DISPATCHES

Reader Feedback on "Barrier Methods"

Great article. Just a shame it had to be written at all.
--DCS
03/21

This jumped out at me immediately; "She's resorted to using condoms, which are less effective than the gynecologist-recommended two forms of birth control (particularly for students in abstinence-only programs, who don't get the banana demo in school) and, of course, require the cooperation of teenage boys. " First of all: "Resorted"??? Since when are condoms some awful last-ditch birth-control method? it's the best protection from STDs, and HELLO- news flash to all you humping teens: there's a reason that teenagers are the group experiencing the largest rise in HIV. Stop watching The OC and re-educate yourselves about safe sex (which equals responsible sex.) Second: "Requires the cooperation of teenage boys"?!?!?! This is put out there as thought this is something out of a woman's control. Putting aside again the issue that anyone engaging in sex should want to be as safe as possible (I have NEVER been with a man who didn't assume he was going to use one) Honey, if he won't put it on, he doesn't get to put it in. End of story. You want to screw, go ahead and sscrew. But please don't get all righteously indignant at the suggestion that you might be a little to immature and irresponsible to have sex while at the same time whining that you can't negoitiate safe (condom) sex with your partner, and someone won't give you The Pill for free, which means you have to use that bad, awful condom that might just save your life. Yes, we know: your body, your choice. Also your responsibility.
--JC
02/25

I was a Planned Parenthood patient for about six years, and always got frustrated at the waiting I'd have to do everytime I went in for anything (even a scheduled appointment). However, I really don't think it's fair to blame the organization for that sort of thing - it's the fact that, as stated in the article, they don't get nearly the funding they need. Waiting for three hours for an appointment made me angry at the government, which refuses to fund family-planning organizations, not the organization itself.
--MW
02/25

My experience there sucked at first (they treat the people who come in there like cattle), but the most awesome part was when they gave me not only a pack of Plan-B pills but an undated prescription for Plan-B that I could use in the future if I get in a jam. So it was like two visits for the price of one. F*cking awesome!
--jf
02/25

Excellent!
--DG
02/24

I live in Wisconsin and it's a give or take situation. On one hand, most people get free or low cost health care including birth control and EC through Family Planning Health Services of Wisconsin. I'm 21, have a full time job, and still recieve the pill for free. On the other hand, there are I believe only five abortion providers in the state (and of course they're located in Milwaukee and other urban areas, which is no help to women from northern rural areas like myself). FPHS can't provide abortion or even consider it an option because it is federally funded, but they have by far saved my reproductive life. They're fast, efficient, and very woman-positive. Be sure to look up other family planning services in your state.
--SH
02/23

The most common ingredient in spermicides, nonoxynol-9, actually increases the risk of transmission of HIV and other STDs because it leaves tiny cuts on vaginal walls. And most young women I know stay on birth control when a relationship ends because the physical/emotional stress of starting/stopping birth control is unpleasant to go through all the time. Though there are options other than b.c. pills, that shouldn't make denying women the pill excusable.
--NC
02/22

Two methods of birth control: in my day, that concept included foam & condoms and diaphragms & jelly and was not restricted to condoms & oral contraceptives. What�s changed? Birth control pills are not always the best option for young women. For one thing, they tend to stop taking them when they break up with their boyfriends, and then they�re caught short when they get back together or meet someone new. A barrier & spermicide combination has disadvantages and is not for everyone, but don�t knock it. It�s what I relied on for twenty years, and I�ve never been pregnant and never had an STD. This is not to deny the problems that Planned Parenthood are experiencing, or the problems that people are experiencing with it. But there are excellent options that don�t require a doctor. If the real problem is that Americans can�t afford doctors, as a Canadian all I can say is... you guys have much bigger problems than Planned Parenthood.
--ajc
02/22

Planned Parenthood provides information about how to use your regular 28-day birth control as emergency contraception. (The website is http://www4.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/ec/pub-emergency-contraception.xml) We should be able to get the real Plan-B "morning after" pill whenever we need it, instead of loading up on regular birth control pills and crossing our fingers. I can't believe how inaccessible these medications are!
--eb
02/22

I hope people remember that their negative experiences with Planned Parenthood aren't because of the organization itself, but people who work for the organization. It's an important distinction. While it's unfortunate that some PP employees are rude, the organzation as a whole is an amazing resource for women; one with an open and accepting attitude toward sex and sexuality that is sadly hard to find elsewhere. I've been to PP's in three different states and found different levels of "customer service" at each, but have been consistently grateful to have a place I can go that is respectful of women's health.
--nc
02/21

great article--grabbed my eye right away. perhaps worse is my experience w/ planned parenthood over the last two years--they were out of all pills except one brand for months (and you can't just take the one--you have to see a doctor and get switched over!); then twice they were COMPLETELY OUT of all pills and didn't know when they would come in!!!! I was so upset I wrote to them. They offered me a free exam and three months free pills, but when i replied, they never answered. There seems to be some serious mismanagement of an organization that i have LONG respected and utilized, and I'm 35 years old. If Planned Parenthood cannot even provide birth control pills, they are seriously failing with regard to their mission. I was pretty horrified. This was in NYC at the Manhattan center.
--ch
02/21

Planned Parenthood has always been there for me when I needed them. My local clinic is staffed with caring, knowledgeable, and customer-friendly staff. Even after getting a job that gave me insurance I still am a patient and now a supporter. I feel like our society is full of people trying to make women feel bad about our sexuality. Thank goodness there are places like Planned Parenthood where sexuality is respected, honored and celebrated.
--eh
02/21

I was a patient of a local Planned Parenthood and have since wished/dreamed that private medical offices could be even one-tenth as caring, concerned, welcoming and knowledgeable as the staff I met at PP. With out this amazing organization, millions of women and girls all over the world would have no access to family planning.
--jk
02/21

I stopped going to Planned Parenthood in my early twenties. I didn't have health insurance, but I decided it made more sense to spend the money and see a real doctor. Why? Because I couldn't take being given inaccurate medical information by a person who found it impossible to be civil to me. Maybe they are so used to being the "only option" for poor women and figure that means those women had better take what they are given (even if it means being ridiculed by a health care practitioner when they ask questions about a diagnosis which later turns out to be wrong.) Maybe they saw me as a slumming rich girl who didn't need them and didn't deserve their courtesy. Maybe they were all just having a hard day. Unfortunately for Planned Parenthood, my negative experiences at their clinics have resulted in me encouraging other women to find other options for gynecologic care and me NOT GIVING THEM DONATIONS now that I actually have money to donate to causes I find to be worthy.
--AA
02/21

yknow what? planned parenthood was the rudest, leat uidnerstanding of places when i was making barely $30 over ym rent each week. They told me i was "privileged" and should HAVE to pay the higher scale because of my background( lower middle class white, single mom), despite my low personal income - there wer eothers who "needed the lower rate more". Fucl planned parenthood - when i could barely afford to feed myself, they tried to charge me over $100 for depo provera - what the fuck? Not even an exam. In my book, they are consumate assholes. for that. and their attitude toward me. I", not sure WHO they help.... but if they're offering, take it and run. they took my tax dollars and treated me terribly. .
--GP
02/21

send feedback on "Barrier Methods"

back to "Barrier Methods"