Choosing a contraceptive method is a personal decision that depends on your health, lifestyle, and future plans. With many options available today, understanding how each method works and what best fits your daily life can help you make an informed and confident choice.
Contraception, or birth control, helps prevent pregnancy. Some methods can also help in regulating menstrual cycles, reducing acne, or protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). No single method is right for everyone, and the effectiveness of a contraception method vary. The best choice depends on your needs, comfort, and medical history.
Types of contraception methods
Rhythm method
This involves understanding which days of the month you are fertile and avoiding sexual intercourse around the days you are fertile.
Condoms
These are sheaths worn over the penis to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg, as well as protects against STIs.
Vaginal ring
The ring is a soft plastic inserted in the vagina. Each ring lasts for three weeks and prevents pregnancy. There is more control over when periods come, and periods are lighter and less painful. The ring can also help with acne. However, side effects include vaginal discharge, headaches, nausea, bloating, breast tenderness etc.
Diaphragms and cervical caps
A soft cup that covers the cervix, preventing the sperm from entering the cervix to meet the egg. It is usually used with a spermicide, a cream that kills the sperm and should be fitted by a doctor or a nurse before first use.
Oral contraceptive pills
A pill taken daily containing two hormones progesterone and oestrogen. It helps to prevent pregnancy, menstrual regulation, relief of menstrual cramps and heavy flow. However, side effects include headaches, nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, etc. These pills are suitable for most women except for breastfeeding mothers and those with medical problems such as liver disorders, high blood pressure and women older than 40 years.
Birth control patch
An adhesive stuck on the skin, releasing hormones gradually over time to prevent ovulation and change uterine lining. The patch is changed once a week, results in lighter menstrual flow, cramps and less acne. Side effects include skin irritation, headaches, nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, etc.
Birth control injection
An injection administered every three months. Helps prevent pregnancy, relief heavy flow and menstrual cramps. However, it may cause irregular bleeding, weight gain and does not prevent against STIs.
Intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) or intra-uterine contraceptive system (IUS)
A copper coil is inserted into the uterus. It typically lasts up to 5 years and does not contain hormones.
The hormonal system, similar to the copper IUD, releases small amounts of hormones instead.
Both helps prevent pregnancy. However, it commonly results in erratic periods, prolonged or unscheduled bleeding, and does not prevent against STIs.
Permanent methods
- Tubal ligation: An irreversible procedure that cuts or blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from reaching the uterus.
- Vasectomy: An irreversible procedure that cuts or blocks the tube that carries the sperm out of the penis so no sperm will enter the semen.
These procedures are suitable for those who are not considering having any more children in the future.
