Safe contraceptive methods

I saw someone comment on Instagram recently that married women are the ones who are afraid of getting pregnant the most. And I totally agree. I cannot count the number of times I have muttered words of prayers against getting pregnant after a delayed menses. I mean, I already have my plates full at the moment. Child spacing is not a joke. A lot of us are devising different methods to ensure that when we have sex, we do not have to be so self conscious that it prevents us from enjoying the magic of intimacy.

Contraceptive methods are the perfect path to ensure that this is possible. But even that varies and the degree to which they are effective. There are some that are meant to pose as temporary barriers for a short period. Those are;

• Condom: It’s 98% effective (well, if it does not bust or have a hole in it). And condoms are known to protect partners against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) unlike any other contraceptive methods.

• Diaphragms: This is a vaginal cup that is placed inside the vagina as a barrier preventing sperm from entering the uterus. They also have to stay in the vagina for up to six hours after sex to be effective.

By the way, these methods have no effect on hormones. And you can buy them at drug stores/pharmacies.

Hormonal methods on the other hand are effective in that they release hormones into the body such that it prevents eggs from being released after sex. This works in different ways like;

• Oral Contraceptive pill: They are prescribed by medical practitioners and have to be used at the same time daily. It is usually 93% effective but there can be some hiccup if the pills are combined with some other form of medications.

• Nuva ring: This is also known as a vagina ring that is placed in the vagina for three weeks. It slowly releases progesterone and oestrogen into the body so much so that it prevents eggs from being fertilised by sperm. It has to be removed after every three weeks. It can be self-inserted and removed. I have heard it works quite well. However, it could also fail if combined with other medications.

There are some other contraceptive methods that are fairly long term depending on which one. They are known as Long - Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC). These are usually inserted in body parts and can last for an extended period of time from 3-10 years.

• Implants: These can stay on for up to 3 years and are usually implanted in your arm to slowly release progesterone into the blood. The side effects of this method include headaches, mood swings, sore breasts, heavy menstrual flow or no menstrual flow at all. These symptoms have been known to subside or totally fade after some time. It’s usually very effective.

• IntraUterine Device (IUD): There are two types of IUDs; the hormonal IUD and the copper IUD. The hormonal IUD releases hormones into the system after it has been implanted in the uterus. While copper IUDs slowly release copper into the uterus thereby preventing eggs from being fertilised. Hormonal IUDs can last between 5 - 7 years, but can be removed in the third year of implant. They are also easily reversible. Copper IUDs are a little different. They are known to be 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. They can last up to 10 years.

* Copper IUDs may not be your best bet if you are only taking a pause in between having your babies. 

• Contraceptive Injection: This has to be taken every 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy.

• And then there is Tubal Ligation: This method is fairly permanent. It means getting your fallopian tubes tied.

There you have it. Please let your doctors advise you on the best and safest option for you and your family. However, make wise decisions so that there will be no “mistakes.”

I look forward to hearing from you what your experiences have been with any of these methods. What did you love about it and any side effects?