Nicole, 21, diaphragm
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By: health
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January 5, 2010
Nicole sums up the perks of her diaphragm like this: it’s easy to use, undetectable, and reliable. She likes that it’s there when she needs it, but there’s no long-term commitment. Even though the diaphragm is easy to hide once it’s in—and it’s important to Nicole that her choice of birth control stays private—at some […]
Norelle, 22, not right now
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By: health
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January 5, 2010
Norelle used to have sex. Lots of it, in fact. But after being diagnosed with a UTI, a yeast infection, and a STI—all at once—she decided to make a change and not be so “out there with the guys.” Rather than trying to find the right person, though, Norelle decided to be the right person. […]
Alesondrje, 21, sponge
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By: health
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January 5, 2010
Alesondrje and her boyfriend used condoms when they first got together. But eventually they decided to move the relationship “to a deeper level” by getting tested for STIs and trading condoms for the sponge , a method her mom used back in the day and highly recommended. Alesondrje likes to use the sponge along with […]
Anastasia, 21, internal condom
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By: health
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January 5, 2010
The first time Anastasia used an internal condom , she and her boyfriend were on the beach, under the stars. (Sigh.) She had been given some samples at a clinic just a few days before and decided this was the time to try them out. Anastasia had to open a few packs before figuring out […]
Ramiyah, 23, condom
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By: health
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January 5, 2010
For Ramiyah, it’s all very logical: Sex is fun. Sex can lead to pregnancy. If you want to have sex and don’t want to have a pregnancy, birth control always needs to be part of the equation. Ramiyah prefers to use condoms as her method of birth control.What if the guy doesn’t have one? Not […]
Emily, 19, condom
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By: health
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January 5, 2010
Emily used to use the pill . She wasn’t that good at remembering to take it, though, and eventually got pregnant. After that, she decided to find a method she would remember to use consistently. So she switched to spermicidal condoms . She loves that they’re convenient, affordable, easy to use, and effective. But they’re […]
Lisa, 29, cervical cap
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By: health
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January 5, 2010
A former pill and IUD user, Lisa had to travel great lengths to find a cervical cap . She had some frustrating moments early on, figuring out how to get it in. And then how to get it out. But now it’s quick and easy. Lisa also loves that she doesn’t have to insert the […]
Anna, 19, not right now
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By: health
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January 4, 2010
Anna was born into a culture where the expectation is no sex until marriage. Over time, she’s realized she has her own religious reasons for saying “not right now” . Most of Anna’s friends are sexually active, but she doesn’t judge them for their choice. She asks them questions about sex and they ask her […]
Jenny, 26, withdrawal
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By: health
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January 4, 2010
After trying the pill and condoms , Jenny and her boyfriend decided that they would start practicing withdrawal instead. Money is a constant concern for Jenny, so she likes that they don’t have to pay anything to pull out. But she also know it only makes sense as birth control if they do it correctly. […]
Nicole, 20, the ring
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By: health
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January 4, 2010
Nicole tried a bunch of different birth control methods—and almost gave up more than once—before finding the right fit with the ring . She was nervous at first, afraid that “things could get lost in there.” But she gave it a go, and now finds it easy to use and knows a ring won’t go […]