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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:

Endometriosis + Birth control access + Women's History Month

"[USAID's family planning program] morphed over time into being the backbone of the reproductive health sector within global health."

— Beth Schlachter, senior director of U.S. engagement for MSI Reproductive Choices

Learn about how attacks on foreign aid are harming sexual and reproductive health and rights around the globe.

From the blog…

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Learn more about this widely misunderstood reproductive health condition, the disparities that make it hard to get help, and what we can do about it.

While going through menopause doesn't always cause thyroid problems, it can happen — here's what you should know.

You asked, we answered: What are the signs of pelvic inflammatory disease?

Read more on the blog >>

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

How the Trump administration’s attacks on foreign aid harm reproductive health access around the world, and the devastating impact this has on women and LGBTQ+ communities.

The Department of Justice announced it will no longer enforce most violations of the FACE Act, a federal law that makes it illegal for protestors to threaten, injure, or block people from entering reproductive health clinics. Scaling back enforcement of the statute weakens protections for health care providers and patients.

The ongoing attacks on reproductive health care are heartbreaking and demoralizing. To stay in this fight for the long run, we’re making room for joy wherever we can. Right now, we're celebrating…
- 🎉 Expanded access to reproductive and maternal health care in Massachusetts! About half a million residents now have access to free birth control and prenatal vitamins.
- 🎊 Arizona's 15-week abortion ban is permanently blocked! This is a huge moment for Arizonans, who voted to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution last November. Planned Parenthood Arizona is proud to provide abortion care beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy again.

Consider your Women’s History Month watchlist covered with this Them magazine round-up of movies and TV shows that honor and celebrate queer women throughout history.

Ask the Experts:

"What are the best birth control options that aren't hormonal?"

If hormones aren’t your thing, you still have a lot of other non-hormonal birth control options to choose from!

The copper IUD is the most effective non-hormonal birth control option. Like all birth control methods, it has some risks, but overall the IUD is really safe. Insertion can be more painful for some than others. Learn more about what an IUD insertion is like and how you can manage IUD insertion pain.

The diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, spermicide, and Phexxi are also non-hormonal birth control options. Diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges, and condoms can work even better when used with spermicide. While these options aren’t as effective at preventing pregnancy as IUDs, you can stop using them anytime you want, and you don’t need a nurse or doctor to remove them. Plus, condoms also help protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Finding the right birth control method can take some time, and that's okay! Talking through your options with a nurse or doctor, like the staff at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center, can help.

*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.
Got a question in mind? Ask Roo, our sex ed chatbot, or one of our trained health educators.

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