Steem for better health program #6: Contraceptive and you
Welcome to this week steem for better health program, this week we will be talking about contraceptive. I arrived at this topic because things are really difficult to birth more children without proper care.
Just two days ago, I met with two ladies that came to me for some guidance on which contraceptive they can do. Well, I told them what I knew about contraceptive which helped them make their decisions with their spouse.
Well, family planning is not done with force, it is done after considering it with your partner and you both take a step to the hospital and do it after a concrete agreement. But most people are afraid of the effect of some contraceptive, some don't even know which to decide on.
In this health talk, I will be discussing on 5 different types of contraceptive, it's benefits and possible effects.
To begin let's first define some terms
Family planning is actually a planned decision that allows families to have their desired number of children. This also helps them to determine the spacing of their pregnancies which is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility.
Contraceptive is the use of medication, some sterile devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy, prevent STIs, HIV, unsafe abortion and any other transmitted diseases
- Hormonal Methods
- Rhythm Method
- Barrier methods
- IUCDs
- Medical
1. Hormonal Methods
This method works directly with hormones it works by restraining the ovaries from releasing eggs in that when sperm is being released there won't be any fertilization, in that case, pregnancy cannot occur.
Different hormonal includes the pills, patches, vaginal ring, hormonal implants and injections.
Effect; This method is always effective but if you have issues with hormones such as hormonal imbalance, please do not go for it because it will affect the release of some hormones in your body when it wasn't supposed to and then you may likely get pregnant. Always talk to your doctor before deciding which contraceptive is best for you.
2. Rhythm Method
This is done by avoiding intercourse during the fertile period in woman but in man it includes withdrawal method. This two is less effective, chances of getting pregnant is very high.
Let me explain how to calculate fertility days.
So a woman will calculate her fertile days and know when to meet with her husband. It is calculated from the first day of mentrual flow and you need to study your circle days for about 6 months before you can do this method effectively but even with that, it is not very effective .
See how to calculate fertile days
From the image above this person's menstruation started from 15 day of the month. So assuming the person circle is 28 days, let's count 14 days from 15.
The 14th day is on the 28 and that is her ovulation day.
Let's see her fertile days; we will count 8 days from her mentrual flow to 28th day and 3 days after her ovulation day. So 2 days after her flow is when we will start counting.
So from 20 of that month till 1 of the following month is her fertile days, she may likely get pregnant this few days, therefore fertile periods last for about 10 to 14 days depending on a person circles. But after that, she is free for atleast 9 to 12 days depending on the calendar days of the month. Therefore the counting/calculation continues every month.
To make it easier look at this chart below 👇
Red: mentrual days
Yellow: pre fertile days
Pink: fertile days
Blue: safe period
Therefore, this method is not really reliable, it is not effective but most people try the calculation and it works out for them.
3. Barrier methods
This method prevents the sperm from reaching a matured egg, preventing fertilization to occur. Examples of this method includes male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicidal foam. These methods are only used during intercourse and they are not really effective as well, so one should not rely solely on it.
4. IUCDs
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are another type of contraceptive which involves both hormonal and nonhormonal (copper) birth control. But both are implanted the same way, it is implanted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm from reaching the egg. In each of this method, the difference is the levels of hormones based on each of the contraceptive.
Therefore, the hormonal IUDs stop the ovaries from releasing eggs and thicken cervical mucus such that sperm can't penetrate, while the copper IUDs release copper ions into the cervix, making it an inconvenience environment for sperm to survive through.
5. Medical
This method involves a permanent solution of controlling pregnancy.
In men, they undergo a vasectomy, which is done through surgery by cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis thus, keeping the semen free of sperm. This means what during ejaculation, sperm will not be released. Therefore, when there is no sperm, there is no pregnancy.
In women, they undergo a tubal litigation, which is also done through surgery by either blocking, tying, or cutting the fallopian tubes, which will prevent the transportation of egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Therefore, when there is movement of egg through the follapian tube, fertilisation is not possible.
Women also undergo a surgery called, hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus permanently, thus, no pregnancy forever.
While making decisions on which method to use, you need to carefully discuss with your partner to meet a doctor who will review the different methods with you, it's effectiveness and possibly effects. Then you both will decide on what to choose based on the following;
Your age and health history
Your reproductive goals, which includes the number of children you both want to have and how soon you want to get pregnant.
Scriptural belief base on your conscience
Comfortability
Consistency and correctly use of it
My own advice ; So many people avoid birth control because of side effects. Of course I want to advise that there is no medication without side effects. Therefore, while considering birth control, side effects should not be an issue only if You have a serious medical reason or excuse.
So if you have not yet gotten one contraceptive, what are you waiting for? Go meet your doctor and have it done.
Thank you for reading my posts in case of any medical advice I'm available.
Meanwhile I'm open for any question at the comment section and also feel free to go through my previous health post here
Read the preview health program introduction, #1, 2,3,4,5
This is very important for us. I have learned a lot from this post. My question is on the removal of uterus that will stop pregnancy foreve. Is it true that it can affect the generation of the woman in time to come , that's making the offsprings of the woman barren how true is this belief/thinking.
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It is not true, it is a superstitious believe.
How can a surgery done on a person affect all the generation?
It is not true please
Thank you for reading my post and finding it helpful, I appreciate your contribution.
Thanks for responding.
You are welcome 🤗🤗🤗
This is one of the best in your health series!
Oh thank you so much
With the way things are going in this country right, i strongly agree that couples should give a serious thought on this. Once again well done, nice one.