Throughout our lives, we are involved with many different kinds of relationships. We have friendships, romances, work and school-related connections, families, just to name a few. Each of these situations has the potential to enrich us, adding to our feelings of self-worth, enjoyment, and growth. These relationships are healthy.
On the other hand, in other situations, we may find ourselves feeling uncomfortable. It can be difficult to come to the realization that a friend, colleague, or family member is not treating us with the respect we deserve. This can be even more complicated when it comes to a romantic relationship.
In a healthy relationship you do not feel unsafe or manipulated into doing things you do not want to do (including having sex). In a healthy relationship you know that the other person treats you with respect and listens to what you have to say. There is trust and support.
An unhealthy relationship looks much different. It can be obvious- the other person can be physically abusive or bad tempered. It can also be much more subtle. If your boyfriend constantly criticizes or ridicules you, it’s time to break up. If you feel like your boyfriend is controlling your money, isolating you from friends, or ignoring you when it comes to your body. It may be difficult, but it is time to move on.
We all want to be happy in our relationships. When it comes to romantic or sexual relationships, many of us can also face added outside pressure from family and friends. Often a friend or family member will tell you that “it’s not that bad” or to take mistreatment in order to “keep” your man. They could make you feel that you will be alone or that this treatment is typical in relationships. This is just not true.
Relationships can be healthy and enriching. They can also be miserable experiences.
Understanding more about relationships can help you make decisions that are good for you. Sometimes you need an objective person to listen to you, and if needed, give you advice. We at Free Women’s Clinic can connect you to counselors who will listen and speak with you.
A woman becomes pregnant when an egg is released from her ovary and fertilized by a man’s sperm. The fertilized egg attaches to the woman’s uterus and about nine months later, a baby is delivered. Birth control is used to prevent or stop pregnancy and plan the timing of pregnancies.
Most methods use hormonal contraception. Hormonal contraception contains man-made estrogen and progestin hormones. These hormones inhibit the body’s natural hormones in order to prevent pregnancy or to end a pregnancy in the first days after conception.
Side Effects
Please note that every method of hormone based birth control does have different side effects. It can range from a slight headache and weight gain to blood clots and death.
The list of side effects might be listed on the side of the box but are more likely to be listed in a small booklet inside the box. It is vital that you read through this so you are making an informed decision.
Also know that some of these methods do not help prevent STDs. There is also a success rate with each of these options. The only option that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy is abstinence from sex.
You may not be aware that there are also hormone-free, natural alternatives to family planning. This requires participation by both the man and woman in a relationship, and works best between married couples.
The staff at Options for Pregnancy can find a clinic or center in your area that provides information on birth control, including natural methods mentioned above, and can offer you resources and encouragement if you have chosen abstinence as your method of preventing pregnancy.
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