Contraception: The right scheme for me

Have you ever taking a walk by a clinic or hospital? You might just eavesdrop on conversations such as “je veux le Depo”. One immediately wonders if hospitals now offer mobile money services.

No! Certainly not, many different types of contraceptive methods today exist and the Depo-Provera injection is just one of them. We Shawn ill health and unwanted pregnancies, but we just can’t imagine “eating banana with its peels” here is a quick one for you then, to be on the safe side why not do your check up regularly and subscribe to one of the contraceptive methods bellow.

Intra Uterine Device (IUD): An IUD is a small object that goes inside your uterus. There are two types of IUDs: Copper IUD - contains copper, a type of metal while the Hormonal IUD – contains the hormone progestogen (Mirena or Jaydess)

The IUD is put in your uterus by an experienced nurse or doctor. This is simple and safe. The procedure itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes, after which the doctor will explain how the insertion is done and will give you instructions about what to expect once your IUD is in place.

Emergency contraception: There are two options for emergency contraception, the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) or a copper IUD. The ECP is approved to be taken up to 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 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.

The Depo-Provera injection: It is an injectable hormonal contraception, taken every 3 months. If it is respected, then this contraceptive method is more than 90% effective.

Barrier methods: This contraceptive method is based on the use of condoms. Condoms, one of the frequent contraceptive methods protects against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. You can get your Prudence Plus or AMI3 condom from your nearby retailers’ shop.

Source: www.familyplanning.org.nz



Desmond Mbua

Freelance journalist from ASMAC