isn’t a one-time decision. As our lives change, the method of birth control that works best for us will change as well. Encourage those you love to evaluate their current birth control to ensure it’s still the best fit for them. Make sure to use evidence-based resources like Bedsider’s birth control explorer and clinic finder to answer your questions or concerns.

And don’t forget about condoms! Some people prefer condoms over other methods because they’re easily accessible, relatively cheap, don’t require a prescription, and the only form of birth control that helps prevent against unplanned pregnancy and STIs if used correctly.

Talk to A Young Person in Your Life

Young people need champions - people in their lives who they can talk honestly to about sex, love, and relationships. People who can answer their questions and influence their decisions positively. Champions play an important role in helping to ensure that all young people have the power to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. So, in addition to talking to loved ones like friends and partners, we encourage everyone with young people in their lives to talk early and talk often.  

While you’re talking about sex and contraception, also talk to your young people about consent. There are always age-appropriate ways to discuss consent with young adults. In order to live life on their own terms and have healthy relationships, young people need to understand how to give and receive consent.

Talking to your young person both early and often is a powerful and impactful way to ensure they have the power to advocate for their needs and wants in the future. To learn more, visit our Talking Is Power campaign, which is filled with resources that can help you.

Share the Love

Once you’ve talked to someone you love, consider sharing the love. More than 19.5 million women in the US live in a contraceptive desert— counties without reasonable access to the full range of birth control methods. Donate $50 today and help someone get a year’s worth of the birth control they need and want.