According to new research, contraceptives like the pill can change the way your memory works — and not just because you're always trying to remember to take the damn thing.

We all know the benefits of birth control pills: they're safe, effective, regulate your period (hello, cramps and flow!), help fight acne, and when taken properly, prevent pregnancy. Your hormones are under control, the sun is shining and birds are chirping your favorite song.

Research on monkeys found birth control pills don't cause weight gain and may even help heavier women lose weight. As for why the myth persists, scientists say women may be blaming the pill for weight gain that occurs with age.

"The average woman spends 30 years of her life trying to avoid getting pregnant." Well, when you put it that way. From that campaign we told you about, pushing for full coverage of birth control under health-care reform. Petition here.

An op-ed in today's New York Times argues, "Women don't need a doctor to tell them if they need cold medicine or condoms, and they shouldn't need a doctor's permission to take the pill." Is that true?

A new C.D.C. report found that now 72% of women use condoms when they lose their virginity, up from 34% in 1985. However, the pill is still the most popular form of contraception overall, followed closely by sterilization. [NYT, HuffPo]

Raquel Welch on the Pill/the decline in marriage: "Seriously, folks, if an aging sex symbol like me starts waving the red flag of caution over how low moral standards have plummeted, you know it's gotta be pretty bad." [Daily Mail]

[New York, 1974. Image via AP]

Though many women report that birth control pills lower their sex drive, they've had frustratingly little scientific support — but now a new study shows women on hormonal birth control actually are at higher risk for low libido.

In honor of the Pill's 50th anniversary, Time's Nancy Gibbs takes a look back at its history and influence. Her piece includes a couple of facts we were surprised to learn — including the origin of the condom.

A British government survey found that among women under 50, the number of condom users has caught up to the number of women taking the pill. Half of those who use condoms prefer them because they offer STD protection. [BBC]

Male contraception! Please! Researchers in Scotland are looking for couples under the age of 45 to test a new contraceptive for men. The hormone injections last for two months and are fully reversible. [BBC]

• Here's the latest in no shit studies: women with higher "emotional intelligence" have better sex than those who cannot express their feelings. Also: nice picture Daily Mail! •

In the largest trial of male hormonal contraception to date, researchers report that injecting men with testosterone is not only safe, effective and reversible, but may renew interest in the "male Pill."

Pint-sized writer Sarah Vowell was on L.A's KCRW on Wednesday talking about her love for Loretta Lynn. Vowell grew up in a Pentecostal household, so she wasn't allowed to listen to Satan's minions, Kiss.

Lorena Bobbitt, 15 Years Later: Engaged, working as a real estate agent, and helping abused women with their mental health. • Are the Japanese totally over luxury brands? We just hope they aren't over making endlessly adorable things! • An Army Wives poster in an NYC subway station has been given a little makeover. •…

A "frustrated, sexually inexperienced" young male seal tries to have sex with a penguin.• Older Japanese singles are trying out that whole online dating thing. • A 51-year-old man admits to using voodoo to seduce teen girls. • Two women make history, win second-"highest" medical prize. • PETA asks Hollywood insiders…

Birth control options for women over 40 are expanding thanks to new low-estrogen birth control pills and increased research into methods that don't involve tube-tying. Birth control pills with high estrogen levels are not recommended for women over 35 since they pose cancer and blood clot threats, but low-estrogen…