The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

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The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

The news site of Glenbrook South High School.

The Oracle

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Birth control pills used for more than contraception

A dial of color-coded pills sits on the bathroom counter, ready to be taken every morning for one month and then to be refilled again. Each small pocket contains a single tiny pill, yet comes with a heavy name: birth control.

Although birth control pills are considered hormonal contraception, they can be used for other reasons. According to WebMD, aside from preventing conception, birth control can be used to control acne and regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle.

An Oracle-conducted survey of 148 girls at South revealed that 20 percent use birth control. Of the girls who use birth control, 13 percent said it was for reasons other than contraception.

Of the 148 girls surveyed, the age for those who started birth control ranged between 12 and 18.

According to health teacher John Skorupa, birth control can be used for a variety of reasons other than preventing pregnancy.

“[Teens] use birth control to not get pregnant and occasionally girls will use birth control in order to regulate their menstrual cycles and ease cramps,” Skorupa said.

Whether birth control pills are used for contraception purposes or other health reasons, the Catholic Church remains opposed to every form of birth control.

Similarly, 20 percent of the surveyed girls at South believe or know someone who believes birth control pills are immoral, mostly for religious reasons.

Although the topic of teens on birth control is controversial, the pill is more practical than having a child, Skorup believes.

“The pill is less expensive than diapers,” Skorupa said. “Think about it.”

Freshman Cassandra Gamalinski* first began taking birth control this year to help clear up her acne.

“I was really self-conscious about my acne and I didn’t really think about the pregnancy aspect of taking birth control at the time,” Gamalinski said. “I was just glad it was going to help clear my face.”

Freshman Evelyn Worthington* recently began taking birth control for the same reason as Gamalinski.

“I am personally taking birth control to clear up my acne and regulate my period, but I think it is good to go on birth control in any situation,” Worthington said.

Junior Alexandria Landingham* began taking birth control this year as contraception and as a way to regulate her period.

“Many girls I know don’t use birth control because they are sexually active,” Landingham said. “It is a way to regulate your period, which comes in handy, especially for athletes.”

Landingham believes there exists a certain stereotype that comes with being on the pill.

“I think adults especially are misguided about birth control because they automatically think girls on it are just sleeping around, when in fact, it could very well be for other reasons,” Landingham said. “The only reason I am self-conscious about announcing I’m on birth control is because the initial reaction people have is, ‘Oh, she’s having sex.’ I think if that idea of the pill were to change, which it should, I would be much more comfortable with people knowing I am.”

Junior Isabella Dellorusso* began taking birth control to control her menstrual cycle as well as to prevent pregnancy after she became sexually active.

According to Dellorusso, she feels she has nothing to be self-conscious about.

“Girls who go on [the pill] because they are sexually active are smart,” Dellorusso said. “Yes, we are always taught in health class that abstinence is key, but that’s not realistic in high school […] so I think that going on the pill is smart and acceptable.”

Freshman Francesca Smallridge* agrees with Dellorusso.

“I think all girls who are sexually active should be on birth control to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies […],” Smallridge said. “Personally, I am not on the pill, but it is definitely something I support.”

Landingham believes that it is smart for students to be on birth control for any health reason, including if they know they will be taking risks such as being sexually active.

“I think teens use birth control if they are sexually active, or [are] going to be in the future, but have a good head on their shoulders and know what they want for themselves […] which usually doesn’t include an unexpected pregnancy,” she said.

*Name has been altered to protect student’s identity

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