CONTRACEPTION

Contraception, also known as birth control, is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy. In developing countries contraception has reduced the number of maternal deaths by about 40% since the mid-1990s. They have prevented unintended pregnancies among women at risk of poor obstetric outcomes; the very young, the very old and the highly parous.

Reviews have shown that birth control increases economic growth due to fewer dependent children, more women participating in the work force and less use of scarce resources.

Birth Control methods vary according to effectiveness and may be  reversible or permanent.

Reversible methods include barrier methods, hormonal birth control, intrauterine devices and behavioural methods.

Barrier contraceptives physically prevent sperms entry into the uterus. They include male condoms, female condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms and less commonly contraceptive sponges with spermicide. Male condoms are the most widely available with the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to use.

Hormonal Contraceptives

They are currently only available for women and include:

§  oral pills (combined oral contraceptives contain both estrogen and progestin or progestogen only pills)

§  implants placed under the skin (lasts up to 3 years)

§  injections (Depo -3 months/NurIsterate -2months)

Intrauterine Devices

They are T-Shaped devices which are inserted into the uterus. They may contain either copper (may last up to 10 years) or the hormone levonorgestrel (Mirena - effective for 5 years). As long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) they are amongst the most effective types of reversible contraceptives.

 

Behavioural methods include the use of a menstrual calendar to determine period safe for intercourse. Other techniques include intercourse with withdrawal method prior to ejaculation. These have the highest failure rates amongst the contraceptive methods.

Sterilization is the form of permanent contraception, usually done after completion of family.

In males it is in the form of vasectomy, in females tubal ligation may be done.

On deciding which contraceptive to use, age, lifestyle, phase of reproductive life and background health factors. For those planning a pregnancy in the future, contraceptive reversibility and time to fertility should be discussed. A visit to a clinic or healthcare professional may provide more information and help guide in contraceptive choice.

Dual protection is the use of barrier methods such as condoms together with another form of birth control in order to prevent sexual transmitted infections and pregnancy.

Emergency contraception can be used after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. It can be taken either orally as tablets or have an intrauterine device inserted. The method selected should be used within 1 or 2 days of the sex act, remembering that the sooner this is done, the more effective it will be.

 Types available and queries on chosen method can be addressed at local clinics, pharmacies and hospitals.

Post-exposure prophylaxis is a short term antiretroviral treatment to reduce the chances of HIV infection after potential exposure in the form of sexual acts or occupational hazards. More information available from health care professionals.