Picture this: You find yourself in a whimsical world of fairy tales, transformed into a fairy godmother donned in a dazzling costume – a sparkling dress, enchanting fairy wings, and a trusty magic wand. This wand possesses an incredible power, capable of granting your wishes precisely when you need them. A delightful picture, don’t you agree? Now, envision contraception in the same light – as a magical wand bestowing upon you the enchanting gift of choice and options!
Today marks World Contraception Day, an annual occasion dedicated to raising awareness about contraception. This global event, observed on September 26th each year for the past fifteen years, unites local and global healthcare organizations to foster understanding and knowledge about contraception among the general populace.
This year, 2023, the theme for World Contraception Day is "The Power of Options." This theme underscores the paramount significance of choice in family planning. Bearing a child is a profound responsibility, one that should never be thrust upon anyone as a mere circumstance. The decision to embark on parenthood should be a deliberate and thoughtful one, capable of profoundly affecting an individual's life, relationships, and future objectives. This year's theme is a poignant reminder that contraception serves as the magical wand, empowering us to exercise control over our reproductive destinies.
With contraception, there is no ‘one size fits all’. There is an array of contraception methods available at your fingertips. Each method has its unique features and effectiveness, and like a magic wand, they offer different "spells" to facilitate the realization of your family planning objectives.
Contraception methods are classifiable into several categories based on various factors. For the sake of simplicity, we can categorize them into two primary classes: Reversible methods and Irreversible methods. Alternatively, you can classify them based on factors such as duration of effect (long-acting vs. short-acting), hormonal vs. non-hormonal, and more.
Reversible methods of contraception are:
1. Intrauterine Contraception: this further includes methods like:
a. Copper T intrauterine device (IUD)
b. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUD
2. Hormonal Methods:
a. Patch.
b. Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring
c. Implant
d. Injection or “shot”
e. Combined oral contraceptives
f. Progestin-only pill
3. Barrier Methods
a. Diaphragm or cervical cap
b. Sponge
c. Male condom
d. Female condom
e. Spermicides
4. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
a. Calendar method
b. Lactational Amenorrhea Methods
5. Emergency Contraception
a. Copper IUD
b. Emergency Contraceptive Pills.
Permanent or Irreversible Methods of Birth Control
Female Sterilization (also called Tubal ligation or “tying tubes")
Male Sterilization (also called Vasectomy)
Contraception plays a pivotal role in reducing unintended pregnancies. Some methods, like the use of condoms, additionally protect against sexually transmitted infections. Contraception empowers individuals to steer clear of unanticipated circumstances for which they may not yet be prepared.
According to the National Institute of Health, statistics reveal that approximately 52% of unplanned pregnancies occur in women who were not using contraception, while 43% occur in women who used contraception inconsistently or incorrectly, and 5% took place in women whose contraceptive method was correctly used but still failed. The World Health Organization reports that 85% of women who cease contraceptive use become pregnant during the first year.
Doesn’t this sound like wielding a magical wand? Employ contraception when you desire to delay pregnancies and discontinue its usage when the time is right to embrace your bundle of joy!
Did you know?
Margaret Sanger devoted her life to legalizing birth control and making it universally available for women.
The use of contraception can align with your life goals, such as pursuing education, career advancement, or personal development. By granting the power to plan when to start a family, contraception empowers people to make deliberate choices that can positively impact their lives.
For instance, contraception empowers individuals to accomplish their educational endeavours without the disruptions of unforeseen pregnancies. By deferring parenthood until the timing is right, students can focus on academic pursuits and secure a better foundation for future success.
Likewise, in the realm of career progression, contraception delivers the flexibility necessary to prioritize professional growth. It affords individuals, especially women, the ability to strategically time their pregnancies, and ensure that they don't have to choose between career and family. This empowers them to climb the career ladder, breaking glass ceilings and achieving their professional aspirations.
The magic of contraception extends beyond academic and professional pursuits to personal development. By granting individuals authority over their reproductive choices, contraception permits them to explore their passions, travel, and delve into personal interests without the constraints of unexpected parenthood. This contributes to holistic self-growth and a sense of fulfilment.
In essence, contraception acts as a catalyst for individuals to harmonize their life goals, making it possible to balance education, career, and personal development while still having the option to embrace parenthood at the right time.
From a financial and economic standpoint, the use of contraceptives benefits not only individuals but also society and the nation at large.
Common Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding the Use of Contraceptives.
How many myths about contraception have you heard? In my years of experience within the realm of sexual and reproductive health and my advocacy for improved contraceptive access for women and girls, I have encountered plenty of these myths. Here are some of them:
Birth control will make me gain weight.
I heard the implant causes you to gain plenty of weight.
Birth control will imbalance my hormones
Birth control will affect my ability to have children in the future.
The pill and condoms are the only methods of birth control.
I hear that IUDs can get lost in your uterus.
You can only get IUDs if you've already had a child.
The implant hurts.
If I miss three pills in a row, I can just take three in a day to prevent pregnancy.
There are no benefits to birth control if you're not sexually active.
I don't need birth control because my partner pulls out.
I've had unprotected sex and didn't get pregnant, so I don't need birth control.
I only have sex during or right after my period so I can't get pregnant.
And many more.
These are precisely what they are – myths. They are not grounded in facts. Always verify information with a trained professional.
The future of contraception holds exciting possibilities. Although there are emerging technologies and innovations in family planning, personally, I anticipate a future in which men play a more active role in contraception. Among the nineteen methods of contraception listed earlier, only two are available for men. I eagerly await a future in which additional contraception options are specially designed for men.
In conclusion, Contraception can be described as the magic wand of empowerment; and helps you truly demonstrate the Power of Options. The power to choose when and if to start a family is one that you should wield to your advantage. I implore you to commemorate World Contraception Day by spreading awareness and advocating for informed choices in family planning.
Would you like to share your own experiences with contraception or to ask questions? Feel free to do so in the comments. I’d love to read them!
Written by:
Ogechi Vinaprisca Ikhuoria
Founder and Team Lead, GPA.
PS: While you're here, check out this video I made. Do you agree?
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