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Contraceptives are devices or drugs used to prevent preganancies.
Whether married or not, coitus has become a basic need, and the consequences of sex are either STDs, pregnancies or both. Since young people tend to avoid pregnancies, I'm going to discuss how to prevent pregnancies.
DISCLAIMER: Most of the methods below don't prevent you from contracting STDs, go for tests before engaging in an unprotected coitus with your partner.
Contraceptives are categorised in two main groups;
1. Hormonal Contraceptives
These contraceptives work together with natural body hormones to prevent pregnancy.
The advantage of hormonal contraceptives is that they are more efficient than other methods. Its disadvantage is you'll experience different body changes such as gain weight, headache, nausea, breast pains and change in the menstrual cycle.
Pills
There are two types of pills; Combined oral pills and progestogen-only pills.
Taking the pills depends on the prescriptions from your doctor, follow every instruction in order for the pill to work effectively. Have a conversation with your doctor, ask questions that would love answered.
Depo Provera
You can get injections every three months. Keep the record of your last injection for it to work effectively. You should get the injection within the first five days of your periods.
Implant
An implant is a rod that is inserted on the upper part of the arm, under the skin. It releases a hormone that prevents pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing an ova. The implant should be inserted during the first five days of your period in order to be effective. The implant can stay up to five years.
2. Non-hormonal Contraceptives
These are contraceptives include;
This is the safest and accurate method of birth control. Condoms not only prevent pregnancies but also STDs when correctly used. Ensure the condom is correctly placed as indicated on the manual.
Withdrawal method
This is not a 100% contraceptive method, it is not guaranteed that it will prevent pregnancy. Be careful while trying this method of birth control unless you're ready to have a child.
Intra-Uterine Device(Coil)
A device is inserted into a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. This method can prevent pregnancy up to 10 years. This method won't affect your weight.
Caps and Diaphragms
These are inserted into a woman's upper part of the vagina to cover the cervix, they block the sperms to prevent pregnancies. These caps need to be inserted at least six hours before having sex.
Don't use the cap during your periods. Always check whether it's in perfect condition. If it has a hole, throw it away and get another.
TIP: Before deciding on the method to use, contact a doctor for professional opinions, some contraceptive a severe side effects and your doctor would advise on the best method to use.
P2 is not a contraceptive, its an emergency pill used after having sex, to prevent pregnancy. It should be used twice a year.
Whether married or not, coitus has become a basic need, and the consequences of sex are either STDs, pregnancies or both. Since young people tend to avoid pregnancies, I'm going to discuss how to prevent pregnancies.
DISCLAIMER: Most of the methods below don't prevent you from contracting STDs, go for tests before engaging in an unprotected coitus with your partner.
Contraceptives are categorised in two main groups;
- Hormonal Contraceptive
- Non-hormonal Contraceptive
1. Hormonal Contraceptives
These contraceptives work together with natural body hormones to prevent pregnancy.
- Pills
- Injection(Depo provera)
- Implant
The advantage of hormonal contraceptives is that they are more efficient than other methods. Its disadvantage is you'll experience different body changes such as gain weight, headache, nausea, breast pains and change in the menstrual cycle.
Pills
There are two types of pills; Combined oral pills and progestogen-only pills.
Taking the pills depends on the prescriptions from your doctor, follow every instruction in order for the pill to work effectively. Have a conversation with your doctor, ask questions that would love answered.
Depo Provera
You can get injections every three months. Keep the record of your last injection for it to work effectively. You should get the injection within the first five days of your periods.
Implant
An implant is a rod that is inserted on the upper part of the arm, under the skin. It releases a hormone that prevents pregnancy by preventing the ovaries from releasing an ova. The implant should be inserted during the first five days of your period in order to be effective. The implant can stay up to five years.
2. Non-hormonal Contraceptives
These are contraceptives include;
- Condom
- Withdrawal method
- Intra-Uterine Device also known as Coil
- Caps and diaphragms
This is the safest and accurate method of birth control. Condoms not only prevent pregnancies but also STDs when correctly used. Ensure the condom is correctly placed as indicated on the manual.
Withdrawal method
This is not a 100% contraceptive method, it is not guaranteed that it will prevent pregnancy. Be careful while trying this method of birth control unless you're ready to have a child.
Intra-Uterine Device(Coil)
A device is inserted into a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. This method can prevent pregnancy up to 10 years. This method won't affect your weight.
Caps and Diaphragms
These are inserted into a woman's upper part of the vagina to cover the cervix, they block the sperms to prevent pregnancies. These caps need to be inserted at least six hours before having sex.
Don't use the cap during your periods. Always check whether it's in perfect condition. If it has a hole, throw it away and get another.
TIP: Before deciding on the method to use, contact a doctor for professional opinions, some contraceptive a severe side effects and your doctor would advise on the best method to use.
P2 is not a contraceptive, its an emergency pill used after having sex, to prevent pregnancy. It should be used twice a year.
Last edited:
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