Contraceptives are chemical or organic substances or procedures used to prevent pregnancy. It's is commonly known as family planning. Married couples and sexually active singles are actively seeking and using this option to prevent pregnancy for varying periods of time, depending on the personal choice of contraceptives.
There are different types of contraceptives/family planning options and they include:
1. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is a contraceptive that lasts for a long time.
There are two popular types of LARC
a. the intra uterine device (IUD) that lasts for five to ten years
b. the implant that lasts for three or five years.
They are sometimes called “fit and forget” contraception because you don’t need to remember it every day or every month.
LARCs are the most effective types of contraception. They are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
2. Hormonal Contraceptives
These are contraceptives that use hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Hormonal contraceptives include the pill and the Depo Provera injection.
There are two types of pill:
a. combined oral contraceptive pill
b. progestogen-only contraceptive pill
You take one pill each day. The pill is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you take it correctly.
The Depo Provera injection is another type of hormonal contraception. You get an injection every three months. If you get your injections on time, Depo Provera is more than 99% effective.
3. Barrier Methods:
Barrier methods stop sperm from entering the vagina. The two barrier methods are:
a. condoms
b. internal condoms
Condoms protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) as well as unintended pregnancy.
4. Emergency Contraceptives:
There are two options for emergency contraception: the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) or a copper IUD.
The ECP is approved to be taken up three days after unprotected sex. If you are an average weight, the ECP is 98% effective.
If you weigh more than 70kg, the ECP is less effective and a copper IUD is recommended. If you weigh more than 70kg and you choose to take ECP, you should ask if taking a double dose is the right option for you. The copper IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex, and is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy if:
a. you haven't used protection
b. your normal contraception fails e.g. condom splits
c. you have missed more than one contraceptive pill
d. you have been vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill
e. you have missed your injection
f. you have been forced to have sex without contraception.
You should not use the ECP as your regular method of contraception.
5. Fertility Awareness:
Fertility awareness is learning the signs of fertility in your menstrual cycle to help you plan or avoid a pregnancy.
6. Permanent Contraceptive:
Permanent contraception, sometimes called sterilisation, prevents all future pregnancies. It is very difficult or impossible to reverse. Permanent contraception is either a vasectomy or a tubal ligation.
The side effects of contraceptive pills include:
1. Intermenstrual spotting
Breakthrough vaginal bleeding is common between expected periods. This usually resolves within 3 months of starting to take the pill.
During spotting, the pill is still effective, as long as it has been taken correctly and no doses are missed. Anyone who experiences 5 or more days of bleeding while on active pills, or heavy bleeding for 3 or more days, should contact a health care professional for advice.
This bleeding may happen because the uterus is adjusting to having a thinner endometrial lining or because the body is adjusting to having different levels of hormones.
2. Nausea
Some people experience mild nausea when first taking the pill, but symptoms usually subside after a while. Taking the pill with food or at bedtime may help. If nausea is severe or persists for longer than 3 months, you should seek medical guidance.
3. Breast tenderness
Birth control pills may cause breast enlargement or tenderness. This normally resolves a few weeks after starting the pill. Anyone who finds a lump in the breast or who has persistent pain or tenderness or severe breast pain should seek medical help.
Tips for relieving breast tenderness include reducing caffeine and salt intake and wearing a supportive bra.
4. Headaches and migraine
Some people experience side effects with "the pill," such as irregular periods, nausea, headaches or weight change.
The hormones in birth control pills can increase the chance of headaches and migraine.
Pills with different types and doses of hormone may trigger different symptoms.
Using a low-dose pill may reduce the incidence of headaches.
Symptoms normally improve over time, but if severe headaches start when you begin taking the pill, you should seek medical advice.
5. Weight gain
Clinical studies have not found a consistent link between the use of birth control pills and weight fluctuations. However, fluid retention may occur, especially around the breasts and hips.
According to one review, most studies have found an average weight gain of under 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) at 6 or 12 months with progestin-only birth control. Studies of other birth control methods showed the same gain.
Some types of hormonal contraceptive have been linked to a decrease in lean body mass.
6. Mood changes
Studies suggest that oral contraceptives may affect the user's mood and increase the risk of depression or other emotional changes. Anyone experiencing mood changes during pill use should contact their medical provider.
7. Missed periods
Even with proper pill use, a period may sometimes be missed. Factors that can influence this include stress, illness, travel, and hormonal or thyroid abnormalities.
If a period is missed or is very light while using the pill, a pregnancy test is recommended before starting the next pack. It is not unusual for a flow to be very light or missed altogether on occasion. If concerned, seek medical advice.
8. Decreased libido
The hormone or hormones in the contraceptive pill can affect sex drive or libido in some people. If decreased libido persists and is bothersome, this should be discussed with a medical provider.
In some cases, the birth control pill can increase libido, for example, by removing concerns about pregnancy and reducing the painful symptoms of menstrual cramping, premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
9. Vaginal discharge
Changes in vaginal discharge may occur when taking the pill. This may be an increase or a decrease in vaginal lubrication or a change in the nature of the discharge. If vaginal dryness results, added lubrication can help make sex more comfortable.
These changes are not usually harmful, but alternations in color or odor could indicate an infection. Anyone who is concerned about such changes should speak with their medical provider.
10. Eye changes
Hormonal changes caused by the birth control pill have been linked to a thickening of the cornea in the eyes. Oral contraceptive use has not been associated with a higher risk of eye disease, but it may mean that contact lenses no longer fit comfortably.
Contact lens wearers should consult their ophthalmologist if they experience any changes in vision or lens tolerance during pill use
Considering the side effects of contraceptive pills it is important that a doctor is consulted before we choose a family planning options. The doctor will ask questions and run some tests to determine the best contraceptive for you as everyone have different contraceptive needs and resistance/acceptance.
Also a lot of Pepe have opted for other contraceptive options apart from contraceptive pills because of the long-term side effects and possible risks. Other contraception options such as condoms, vaginal rings, IUD and others are also prescribed.
Before you make a contraceptive decision it is highly recommended you speak to a doctor. Normally a contraceptive unless is the permanent one does not lead to barrenness in anyway, hence the need to make a decision with the guidance of a doctor.
Bossethehi
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