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On September 26th every year, we observe World Contraception Day, intending to bring some much-needed awareness to safe intercourse and birth planning. Attention to safe intercourse practices is essential so that every decision concerning starting your family is a planned one (1).
According to the World Health Organization, women who reside in developing countries are more at risk of having unplanned pregnancies. In developing countries, it has been estimated that close to half the pregnancies between 2015 and 2019 were unplanned (2). In a world where there is little to no knowledge about pregnancy and family planning, a day such as this is of great significance. Here’s all you need to know about contraception, its importance, and the ways in which it can be used:
Effective Birth Planning And More
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The primary role of contraception is to prevent pregnancy, but that is not all. The benefits of effective contraception extend far more beyond the prevention of an unplanned pregnancy. Some of these include (3), (4), (5), (6):
- It helps with better family planning: It could be that you do not wish to have children. Or, you do, but at a later time in your life. With the help of contraception, you get to decide what’s best for you and your relationship.
- For some women, getting pregnant might put them at risk. This includes women with health complications such as heart disease, diabetes, preeclampsia, and certain infections. A contraceptive can help prevent pregnancy in this case, thereby protecting such women.
- In some cases, having a baby may not be the most ideal choice for you. This could be due to various reasons such as financial constraints, an abusive family setting, or parents whose work requires them to be unavailable at most times.
- Awareness and use of contraceptives can help prevent pregnancy in teenagers. Teenage pregnancies aren’t just risky for teen moms; it can also lead to congenital disorders and developmental issues in the child.
- Pregnancies that occur without a reasonable gap can result in unhealthy babies. With an effective contraceptive plan, you can space out your pregnancy better to make sure both your children (or more) can enjoy the best of your attention as well as good health.
- Certain contraceptive methods are used to help with health problems such as Polycystic Ovarian Disease, endometriosis, iron deficiencies, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, acne, and infections in your fallopian tubes or uterus.
Common Methods Of Contraception
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There are several methods of contraception, but the most common are as follows (7):
- Intrauterine Contraception: Examples of this are Levonorgestrel intrauterine system and Copper T intrauterine devices. In this form of contraception, a “T” shaped device is placed in your uterus by a medical professional. The device will either release hormones that prevent pregnancies or create a hostile environment that will not support pregnancy. This method is considered adequate and long-lasting, as it can remain in your system for years. It is also reversible, which means you can remove it if you decide to get pregnant.
- Barrier Methods: This happens to be one of the most common methods of contraception and is also a reversible method. Some examples of barrier methods are female or male condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and spermicides.
- Hormonal Methods: As the name suggests, hormonal methods work by increasing the production of hormones that prevent pregnancies or reducing the production of hormones that facilitate pregnancies. Some of these methods include implants, contraceptive shots, oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, and hormonal contraceptive rings.
- Fertility Awareness Programs: Not the most effective method, but one that could help, a fertility awareness program essentially enables you to prevent or plan your pregnancy by understanding your fertility window.
- Emergency Contraception: Unlike the other methods of contraception, emergency contraception is not something you resort to regularly. As the name suggests, it is to be taken only in the case of an emergency. Emergency contraceptive pills are an example of this method, where a woman can take them within five to seven days after engaging in unprotected intercourse.
- Lactational Amenorrhea Method: For a brief period of time when you are lactating, your body turns into a hostile environment for pregnancy. This could be because regular menstruation has not resumed, you are continually breastfeeding, and it’s been less than six months since the delivery of your child. Some women use this temporary period as a contraceptive method. It may not be fully reliable and is not a permanent solution to contraception.
- Permanent Methods Of Birth Control: If you have made a choice not to have a child, you could opt for permanent methods of birth control such as sterilization (for example, tubal ligation and vasectomy). There is also the option of your male partner getting sterilized.
Pregnancy calls for celebration, more so if it is planned and you are physically and mentally prepared. When you’re not, you can put yourself and the newborn through a lot of trauma. Talk to your doctor today to get a better understanding of what works best for you. What are your thoughts on contraception? Let us know in the comments below!
