Contraception: Woman's or Man's thing?
Is contraception a man's or a woman's thing for you? I've been in a solid relationship again for a few months. In the beginning, there was no question at all for me that as a woman I would take care of contraception during sex, as in my previous relationship. My friend doesn't seem to care much about contraception. Of course I don't think that's okay! Before I talk to him about it, I wanted to know how you guys handle it in your relationship? Who is responsible for contraception in your relationship? Woman or man or do you take care of contraception together? How does it work for you?
Both partners should demonstrate enough sense of responsibility to protect themselves and their sexual partner. Whether it's a relatively harmless vaginal yeast infection, the extreme case of HIV, or an unintended child, in all situations, both partners have the opportunity to take action. So, just take the plunge and talk to your partner. Contraception is a topic that not everyone dares to discuss, but it is a particularly important one.
The information about the pill is indeed valuable, but protection against infectious diseases is an entirely different matter. These are primarily transmitted through bodily fluids and can only be prevented by using a condom. Additionally, an infection that causes only itching in one person may have serious consequences for another, as infections do not follow the same course in every individual. It is clearly a matter for both partners. I find it simply irresponsible not to take care of contraception, whether it's the man or the woman.
Certainly, it affects both partners. The woman can counteract this easily by taking the pill, effectively preventing pregnancy at least. When the pill is taken as prescribed, and there are no interactions with other medications or substances, it is a very reliable contraceptive method. The issue is that even over-the-counter medications can inhibit the effectiveness of the pill. In case of doubt, consultation with a doctor is advisable.
A condom costs only a few cents, whereas a child can cost thousands of euros. Speaking from the perspective of a man who unintentionally became a father at the age of 19 and has been paying every month since then, I say: Guys, get yourselves a condom. Even if the woman claims to be taking the pill. The pill is not a guarantee, especially if the woman occasionally forgets to take it!
As a woman, I can only say: take care of contraception yourself! Most men don't care whether and to what extent contraception is used when their hormones are acting up. In case of an unintended pregnancy, it's the woman who carries the child. Those who notice the pregnancy too late also have no chance to change anything about it. So it's better to take control from the beginning and use contraception, because there have been many girls who didn't want a child but were not willing to undergo an abortion.
In the context of a relationship with a committed partner, unfortunately, many men see contraception primarily as a woman's responsibility. If you don't use contraception, you're the one facing the risk of getting pregnant. Pregnancy poses an additional strain on any relationship. There are also many men who disappear before the birth and leave, even though they ultimately share responsibility for the child.
I am single and, while I do take the pill, aside from the risk of unintended pregnancy, there are other reasons to use contraception. After all, my health is very important to me. For that reason, I always have some condoms in the drawer just in case. I'm someone who prefers not to rely on others.
I think both must take care of contraception! In my relationship, I immediately looked for a conversation and didn't fall on deaf ears with my boyfriend. We use condoms for contraception, because I would prefer not to take the pill because of the side effects.
We have a clear agreement that we will not sleep together without a condom. And if we don't have one, then there is no sex either! But then you can just cuddle together, that's really nice too :)
Many couples seem to be reluctant to talk about contraception. But that's not a taboo subject! You are already informed at school about the most beautiful minor matter in the world, including the risks.
I think, especially in a relationship, you should be open to each other and be able to express your point of view. But I have to admit that I have had relationships in which it took me some time to get my partner on track.
I think it's a good idea to tell your partner that contraception affects both partners in a relationship. Think about what happens when you take antibiotics and the pill loses its effect.
Find the whole contraceptive thing unfair anyway. Most of the time, the guys don't really care about birth control and leave it to the women. And as a woman you take it on yourself, maybe you have an IUD inserted, you may be in pain, and your partner didn't do anything for contraception. As if we didn't have enough problems with menstruation already.
I think you should talk to your partner in peace. Because contraception is not just a woman's business! Just remember that you can get diseases through sexual intercourse! That means you could infect him too. Condoms therefore also serve to keep you safe, apart from getting pregnant!
