Birth Control. It's the source of much controversy and scrutiny. It's led to some of the most drawn out debates. Is it right? Is it wrong? Should it be free or not? And the one statement I saw on twitter that I just loved, "If you're single, and on birth control... you're a whore/hoe/slut/*insert derogatory comment here*." So flattering, right?! If you can't detect my sarcasm then you should re-read the title of this article.

Now I'm not here to start a political debate, but to crush the stigma surrounding women who take birth control. They aren't "hoes," regardless of their relationship status.

Whether you're for or against birth control there is one thing we all need to stop doing: shame women who choose to use birth control. See, I understand why some people are against it; religion, morals, and other beliefs are all reasons why certain groups of people may be opposed to birth control. I get it! I really do, but for me birth control is a great thing. Oral contraceptives help my body function more efficiently and normally.

You see, what many people fail to acknowledge is that birth control can be used for a NUMBER of different things: PCOS, hormone imbalance, acne, painful periods, endometriosis, and irregular periods to name just a few. You may be thinking that there must be another alternative to fixing these things other than oral contraceptives, but I was given two options. I tried the first and I was sick to my stomach every day trying to take that pill. Now that I'm on THE pill, these problems are getting better without making me nauseous every 5 minutes. I have what is called Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS. With this, I have hormonal imbalances in my body. By taking oral contraceptives, my hormone levels will return to a normal state, allowing my body to function properly and more effectively.

Now, some people might say that birth control can cause infertility and that I should live with the hormonal imbalances at hand, but PCOS affects my body more than you might think. It makes it harder for me to lose weight and I personally feel like it aids weight gain. I also have bad acne and darker body hair. I had irregular periods for the longest time. Everyone's symptoms can vary. Other symptoms are thinning hair and dark skin. Not to mention that one of the outcomes of living with PCOS is the possibility of infertility anyways. I grew up constantly feeling like my body was working against me and that there wasn't anything I could do about it. I was always self-conscious and I still feel that insecurity sometimes today. It's not easy, but knowing that BCPs (Birth Control Pills) can help me gives me a sense of confidence and hope. I would love to have a family in the future and I hope I get the chance to start my own.

Regardless of the reasons a woman decides to use birth control, everyone should treat them with respect. It is no one else's business as to why they are using it, just know that there is a plethora of different answers. I also find it ironic that some men think such low things about women who use BCPs, yet will do anything to make sure they don't produce a child from their "casual unions." Sexual equality is an important part of society and can affect the self-esteem of a woman as men are praised and women are shamed for each of their respective promiscuous behaviors. We need to do better as a whole in changing the dialogue surrounding the many stigmas about sex.

So, to the man on twitter who had such lovely things to say about single women on birth control: I am a 20-year old woman who uses oral contraceptives. Oh, and I'm single. The consensus? BCPs + a single marital status = "whore" a strong woman.