Myth 1: Birth control pills cause weight gain.

Fact: Most modern birth control pills have minimal effect on weight.

Myth 2: You can't get pregnant during your period.

Fact: Sperm can survive inside the body for up to 5 days, making pregnancy possible.

Myth 3: IUDs are only for women who've had children.

Fact: IUDs are suitable for women of all ages and reproductive histories.

Myth 4: Emergency contraception (Plan B) is an abortion pill.

Fact: Plan B prevents pregnancy, not terminates it.

Myth 5: Menstruation is dirty or impure.

Fact: Menstruation is a natural biological process.

Myth 6: Vasectomy is reversible.

Fact: While possible, reversal surgery is complex and not always successful.

Myth 7: Hormonal birth control causes cancer.

Fact: Research shows hormonal birth control reduces certain cancer risks.

1. Average cycle: 28 days, 3-7 day period

2. Sanitary products: pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period panties

3. Hygiene tips: change products every 4-8 hours, wash hands

Period Poverty & Stigma

1. 1 in 5 girls miss school due to period poverty (UNICEF)

2. 64% of women struggle to afford menstrual products (Planned Parenthood)

3. Consequences: health risks, social isolation, economic burden

Breaking the Stigma

1. Use inclusive language

2. Educate and raise awareness

3. Challenge societal norms

4. Empower menstruators: self-care, self-advocacy, community

1. Condoms (male & female)

2. Hormonal pills (combined & progestin-only)

3. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs: copper & hormonal)

4. Implants (hormonal)

5. Patch

6. Ring

7. Shot (Depo-Provera)

8. Diaphragm

9. Cervical cap

Effectiveness:

1. Condoms: 87-98% effective

2. Pills: 91-99% effective

3. IUDs: 99% effective

4. Implants: 99% effective

5. Patch: 91% effective

6. Ring: 91% effective

7. Shot: 94% effective

8. Diaphragm: 88% effective

9. Cervical cap: 71-86% effective

Accessibility:

1. Prescription requirements

2. Insurance coverage (ACA)

3. Cost (free or low-cost options)

4. Clinic locations (Planned Parenthood, Title X)

5. Online resources (telemedicine, delivery services)

Benefits:

1. Prevents unintended pregnancy

2. Regulates menstrual cycles

3. Reduces acne

4. Decreases risk of certain cancers

5. Enhances reproductive autonomy

• Chlamydia

  A common STI that can be easily treated and cured. However, if left untreated, it can make it difficult to get pregnant and increase the chances of getting or transmitting HIV.

• Genital herpes

  A common STI that most people don't know they have. There is no cure, but there are treatments for the symptoms.

• Gonorrhea

  A common, treatable STI that can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, mouth, and throat. If left untreated, it can increase the chances of getting or transmitting HIV.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

  The most common STI in the United States. Most people with HPV have no symptoms, but it can cause some health effects, such as cervical cancer and anal cancer. A vaccine is available to prevent HPV.

• Syphilis

  An STI that can have very serious problems when left untreated, but is simple to cure with the right treatment. 

Other STIs include HIV, hepatitis B, and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). 

Symptoms of STIs may appear a few days after exposure, but it may take years before you have any noticeable problems. Some people never have symptoms, some have only an initial outbreak, and some have repeated outbreaks. 

Condoms used correctly and consistently are effective methods to protect against STIs and HIV. Vaccines are available that protect against some viral STIs