--- title: Explaining Why I Wanted to Go on the Pill date: 2022-11-20T02:03:42-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/using-the-pill-to-manage-menstrual-health" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Explaining Why I Wanted to Go on the Pill By BK BK shares how she advocated for her choice to start taking birth control pills to manage her menstrual periods. She researched different kinds of birth control and created a whole presentation for her mom. BK also addresses her doctor's efforts to combat the religious stigma around birth control as immoral. ## Transcript **OBOS Today:** So, do you want to tell me a little bit about your experience with the pill and going to the doctor and everything? **BK:** Sure! So, I've been going to the OB-GYN since I was little. And so it wasn't a huge deal and my mom and I had a pretty open relationship. So when it came to my period and my reproductive health, she was always pretty close with me on that. But when it came to the pill and asking to go on the pill, I was super nervous. And I didn't know how to ask her because there was a stigma around me, by me asking to go on the pill was me telling her that I want to have sex when that wasn't the reason um, that I originally went on the pill. I remember doing a lot of research, like looking up on the internet, watching YouTube videos of like different women talking about what the pill is, the different types of birth, of contraception that you can take, um, different types of birth control, talking about how it connects back to your body, knowing the side effects, and I created an entire PowerPoint about the pill so that when I asked my mom it would seem like I did my research and I knew what I was talking about, and when I sat her down and I asked her, hey can I go on the pill? I have this whole PowerPoint, blah, blah, blah, she just said yes. There was no -- I didn't have to go through the whole PowerPoint, I didn't have to explain all the research that I did, but I was worried because I remember hearing girls at school talking about how they were on the pill just for sex. And so, I was worried that's what my mom would think of me when that wasn't necessarily the case. And she actually told me that she had to go on the pill for the medical reasons that I went on, which was just that my period was irregular, and I had really bad acne. And so I went to the doctor to get on the pill, and he said to me like I know you go to Catholic school and they're gonna tell you it's wrong, they're gonna tell you that you're not supposed to be on the pill, you're, you're a sinner for being on the pill, things like that. Don't listen to that because you're on the pill for medical reasons and even if when you start having sex before marriage that's not a sin, you're not going to hell, please do not listen to anything that they're telling you because it's not true. And he really wanted to make sure that was super important that I knew before even starting to take the pill. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [ contraception](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/contraception) - [ contraception methods & access](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-control-methods-access) - [ diverse lived experiences of the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-lived-experiences-menstrual-cycle) - [birth control pill](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth-control-pill) - [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy) - [families](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/families) - [shame](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/shame) - [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Talking to My Mom about Birth Control BK discusses the research she did while considering using the birth control pill and how talking to her mom helped her to be even more informed. ![BK](data:image/png;base64,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) BK discusses the research she did while considering using the birth control pill and how talking to her mom helped her to be even more informed.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/talking-to-mom-about-birth-control) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Learning About Birth Control From My Catholic School BK shares what she learned from her Catholic school about birth control and addresses the assumption that birth control is only used for pregnancy prevention. ![BK](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFqUlEQVRIiZVW2Y4cxxGMrKzq3eWuBBh6FPT/P+EP8ZMPgbR5mJzdme668vJD98ySoiDBiQK6p1EVkRkZiRr6+9/+ChCICAxKIAZSBJmTuYv6nDrmbL3X3muttdXaax9dVNydU1rK3cP9w5uHp6fHp8c3j28eHh8e3twv92VZMnMCCHtcn9cIBBABREQA1/f9+/HzthXHtng9un/IRN9uQxyA+/MW/u2L73BH4Lq+j3xkf9Dctr/ud/dwdzc3d/NwD7dwh3t4AIA7/OsMPML3YxT+dQV4rcDDA+7uZm5H+G2ph1mYIzyA4IMyzN3tOOTGxgTLiQKgr0WM8Ajseb/Cq5mqqZqoq7qomyICDJiFeZjtVdo1J00WuPUgAkDAAxRB4fA9XVVVVRFVURGdYiIm4qJhGhEU8GShe2XmqmampmxMlCIi0y4L0c0q4XCHu5vu+Ae0TNEpOsWm2JxuelRN7Fl9r0+PM5x2u0emQ55XY7nDzE19B9cpMqfMKXPIGDqm9rETECF5cRLP4rIfUBVhzimlAJl7pt8Y1/feupqpqojMPcaQPmQM6f0gcE0E9whKntVEdF9ZEmdQ8gA7Z8C/sY+H+w1dRabMMceYfYw+ZhvShrRhc4RbJCIPI7Y8LS9WRLMICyUGyCMSc75N7D4+h8kO5WWOMcYYvY/eZ+ujtlmbtGZzwJ05JQ8nNi6Wp5bJuSTOSClAHJES5wg/hvYV/RBHDm3G6L233msbtc21aas+J4VHTuSeKDEXLQuXmXIBcxz6OCXO4RYBjzCL3cXX7GXOMUa/ofet9bXKumltmDPBo+TkMGLlwrmkXIgzEgeSRST3lDi7WQBX6d1URVWmXHO/pr+1ttVxqXLebK2YkynKfSGPlDjlkspCeSBlJ7ZdH3NKKZtZALcpkSP/OefYG9Ba77XVrbZLHS+bfFn9eU1tcEb8eAdH4ky5UF7AJTh7SgZiD8pGzFlVI8I8VF3F5DD91Ti999ZrbW1r9bz1zxd9+xJfXhg1g+L5B/qFKGcqC8oSuQSzUdqbkLJR4iwiewWiPkXn1B1916e10WpvW9sutZ62/utFnz8DHzJQgKgV/2EsCy13kUtw8cSMxEHJnHIhTnmKRIRZiNoUm0PGQTB7n33v7ta3c90+rO35WfGBgALcAYGO8wlf7nF/F2XxvBgzU+IgMqfslFIeY+4Sidqc1odcxRntWsG29vXUzm/XhncCMLAAetxQJ7z7AY8PvtyVUiwxIyWnZEHZwSn3MSKuEk3tQ3qf+1S1PmodWx3rpb+8b884vyAGUIAnQAEHAgic/NOjPdx7WSwVJr4SGJhzayMC5q7qY2of0rq0Plqbrc3a5rbNy3mcPvd/4jSvt9JH4GfAgAAcFz9V//GNLXeFB4PZKRmOCmrrEXB3UR/T+pDa5IZeq6zbfP48/4EuuOEDwDtgAgY44LjYu6e7+3vjkilzHATEnGvtxxyoD7HetTapB/pc6zxf9ON7FQi+i09XDsMX17/YadyVJVPOntiIciT2vNa2X5CiPqf1Ya1LrbK1uTVZqz6f9RMU0O8JALwAE/gZcDT7+Oh3siSxfd4yiCOv20Gg6lO8D2tdt6pblbXqedO3n+zazt+PBvwL+AU1MOODRFaHhnMqSBx5XVsgzKEaIj6G124Hwaani/dtvzB+++/j6xDg37gk/ERTcVKQwY0X4ox82ep+TaqFSIwZrftWba36stmvL3bNPf0BAYAO+wzJUH62VIxgsISMfNkaAuYwgyjGjNZjq36pdtoMn+JKwH9MAOAEeYIt8Pxf5+TkjkJ5rR1HBSSKOdE61hbn6u8vN+kJSEDB73npq9AV/gi/Cy9nd3gyyrUNBDzIjERpTGqdao+XFniJ/5PAzvCf4I7wFlHCI/KYAsCdzJIojZmGUJt4HkCPr8xDQP4zkcIQN8/FABj/A3bPBgt4EFIQAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) BK shares what she learned from her Catholic school about birth control and addresses the assumption that birth control is only used for pregnancy prevention.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-about-birth-control-from-my-catholic-school) [ResourcesRead ## The Menstrual Cycle What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel? ![A drawing of a person riding a surfboard, the background is red and the wave is light pink, like they are "riding the crimson wave”.](data:image/png;base64,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) What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-menstrual-cycle) [ResourcesRead ## Endometriosis and Birth Control Pills This article explores how hormonal birth control pills may help manage symptoms of endometriosis, but may also include side effects. ![What happens to endometriosis when you’re on the pill?](data:image/png;base64,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) This article explores how hormonal birth control pills may help manage symptoms of endometriosis, but may also include side effects.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/endometriosis-and-birth-control-pills) [ResourcesRead ## How to Switch Birth Control Methods This factsheet from Reproductive Health Access covers the basics on how to transition from one method of birth control to another. ![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-hFphI8Zx_E4-unsplash-2](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEMklEQVRIiZWW264jtxFF1y6yJc3JYJzY8FMM5CX//0t5d+DYGMdzpCZZ2w9k97kMYjitAtUQ1HtV7eal5H+JP3/5O/g7/hZ/wh/tp5Yfuj+0vLa8trw0by1rd+lZBpFW/B/qADeoEBAgExBGIJDhCBkwQJ1f6/rjYvw3+Ct+ghtcYEvXpNglKUmYYhcT6TCRRKL6VuIrUZ0//gDfwSf4iJ/wbfg2uAwug214G94GdVCGa1IGMS2qX0m+y/r7Jcpf8BM84SfzYXAb3Lpv3dfuS+fS2bq37top3aU7hmcF/udbg6a/FSpscIELXOFqX5ObuQ5f07fhS2epN2/NtbE1SnPplE4MNCv4xxuAAwTFhKmmQk02c7EvyZZc0pdxRPfWvPWp7nLGsIYjTU1/Dxgdo+wwM4opE5PeTE229JaH6csT17aiNJfuaI7hGFZa9eFvZ/pe4xtAEnY1JRemJjVdB3W49iOaS8sz/eiObuUE7P7mbfoyygnwmnxJMWVOyqQOl3QdLt21u/QXZ2JGd/TUQDb17k/HFH2lfk5kL8AKr3FQustw6S49Y6lntIxm9YxuDWNU7/445b38URKTkYtRkphLKSnDJYmx1Kcb5ZRujpbqVreGlabe8+l8yekwyoORi1HSMdfOlE5iOPoLQC1jSrdUs3oeAKj3/LD8WekricVwjJV15FyZM/cJIPpyI5rVUi1jt1pyVECa+py3A4AdiRItacdc8Sdg3g+in4DDkz11YNTMC+CeV44tML3UkxjWa8VB9FN9AXQC2gJwYOimHxZta5ouf6Z3L5kuaTSzHkRHzdGtTrTU7iU9/dmtfQEYqN5zO9RXEeNV+suKQ31Gm9JWs3YvwCO1W49kNw+zpzoMU++jvrPoUNdMv3Eku0LN0VjSMx7WI7lb9+TZK75Yz6Y+RpwvOVcFq4iVsnVIx07sViMe1o4e1sO6W8/Js/Wb+TX50fKrs63u7wCrAo3lzFTXfob14NBFz9YX67/Jf6xfDDl1tQBQW+rYJyaAAQMN6KaxYocdHuYBd5YDX6xfrZ/Nv5eiDgCvAEO8+iXRMAkd+oK5ow4N7/YDTcBv9mfzo/l85vtSwXHQmjqGj40a44SBEg9IGHiscd10e8cP88X6xXxecsbCfgEcJ3wdY+11q92QzzwSTJowmZBE4mEPsjkezp8cR77CfuP+WUGmT56xUcpzawIhvTpNj2cdaXczP+RZwXt/gJpjtSXHH4xmryIkLN5ydDxsB06sI3gfAFTncXt2XTIgSZaks5DZy2mdq4ThxaKvcj8BZK5qziSNJLCQUMAxEqtZVNjFxvlHjFWBj1u/bh2n+nwPGYTIQLIDh/NoN6Lb/1P9bW/q9z4BsiwRUgYhZ4CswMIFX3HnFWCW/64CzgpWGzo3b2ELSQjPXnm+ceHZ2MjUuQLOrOZcelvB77EFmmB+OvndAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) This factsheet from Reproductive Health Access covers the basics on how to transition from one method of birth control to another.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-switch-birth-control-methods) [ResourcesRead ## Busting Myths about Bodily Autonomy This helpful article and video from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) breaks down seven common myths about bodily autonomy. ![aiden-frazier-ivf0a5a6pRA-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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) This helpful article and video from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) breaks down seven common myths about bodily autonomy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/busting-myths-about-bodily-autonomy) [ResourcesRead ## Impurity Culture: Surviving Virginity Purity culture spreads a lot of falsehoods about virginity. What is true and what isn't? ![A teacup and saucer on a table](data:image/png;base64,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) Purity culture spreads a lot of falsehoods about virginity. What is true and what isn't?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/impurity-culture-surviving-virginity) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)