Majority of Morton East students do protect themselves by using some type of birth control.   

Birth control is mostly known to help many women avoid pregnancy if they aren’t ready for a child or if they simply don’t wish to start a family. Many people think birth control is mainly for women, but men also use a form of birth control, which is condoms. Birth control is a great option to avoid pregnancy, but not to prevent STDs, it is recommended to still use condoms even if the person is on birth control. There are many methods to birth control, for example, abstinence, the depo shot, pills, condoms, and many others. Some are long term and others are short term it just depends on what kind of effect the patient may want. In a random survey of 103 Morton East students, 89 reported using birth control (including condoms).  

Many people believe that just being on one method of birth control is good enough, but health providers say otherwise.  

“Always use two methods, one is a condom (because of STDs) and the other can be any other methods, but it will depend on patients and what method works for them,” said Rocio Vargas- Garcia, site coordinator ACHN Cook County Health. 

If a student needs more information, they should go to the Health Clinic in room 146. 

“We always provide education on birth control; each room is equipped (with information pamphlets),” said Rocio Vargas-Garcia, site coordinator ACHN Cook County Health.  

It’s also good to remember that if someone is taking birth control medication, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that person is sexually active. 

“I think the biggest thing would be that birth control isn’t only taken to prevent birth. The hormones that’s in the medication can also help with acne, menstrual cramps, heavy menstrual flow, and even decreasing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer,” said Jasmine Hosley, school nurse and RN. 

Another important thing to remember is that some birth control methods may not be for everyone, so always make sure to be well informed and see which option is best for you. 

“However, everybody’s body reacts differently to medication and one method may not be the same for someone else, so the safest way is to consult with your primary care provider in regards to your specific risk factors and overall health condition,” said Jasmine Hosley, school nurse and RN.