The Best Tips We’ve Ever Gotten from Health Care Providers

Over the years, health care providers have passed along so much great advice and info about sexual and reproductive health. Here are just a few of our favorite (and most important!) things we’ve learned from them. For answers to your specific questions about sex and birth control, make an appointment to talk to a provider at your nearest The Right Time health center.

1. Using birth control now will not affect your fertility in the future.

Research makes clear that using hormonal birth control (for any amount of time) doesn’t make it harder to get pregnant when you stop using it.

2. Vaginal discharge is completely normal.

Did you know that it’s totally normal and expected for people with vaginas to have discharge after they go through puberty? Here’s everything you need to know about discharge, including what’s normal and what might be a sign to go get checked out.

3. Many birth control side effects go away as your body adjusts to the method. 

For example, it’s common for people to experience spotting (or bleeding in between periods) when they start a new method of contraception. It usually stops after a few months as your body adjusts, and some people’s periods go away altogether.

4. You can still use birth control if you aren’t having sex.

There are lots of reasons people use birth control that don’t have anything to do with sex or preventing pregnancy. Some may use contraception to help with menstrual migraines, others may use it to reduce their risk of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer. It can even help control acne.

5. You don’t need ANY products at all to clean your vagina or vulva.

Despite what the “feminine hygiene” aisle at your local drugstore would have you believe, your vagina does not need to be cleaned with anything at all, and your vulva can be cleaned with just water! 

6. Birth control can support your mental health.

In addition to reducing your chances of pregnancy, birth control can alleviate some symptoms of depression, reduce your stress and anxiety levels, and can give you more control of your body and your future. 

7. Birth control is for everyone.

No matter what your sexuality is, or where you fall on the gender spectrum, there’s a method of birth control for you. If you are trans or gender nonconforming, there are many ways birth control can support the LGBTQIA+ community. It can even help with gender dysphoria by stopping menstruation, or preventing pregnancy with up to 99% efficacy.