In the society where we find ourselves,most people shy away when they hear contraceptives or even the word “sex” but people keep getting pregnant and giving birth every day. How did they get pregnant?How did they give birth? Well I guess they are they are the Marys’ of our generation Contraceptives are basically devices or drugs used to prevent unintended pregnancies and everyone has the right to use contraceptives including adolescents. Yes! You read right! Adolescents! Although people may argue that adolescents are not expected to use contraceptives at their age because they ought to be chaste,we cannot ignore the fact that some adolescents are sexually active hence the rise in teenage pregnancies. In today’s discussion we are going to delve into the various contraceptives available.
To begin with,as established earlier contraceptives can be drugs or devices. Under devices used as contraceptives,the first device to talk about is the ever popular condoms which comes in the male and female types. Condoms are made from a rubber called latex so if you are allergic to latex then you have to use other contraceptives. it works by forming a barrier that keeps the sperm out of the vagina and they also prevent the transmission of infections to your partner. Important points to note in the usage of condoms is that you should be careful when putting it on in order not to tear it and one condom must be used for each sexual act or let me say “each round.” You should also take note that it is not recommended that both partners wear a condom because the condoms break easily due to increased friction. There are also implants like jadelle and intrauterine devices also known as IUDs which help prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Another contraceptive is a spermicide which basically kills sperms.
This usually requires 10-20minutes after insertion before intercourse can begin and effective for only an hour after insertion.It comes in the form of creams,foaming tablets,vaginal suppositories and jellies. There are also oral contraceptives.Which has different types such as the the combined oral contraceptives(contains estrogen and progesterone) an example of the oral contraceptive is microgynon which is taken is taken one pill a day at the same time for 21 days. Another type of the oral contraceptive is the progestin only pill and an advantage of this one is that it does not affect milk production in breastfeeding mothers so they can use it. It works by preventing the ovary from releasing eggs and it also makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the womb. Under these oral contraceptives falls the emergency contraceptives. As the word says it is an emergency contraceptive. You can only take it after an unprotected sex when you are not safe.That is not to say you should intentionally have regular unprotected sex when you are not safe and take it. Go to the nearest health facility for a family planning method. It must be taken within 72hours after unprotected sex. Since it is an emergency contraceptive its potency is very high and can cause a hormonal imbalance if taken often. 15 tablets of the microgynon makes one emergency contraceptive pill so imagine what it can do to your body if you keep taking it regularly.
Other contraceptives also include the injectables.
Examples include depo provera (Effective for 3 months),Noristerat(effective for 2months) and Norigynon(Effective for 1 month).These injectables work by preventing monthly ovulation,reducing sperm movement in the Fallopian tubes and also makes implantation difficult. Its side effects are that it may delay return of fertility and may cause absence of menstruation. In conclusion,note that you can report at any health facility around you to seek for education and care in relation to your reproduction and you are also at liberty and I choose whichever method of contraception you want no health worker has the right to impose any method of contraception on you. Let’s meet some other time to look at some myths surrounding these methods of contraception.
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