Birth control offers more than just contraceptive. I’ve been on birth control since I was 15 or 16 and was a kissless Virgin with no chance of pregnancy. I stayed on it when I was in a same sex relationship. It helps control my endometriosis. Because of birth control, I no longer bleed through a super tampon in an hour and I can actually go to work during my period because my cramps are greatly reduced. The one I’m on now stops my period almost entirely. I went 11 months without one. People also use it for things like acne, hormonal imbalances, PPMD, etc.

But birth control responsibility generally does end up on the woman. It could be because we have more options. Men have condoms and vasectomies. Women have pills, shots, patches, implants, the ring, spermicide, etc. I also don’t mind being responsible because I am the one who ends up pregnant. I don’t want to be so I take it into my own hands and make sure I’m covered on my part. I know I’m taking my birth control responsibly. If I relied on a male partner, I wouldn’t know for sure whether the condom is fully in tact, not expired, or maybe even stays on the whole time.

Each partner needs to take responsibility for themselves. If you’re with a new partner and she says she’s on birth control, wrap it anyways. If he says he wants to use condoms, provide your own or have a back up method. In a committed relationship, talk it out and see what works best for you. Maybe it’s hormonal birth control. Maybe it’s condoms. Maybe it’s sterilization. Communication is key