Why You Should Consider Using Contraceptives (+ FAQs) - Famasi Africa

When you think about pregnancy prevention, the first thing that comes to mind is "contraceptives" and "birth control". But it's easy to be confused about what contraception really is and how it works.

In this post, we'll discuss:

• What contraceptives are
• Why you should consider using contraceptives, and
• Common questions about contraceptives.

But first, what are contraceptives?

A contraceptive is a product that prevents pregnancy. Most people think of them as just "the pill," but many kinds of contraceptives are available today. They come in various forms, like pills, patches, shots — even IUDs (intrauterine device) and the vaginal ring.

The most important thing to remember about contraceptives is that they function differently, so choosing the right one for you is essential.

Why should you consider contraceptives?

There are many benefits to using contraceptives, some of which include:

• Preventing pregnancy: The most obvious benefit of using contraceptives is avoiding pregnancy. This is particularly important when you're not ready for a baby or if you don't want to have children at all.
• Lesser health complications: Using contraceptives can help space your pregnancies so that you do not have two or more pregnancies too close together. This can decrease the risk of complications like low-birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labour, maternal death, or other complications.
• Avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Both male and female condoms can prevent contracting STIs. The effectiveness depends on how you use them, but condoms are the only proven birth control method that prevents both pregnancy and STIs.  
• Preventing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID occurs when a woman's reproductive organ is infected. It's often a result of untreated STIs and can cause chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Complications like ectopic pregnancy can also occur, causing a fertilised egg to attach itself to the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. And there may be abscesses — a collection of pus —  in the woman's reproductive organs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get pregnant if I have sex immediately after removing the arm contraception?

The arm contraceptive is a small rod that is inserted into the arm. It works by releasing the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which prevent pregnancy.

But there's no evidence that you can't get pregnant immediately after removing the arm contraceptive. If you still don't want to get pregnant, it's best to use a backup method of contraception — like condoms and diaphragms — for a few days after removing the rod.

I had sex during my fertility period and took the pill. Will I get pregnant, or will it delay my period?

Having sex while taking the pill won't make you pregnant. This is because contraceptive pills prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus to stop sperm from entering the uterus.

A woman can't get pregnant without sperm fertilising her eggs, but because contraceptives are different, some can delay your period. For example, a long-term use of pills containing estrogen and progestin can delay your period.

And since we respond differently to medications, you might have a delayed period when you take pills. This is why speaking with your Care Specialist before starting hormonal birth control is essential.

Can a dosage of contraceptive pill work for 3 rounds of unprotected sex?

When used correctly, the contraceptive pill can prevent pregnancy up to 3 rounds of unprotected sex. However, you can get pregnant if you make any mistake in using your medication.

For example, not sticking to schedule can made the pills ineffective. And if you vomit within 2 hours of using your pill, your body may not have absorbed it.  

In general, contraceptives are to be taken before engaging in sex to effectively prevent unintended pregnancy.

Can I use contraceptive pills twice a month?

Yes, most contraceptives can be used more than once a month. However, there are some you need to take daily to be effective.

Always read the instructions for each contraceptive to make sure you're using it correctly. And consult a healthcare provider before selecting a contraceptive, as he/she will recommend the best option for your needs.