Professionals and Media Outlets
Since the @washingtonpost post gaslighting women about birth control, I’ve been thinking a lot about my experience and how it has really shaped my life and career. I was put on birth control when I was 15 for unrelenting pain to my right pelvic region. It instantly stopped my pain, however my fun-loving demeanor changed pretty quickly, along with some other stressors I was dealing with in life to go hand-in-hand with this.
Perspective
Coaches would even notice and say “Trickey (my maiden name), what is wrong?” I would shrug it off and didn’t really know to make a correlation. Now, for years after getting off of the pill, I demonized it. HOWEVER, I listened to a podcast episode with Jessica Drummond and Nicole Jardim, and Jessica's perspective was healing for me.
She mentioned that SOMETIMES, birth control is a good option for someone in unrelenting pain because they are not yet in a place to make the lifestyle changes to heal. That WAS the case for me. I wouldn’t have been able to play sports and be a “normal” high schooler, and I can tell you, that I wouldn’t have chosen the “natural” options at that time in my life.
BUT- the problem was, that I was never given other options. It was that or nothing. Fast forward to my junior year in college, when I wanted to get off of the pill. I had been on it for 8 years to that point. When I brought this up to my OBGYN, she pretty much scolded me and said “Well you will just be in pain. There are no risks. You are actually lowering your cancer risk.”
Gaslighted Again
I felt unheard. I wondered, well, what the heck am I going to do when I NEED to get off to try to have kids? I had heard of people struggling with fertility when they got off of birth control.
Fast forward a few more years, and I started learning about the xenoestrogens that we put on our skin and body, that we eat, that we are surrounded with in society.
I then decided to get OFF of the birth control, and slowly make changes to clean up my lifestyle.
It was a rough 5 year journey. I went through ups and downs with pelvic pain, thyroid dysfunction, brain fog/fatigue and more. BUT, 5 years later, after those gradual lifestyle changes- I do not have painful periods. I have a completely normal cycle. And I could cry to write: I do not have pelvic pain.
Holistic Pelvic Health
Through my journey with holistic pelvic health, I have learned to heal the dysfunction that plagued my genetics WITHOUT the pill. It has been a hard journey, but rewarding and purposed.
I have so many people to thank on that journey, including my best friend Suzanne and Motherland Birth Co - who is a WEALTH of knowledge and insight about this issue. I learned so much during my thyroid dysfunction from Dr. Jolene Brighten.
I researched tirelessly and endlessly to figure out how to feel good. The pill is an option that we have available, but it is not a cure all, and does not get to the root of our problems. It is great for birth control, and should be used when deemed necessary, with informed consent, and informed RISK. Risk vs. BENEFITS. This is so important!
Birth control SHOULD NOT be used as a cure all for pelvic pain, endometriosis, PCOS, acne, painful periods, or “normalizing hormones”.
Risks v Benefits
Birth control DOES have side effects, which brings me back to the Washington Post article. Why are women headed to social media to learn about their health? Because people who CARE decided to give FREE advice on a platform so that others can change their life.
I could write for days on the gaslighting over cycle-syncing. Ladies, your menstrual cycle is literally a vital sign. Fertility awareness method is absolutely accurate if you educate yourself.
It is EMPOWERING to know your body!
Let’s use social media to lift others up, not gaslight and break them down. We are better than that. I love this community of women and now more than ever, we have to stand up with one another to fight for the health and wellness that we deserve.
With love,
DISCLAIMER
Some of the product links on this blog contain affiliate links to products. If you click on the link or purchase an item, I may receive compensation, however there is no additional cost to you to purchase. I only promote items that I firmly believe in. I am also under no obligation to write product reviews on my blog, however I do so because I would like to share products that I enjoy!
This content is created in order for individuals to learn more about the pelvic floor. I am in no way giving medical advice or medically assessing the pelvic floor through this blog. If you ever have any health questions or concerns, please consult with your physician or midwife. If you are ever unsure if you are performing exercises correctly, it may be beneficial for you to get a referral from your physician to a pelvic floor therapist for further evaluation. My blog posts are for educational purposes only! I am not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information.
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