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TBH (To Be Honest) is a monthly newsletter dedicated to learning about our bodies, talking about sex and relationships, and challenging health inequity and injustice.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Rising sterilization rates + Doxy PEP + Gender doulas

"To me, it suggests that people are experiencing fear and anxiety around the ruling, either for their ability to get an abortion or even to access contraception in the future."

— Jacqueline Ellison, assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Public Health, said of rising sterilization rates.

Learn more here.

From the blog…

People love Planned Parenthood — and we have the data to prove it.

Ask the Experts: My boyfriend fingered me after he touched his penis. Could I be pregnant?

Did you know that using the wrong lube can increase your chance of STIs and pregnancy? Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right lube.

Read more on the blog >>

What we're watching, reading, listening to, and taking action on:

According to a new study published in JAMA, sterilization rates among women climbed 39% in states with abortion bans in the six months following the Dobbs decision. Experts say this reveals how abortion bans have affected reproductive health choices.

Watch: Less than 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks of pregnancy. NBC news visited one of the only health centers in the country that provides abortions later in pregnancy to learn more about the people providing and seeking this essential care, and the barriers and backlash they face.

26 states have passed restrictions on gender-affirming care. Gender and transition doulas are a vital resource to help trans patients navigate a hostile and confusing landscape.

Flo is one of the most popular menstrual tracking and reproductive health apps on the market — it was also founded by men. Forbes says the app’s success may highlight structural inequities in the venture capital space.
(Did you know that Planned Parenthood has a period and fertility tracking app? It’s called Spot On, and while we might be biased, we think it’s great!)

Read: An excerpt from You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America, a new book by Amanda Becker that tells the stories of grassroots leaders on the front lines of the fight for reproductive rights.

Ask the Experts:

"What is Doxy PEP? How can I get it and is it available online?"

Doxy PEP is a medicine you take up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex to lower your chances of getting syphilis, gonorrhea, and/or chlamydia. You can think of it as the morning-after pill, but for certain STIs.

Doxy PEP doesn’t help prevent HIV. Different medicines may be used to prevent HIV, called HIV PEP or HIV PrEP. It’s safe to take Doxy PEP with medicines that prevent or treat HIV.

Where can I get Doxy PEP?

You can get Doxy PEP via telehealth or in person at many Planned Parenthood health centers or other health clinics. Contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center to make an appointment or for help figuring out if Doxy PEP is right for you.

How much does Doxy PEP cost?

The cost of Doxy PEP varies depending on whether you have insurance. However, the cost can range from $0 to $35 per dose. It may be fully covered by your insurance or come with a copay. In some cases, you can get Doxy PEP for low cost or even free. To learn more about your payment options, contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.

*Note: Planned Parenthood is not responsible for nor does it endorse any legal, medical, or other advice or information provided by any of the entities identified or referenced herein or by any other third parties, whether referenced herein or not.

Check out Ask The Experts for more Q&As on a ton of different health topics.
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