Contraception methods make your choice

Contraception helps women and men to avoid, suspend or delay pregnancy. Whatever be the type of relationship, family planning is key because it guides us as young people in making safe choices as regards our sexual lives. Although there are many different types of contraceptives, they can be divided into a few groups based on how they work. These groups include:

 Hormonal methods: These use medications (hormones) to prevent ovulation. Hormonal methods include birth control pills (oral contraceptives), Depo Provera injections.

Barrier methods: These methods work by preventing the sperm from getting to and fertilizing the egg. Barrier methods include male condom and female condom, diaphragm, and cervical cap. The condom is the only form of birth control that also protects against sexually transmitted diseases, including (HIV)

 Spermicides: These medications kill sperm on contact. Spermicides come in many different forms such as jelly, foam, tablets, and even a transparent film. All are placed in the vagina. Spermicides work best when they are used at the same time as a barrier method.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs): These devices are inserted into the uterus, where they stay from one to ten years. An IUD prevents the fertilized egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus and may have other effects as well.

 Unfortunately, there is no perfect form of birth control. Only abstinence protects against unwanted pregnancy with 100 percent reliability. All forms of birth control have one feature in common. They are only effective if used faithfully.

There are several issues to consider when deciding which method of contraception is right for you. Once you’ve decided that you want to take a method, go to your local family planning clinic or ProFam centers in your region or area and confidentially discuss your choices. And remember, the only way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is to use a condom every time you have sex. Other methods of contraception prevent pregnancy but they don’t protect against HIV and STIs.

By Eric mbotiji