#pntu

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2020 Birth Control & Amy Coney Barrett Confirmation

What does it mean to be pro-life in 2020? To me, it means to be pro-education and anti-carceral; to be pro-social-distancing and anti-death penalty. However, in the white supremacist settler-colonial carceral state--or states, as in the United States-- to call oneself “pro-life” means, well, anything but that. It means to be pro-capitalism and the pursuit of control of the labor supply, and pro-forced birth. It means to be anti-people, especially poor and/or nonwhite queer people. To be pro-life in this sense is to be an unabashed and brazen soldier for white supremacy. A white knight, if you will. 

This white knight, ever-present, goes by many names and lives (or rather, steals) many lives. One of these names is Amy Coney Barrett, newly sworn-in Supreme Court justice. Barrett is the first nominee to be muscled in and confirmed so quickly with no bipartisan support since the US Civil War. 

Barrett vocally opposed the Affordable Care Acts, and has a well-documented campaign against abortion. Now with the conservative Senate majority, access to health care--let alone contraceptive goods and services--may become even more precarious. Though she touts herself as pro-life (in the white-supremacist way), other pro-abortion access party members like GOP senator Lisa Murkowski believe that Barrett will not attempt to overturn Roe v Wade, the landmark case that made abortions legal. Here is an overview of birth control options for queer and nonbinary folks...just in case:

REMEMBER If you have a uterus and ovaries, you can become pregnant even if you take testosterone that stops menstrual bleeding. If you have a penis and testes, you can get someone pregnant, even when on estrogen. Estrogen can lower sperm count, but does not make someone infertile. 

For folks with vaginas on testosterone-based HRT, the Copper IUD, according to Dr. Joe Nelson, MD (@DoctorJoeNelson on Twitter), is a “fan favorite” because it has no hormones and lasts much, much longer than other forms of birth control - up to 12 years. Dr. Nick Gorton, MD (@RNickGorton) tweets that most of his patients who are transmasc and on T opt for long-lasting progestin IUDs because when taken without testosterone they are awesome contraceptives, but with T they do a great job of preventing vaginal bleeding. Other progesterone methods include the implant, pill, or Depo shot. Progesterone-only pills like Slynd have a lower risk of clots or stroke than estrogen/drospirenone methods.

[parentsnevertoldus]

This is a guide to taking responsibility when you’ve fucked up. For all of you quarantine-baes out there... take notes. Don’t be sorry, be better. 

[parentsnevertoldus]

Period Poops

Do you notice a change in your bathroom habits during menstruation? Because you’re not alone. Period poops are a normal part of menstruation that no one seems to talk about!

Causes

According to the Cleveland Clinic, many people have digestive distress during menstruation. However, some abdominal symptoms during this time are not related to your digestive system at all. Hormones like prostaglandins cause inflammation, bloating, and cramping in the uterus (though it may feel like it’s in your stomach). 

Diarrhea

As menstruation begins and the thickened uterine lining is shed, prostaglandins relax the smooth muscle tissues which make up most involuntary muscles in the body--including the intestines. This can cause diarrhea (aka period sh*ts). 

These prostaglandins can also make you more gassy and bloated, especially if your period cravings are especially processed. Since you’re likely eating more (again, because of prostaglandins) and pooping less (thanks, progesterone), there’s a buildup of food in your digestive tract that is not typically there. 

Many think that period poop smells different than usual--blame PMS eating habits and the drop in progesterone, as well as the odor of menstrual blood adding a lil spice to the mix. 

Constipation

Progesterone, the hormone responsible for the thickening of the uterine wall peaks right before ovulation. This buildup can cause constipation around ovulation and the days following it. Other theories posit that rising estrogen levels are the cause of difficult passage of stools and slow colonic movement. 

Other underlying and chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and endometriosis can make you more prone to menstrual constipation. It is also more likely if you tend to have very painful periods. 

All of these changes are common and very normal. As long as no other concerning symptoms are being experienced (like blood in your poop or extreme pain), there is no cause for worry. 

How to Deal

Dr. Jen Gunter an OB/GYN suggests taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen shortly before the start of menstruation. This class of medications blocks prostaglandin production, which can reduce period cramps and period diarrhea. Oral birth controls containing estrogen can also help reduce cramps and diarrhea. If you are already on a contraceptive regimen, you can skip periods by skipping the week of placebos. 

Constipation can be helped with the introduction of a high-fiber diet--plenty of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. If that does not work, gentle stool softeners can help with relief.