Contraception In A Nutshell.

Hello y'all!
Yesterday, I talked on Emergency contraception. I loved the feedback. Though people did'nt comment on the post (I wonder why!), I got some mails and on whatspp (we have a healthy-pink group) we got an interesting conversation going. That prompted this post.
I got to know that even though a lot of women are curious about contraception, there is a sort of cultural unacceptability in Nigeria about it. It's as if there is an unwritten cultural code to stay away from it, even among the elite. Also, there is widespread ignorance about contraception in Nigeria. One lady said though she had heard about it, she was'nt sure what it is, not to talk of even knowing the types.
The uptake of contraception in Nigeria is very poor compared to countries like the USA, UK, Canada and the likes. This is quite sad, considering that contraception has been proven to improve the health of mothers and children and avert death in both groups. With contraception, a woman can plan her future, continue education, pursue a career and give more attention to the children she already has. This has tremendous economic and emotional benefits for the woman, her children, family and Nation at large. Also, when a woman or couple can control how many children they have, they can plan for each pregnancy and child better. So there are better chances that the baby will survive, be well fed, and go to school.
So even if for some religious or health reasons you can't accept some contraceptive methods, there is still some form of contraception you can use. Every woman should use contraception.
Contraception is simply any thing you do to prevent pregnancy. There are different types. I'll classify them but be brief. If you need clarity, you can reach out and i will say more.
Marie Stopes International, an organisation that promotes Contraception and maternal Health classified contraception as follows:

Photo credit: Istock photos.

1. Short Term Contraception.
The effects of these type of contraception is easily reversible and when you stop it your fertilty is regained immediately.
a.Barrier Methods : male and Female condom
b.Hormonal Methods:
-combined oral contraceptive pills: these have a number of side effects so not everyone can use them. Talk to your health provider first.
All other hormonal methods are very safe and can be used by everyone. They include:
-progestogen only pills.
-Injectables : Depo-provera (can last for about 12 weeks and given as an injection but it may cause very light or absent menstruation, though very effective and safe.
Noristerat is another injectable but only lasts 8 weeks so not widely used.
-Emergency Contraception (we talked about it yesterday).
2. Long acting Reversible Contraception.
These ones can last a number of years:
-Subdermal Implant (Implanon) : This is put under the skin of your arm and can last up to 3 years. It is hormonal, safe and very effective. No genuine failures have been recorded with it and fertilty is regained immediately.
-Intrauterine contraceptive Device(IUCD) : a small device is put into your womb through the vagina. There are 2 types : copper IUD (can last for 10-12 years) and hormonal IUD called LNG IUS). This hormonal IUD is not associated with heavy menstrual bleeding and can be used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding as well.
3. Permanent Contraception.
This one cannot be undone and fertility is affected for ever. They are:
-Tubal Ligation for women
-Vasectomy for men.
A fourth classification which Marie stopes did not talk about but which many women are interested in for Religious, cultural and personal reasons are
4. Natural Methods.
These methods aim to abstain from sex during the fertile period. You can tell when you are fertile by using the following
-changes in Basal Body Temperature
-Changes in Cervical mucus (popularly known as Billing's method.
-Changes in the cervix.
-Combination of all the above natural methods.
This method is prone to failure because many couples are not disciplined enough to abstain. But with determination and unity of purpose it is possible and when done properly very effective.

Photo credit: John Bavosi.

This has been a very lengthy post. If you got to the end, a big Thumbs-up.
Let me let you go now.
Please ladies, use contraception. whichever works best for you. You can go for more counselling on this. Till my next post, remain healthy-pink.
Dr Anire Oduko.