Every women and girl has the right to decide when she wants to get pregnant, how many children she would like to have and how far apart each pregnancy is. Methods of preventing pregnancies are called contraception or family planning.
Have you heard of a friend who has made a girl pregnant accidentally? Do you know of any friend who has become pregnant when she did not want to?
Abstinence (not having sex) is the most effective way to prevent pregnancy. However, couples who decide to have sex have many options for effective prevention of pregnancy.
Traditional methods of contraception include the withdrawal (pull out) method and natural fertility based methods are not as effective as modern methods of contraception.
There is a wide range of modern methods of contraception. All of us have the right to choose the best form of contraception suitable for each individual. Below are some examples of modern methods of contraception:
Traditional methods of contraception include the withdrawal (pull out) method and natural fertility based methods are not as effective as modern methods of contraception.
There is a wide range of modern methods of contraception. All of us have the right to choose the best form of contraception suitable for each individual. Below are some examples of modern methods of contraception:
Barrier method
- Condom (men and women)
- Intrauterine device (A tiny instrument containing copper placed into the uterus of a female to prevent pregnancy)
- Diaphragm (a cup that covers the cervix and contains spermicide to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.)
- Cervical Cap (a silicon cup that snugly fits at the cervix)
Hormonal method
Contraceptive pills
- Combined oral contraceptive pill
- Progestin only pill
- Implant
- Injectable
Emergency method/Morning after pill
Barrier method provides protection externally using an easily accessed instrument. On the other hand, the hormonal method prevents possibility of getting pregnant by releasing hormones to prevent ovulation, fertilization and implantation. Emergency contraceptive pills are used within 3 days after sexual intercourse to prevent implantation of fertilized ovum and thus, prevent pregnancy.
Your choice of contraception should depend on:
The male condom gives best protection against STIs as well as prevents pregnancy. With all other methods, you should use a condom to protect against STIs.
Your choice of contraception should depend on:
- How well (effective) it prevents pregnancy
- How easy it is to use
- Is it expensive? Do you need a prescription from a doctor?
- Does it protect you against STIs?
- Do you have any health problems?
The male condom gives best protection against STIs as well as prevents pregnancy. With all other methods, you should use a condom to protect against STIs.
