Tuesday 04-02-2025 - 16:45

Hey everyone.

Today, I am telling you not just as a student, but as someone who has lived through an experience that, at one point, almost took my life. I’m here to share my story, one that I hope will encourage all of us to think more carefully about the choices we make regarding contraception, sexual health, and the importance of safe sex.

When I first started taking the contraceptive pill, it seemed like a simple decision—a way to take control of my reproductive health, to prevent pregnancy, and to make my life easier. But what I didn’t fully understand at the time, was the fact that contraceptive methods, while incredibly common, are not without risks.

Just a few months into using the pill, I began to feel increasingly unwell. I didn’t realise it at the time, but what I was experiencing was a severe medical emergency. I had developed a pulmonary embolism—a blood clot in my lungs—which is not only dangerous but can be deadly. And the culprit? The contraceptive pill.

I nearly died. And that’s something I still find hard to wrap my head around. How a decision that I thought was so simple could almost cost me my life.

This experience has changed how I approach contraception and how I think about the importance of understanding every side effect and potential danger that comes with any medication—especially those related to sexual health.

The contraceptive pill has helped countless people, but it’s also not without risks. For some, those risks are more pronounced. I’ve learnt that, like any medication, it’s essential to listen to our bodies, to be aware of the symptoms and side effects, and to have open and honest conversations with healthcare professionals. It’s also crucial to have access to alternatives, should the chosen method not be the best fit for someone’s body.

But beyond the risks of contraception itself, I want to talk about the larger issue: safe sex. Safe sex isn’t just about preventing unwanted pregnancies—it’s about protecting our health, both physically and emotionally. It’s about making informed choices, understanding the risks, and ensuring that we are using the right methods for our needs and circumstances. We must take the time to learn about contraception, to understand its potential side effects, and to openly discuss it with our partners and doctors.

And let’s not forget that conversations around sex—healthy, safe, and consensual sex—should be normalised. No one should feel embarrassed or afraid to talk about contraception, side effects, or their health. It’s vital to create an environment where we can ask questions and seek advice, without judgement.

I’ve learnt from my own experience that education is key. The more we know, the better equipped we are to make decisions that are right for us—decisions that prioritise our health and well-being. Whether that’s choosing the right form of contraception, using condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections, or simply being able to discuss concerns openly with our healthcare providers.

So, to anyone out there who’s unsure about their contraception choices or who’s feeling hesitant to talk about sex and health—know that you’re not alone. We all deserve to have the information we need to make empowered, safe choices. And we owe it to ourselves to be informed, to be cautious, and to always prioritise our health.