Let’s talk about contraceptives

SELMA IYAMBOMOST young women at some point in their lives wonder which contraceptive is best for them.

Are condoms enough? Should I carry my own? Do I need to go on the pill, or get the patch?

Contraceptives are artificial methods of preventing pregnancy by, among others, preventing the fertilisation of an egg, or the implantation of a fertilised egg in the uterus.

Many types of contraceptives are available to women in Namibia, including condoms, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and injections.

Despite the fact that these are often inaccessible to young women in Namibia (state hospitals ran out last year), very little information is available on the different types.

The most commonly used contraceptive is condoms.

It can prevent pregnancy, while also offering protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

While the male condom is the most popular, the female condom is becoming increasingly popular among young women in Namibia.

This, among others, has possibly been the result of the ‘Condomise’ campaign, which was launched in 2017 to encourage responsible sexual behaviour, and to destigmatise the use of contraceptives among young people.

Ruusa Amakali, one of the organisers of the campaign, says it also aims informs and encourages young people on the correct use of condoms.

However, the destigmatisation of the use of contraceptives has also sparked interest in other forms of contraception.

Oral contraceptives include different pills taken on a daily basis to prevent conception.

A variety of pills are available, and a healthcare practitioner can help you choose which one is most suited to you.

Intrauterine devices are inserted into a women’s uterus by a trained health practitioner to prevent pregnancy.

There are two types of IUDs, namely copper IUDs and hormonal IUDs.

Both change the course of sperm cells, so that fertilisation does not occur.

Copper IUDs repel sperm cells, and hormonal IUDs involve the release of progestin, which prevents ovulation.

The contraceptive injection does the same.

So, which one is best for you?

Eric Weyulu from the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association (Nappa) says: “That question can only be answered by a trained healthcare practitioner.”

He says the type of contraception recommended to someone depends on factors such as one’s menstrual flow and existing medical conditions.

Sometimes side effects are experienced, such as spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, and mood swings.

It is also important to note that contraceptives may prevent pregnancy, but, apart from condoms, do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

So, even when on the pill, remember to condomise!

For more information on contraception, responsible sexual behaviour and family planning, visit Nappa at any of their clinics countrywide.

-Afterbreak Teen Magazine

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