World Contraception Day is a day that creates awareness about contraception and safe sex and is commemorated on 26th September every year. It is a campaign where every pregnancy is wanted and planned for. It was first launched in 2007 and sponsored by Bayer Health Care.
Contraception helps women who intend to reduce or prevent pregnancies and this may help to tackle the high living standards brought about by high economic standards and poverty.
There are various contraception methods used by women and they include;
- INJECTION– This is done once per month or every after three months. The injection contains progestin alone or combined with estrogen that stops the body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus at the cervix.
Injection has its advantages and disadvantages
- It does not interrupt sex
- It can be taken during breastfeeding
- It may reduce heavy and painful periods in women
- It may disrupt periods.
- Causes headache and nausea
- May cause increase in body weight
- Does not protect HIV/ AIDS and other STD’s Infections.
- THE PILL– Is a tablet taken by a woman once per day whether she had sex or not.
It combines progestin and estrogen that stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus thus keeping sperms from entering the uterus to meet the egg.
It also has its pros and cons;
- It’s easy to use
- Does not interfere with sexual life
- May reduce heavy and painful periods
- May cause change in menstrual cycle
- May cause breast tenderness
- May cause change in moods in some women and headache
- Most women who use pills may develop high blood pressure
- It requires keeping track of the days used
- WITHDRAWAL METHOD– This is a more complicated method that requires a man pulling out his penis before ejaculating in ensuring that the sperm does not enter into the woman’s vagina thus reaching the egg. It requires trust and self-control.
This method is extremely unreliable, interferes with sex and its hormone free.
- INTRA UTERINE DEVICE (IUD) METHOD– This is a copper T small flexible device placed in a woman’s womb through her vagina.
The IUD releases copper ions which immobilizes sperm and makes it hard to move around the womb. Once it is inserted can stay up to 5 or 10 years or can be removed by a woman when she decides so.
It is suitable for women who want longtime family planning and avoid the daily or monthly headache of perhaps missing contraception.
It has its advantages and disadvantages and they are as follows;
- It doesn’t interrupt sex
- Fertility returns to normal after removal
- Can be used during breastfeeding
- It ‘s one of the most effective methods
- May cause cramps or irregular bleeding
- May cause tenderness and headache in some women.
- It requires a trained health care for insertion and removal
- MALE CONDOM– A condom is a thin film sheath made of latex that is placed over a man’s erect penis before having sex. It is the most popular method as it helps by holding sperms from entering the vagina thus helping in preventing unwanted pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
- Condoms can be used on demand
- It is easy to use
- It is hormone free
- Can be used when breastfeeding
- Can tear off during sex when not used properly.
- It is the best protection of HIV / AIDS and other STI’s.
- FEMALE CONDOM– Is a sheath that is paced in the female vagina before having sex.
This creates a barrier where the sperm comes from and where to go.
- Can be used on demand
- Easily carried
- Hormone free
- Can tear off if not properly used
- It interrupts sex
- Not more effective as a male condom.
- May lead to irritation if one is allergic
- CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT– Is a small hormone-releasing silicone put below the skin on the upper arm. The hormone keeps ovaries from releasing eggs but also thicken cervical mucus making hard for sperms to move around the womb and fertilize the egg.
- It does not interrupt sex
- It is 99% effective
- It can be used six weeks after childbirth
- May cause weight gain, breast and abdominal pain.
- May reduce heavy and painful periods in some women.
- EMERGENCY PILL- This is taken every after unsafe sex. It is called the morning after pill.
- It helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
- It is effective when only used within 12 hours after unprotected sex
- When used repeatedly can interrupt menstrual cycle
- Can cause headache, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting and menstrual pain
- Does not protect HIV / AIDS and other STI’S infection
With so many contraceptives methods available, choosing a most suitable form can be discouraging but with the help of a health provider, one is able to know which method is suitable for her.
Contraception method will only favour a woman who consults from a health provider, be tested and get instructed on which method is ideal for her.
When the above methods are used well by women a number of children in a family are regulated thus reducing poverty.