World Contraception Day: An Opportunity to Solidify Your Birth Control Knowledge

Today is the 11th anniversary of World Contraception Day, first celebrated in 2007 when it was introduced by the World Health Organization, International Planned Parenthood Federation, and a coalition of other international health care organizations as a way to “improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.”

To appeal to young people, the coalition behind World Contraception Day crafted a website called Your Life that addresses frequently asked questions about birth control. You can start increasing your awareness now.

What is the difference between the “male condom” and the “female condom”? *
Male condoms are intended to cover a penis or dildo. Female condoms (aka “internal condoms“) fit inside the vaginal canal. They can also be inserted into the rectum. Both types of condoms are used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (aka STDs). When used during vaginal intercourse, they are also used to prevent pregnancy.

How do I use a male condom?
Male condoms are used to cover the penis or a dildo. This video will show you how to apply the condom. Continue reading

Pro-Choice Friday News Rundown

  • plan bHere’s a nifty little map showing the number of unintended pregnancies by state. (HuffPo)
  • Why has the birth rate for teenagers hit an all-time low? Hint: It’s not because of abstinence. (Double X Factor)
  • Poor, Black, and Hispanic Women Are More Often Counseled on Emergency Contraception (NYT)
  • (Honorary Feminist) President Obama is not going to let employees working for religious organizations go without the birth control they need, gosh darnit! (The Fiscal Times)
  • More and more women are relying on the “pull-out” method rather than hormonal contraception. (HuffPo)
  • Conservative goons the Koch brothers are spending big bucks to strip you of your reproductive rights. (RH Reality Check)
  • Everything You Need to Know About the Abortion Case That’s Headed to the Supreme Court (Think Progress)
  • Dear Parents, Your daughter’s uterus does not belong to you. And parental notification laws serve no purpose other than to obstruct teenagers’ access to abortion. (Truth-Out)
  • Wanna know how to get an abortion in Texas? It ain’t easy! (Al Jazeera America)