World Contraception day is celebrated on September 26. It was first introduced in 2007. This annual global campaign revolves around the belief that no one has to suffer from unwanted pregnancies. The goal of World Contraception Day is to spread awareness of birth control methods and help the young generation to be able to make the right choice when it comes to their sexual & reproductive health.
More advanced access to cheap contraception and use of these methods in the family planning process have decreased the pregnancy-associated risks amongst teens, unwanted pregnancies, maternal & child mortality, and advanced child nutrition and health. Studies have shown that the use of contraceptives might help in reducing maternal mortality by up to 40%.
However, when it comes to family planning, more advanced and better options are required to sustain progress in the future. It is also necessary for combating deadly diseases like AIDS and other diseases that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse.
The Myths Revolving Around Contraception
1. Women Get Fat from Birth Control Pills
Although birth control pills have side effects, they surely do not make anyone fat. There are certainly no studies that show that using birth control pills can make you gain weight. If you are gaining weight, then it might be due to your lifestyle.
2. Birth Control Prevents STIs
While birth control methods like condoms can reduce the risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections, other forms of birth control or contraception definitely do not help in preventing STIs.
3. Birth Control Methods Can Disturb One’s Natural Fertility
Another myth that you will often hear is that using birth control pills could hinder one’s natural fertility. It is not true. Taking birth control never disturbs one’s fertility.
Facts About Contraception
1. Numerous types of methods are available for birth control, including hormonal methods, intrauterine contraception, male sterilisation, barrier methods, birth control awareness-based methods, etc.
2. Hormonal methods for birth control are very effective for women when it comes to avoiding unplanned pregnancies. Even non-hormonal birth control methods are also effective. However, hormonal contraceptives like pills, implants, patches, and IUDs provide a lot of benefits.
3. IUS or intrauterine systems are some of the methods for long-acting reversible contraception. This method is extremely effective when it comes to preventing unwanted pregnancy. It can last for many years and it is very simple to use as well. Some effective contraception for a longer time includes female sterilisation and male sterilisation.
Which Methods are Best for Contraception?
Here are some women’s contraception methods that can be extremely effective:
1. Oral Contraceptive Pill
According to a study, most women in Australia use oral contraceptive pills to prevent unwanted pregnancy. There are various kinds of pills, thus, it is all about choosing the right one for your health. The mini pill has one hormone only, progestin, whereas, the combined pill has two hormones, progestin and oestrogen. The pill provides numerous benefits, although one needs to take them at the right time.
Consuming such birth control pills can be extremely effective if one takes them correctly. It allows sexual spontaneity and does not interrupt sexual intercourse. Some of the pills can help decrease painful heavy periods, they also might have a positive impact on pimples. Although taking this pill would not be suitable for women who can not tolerate oestrogen-containing birth control – it is unable to safeguard against STIs.
2. Contraceptive Ring
A contraceptive ring is composed of a plastic ring that needs to be placed inside the vagina in order to work. This ring releases hormones like progesterone and oestrogen constantly inside the vagina. These hormones are combined to make oral contraceptive pills. But pills do not produce these hormones in much quantity as compared to this contraceptive ring. It stays inside the vagina for up to three weeks. After three weeks, one can take it out. You can place and remove this contraceptive ring by yourself.
Although this birth control ring has some side effects as well. It helps in controlling periods and lets fertility work quickly after the removal of the ring. This one too is not at all good for women who can not tolerate oestrogen-containing birth control and one must remember to take it out.
3. Intrauterine Device
This device is T shaped and it is composed of materials that contain the progesterone hormone or copper and plastic. It is placed inside one’s uterus by trained health experts. This device works for a long time as it can stay in place for up to 10 years after being placed inside the vagina. Although it depends on what kind of intrauterine device you are using.
According to some experts, this device contains hormones that are released gradually to avoid unwanted pregnancy. This device could also be used as emergency contraception if it is placed inside the vagina within 5 days after unprotected sexual intercourse.
The device that contains copper, offers 99 percent protection against pregnancy, and the ones that contain hormones, offer 99.8 percent against unplanned pregnancy. No matter which one you are choosing, you are going to be hundred percent safe. Although if you notice that you are bleeding irregularly after placing this device inside your vagina, then you must consult with your doctor.
4. Condom
Condom is only the form of a birth control method that helps to safeguard against STIs. This particular method could be used at any time. It is a hormone-free method and one can easily carry this with themselves. There are varieties of condoms. Although, one needs to be careful that it does not tear or come off during sexual intercourse.
5. Vasectomy
It is a permanent form of contraception. There are numerous kinds of vasectomy procedures available. They help to prevent sperm from getting into the tube through which the sperm comes out of the penis.
Conclusion
Contraception is a method of birth control that is very important to control unwanted pregnancies. But you will come to hear a lot of myths about these birth control methods which are not true. There are varieties of birth control to choose from. One can surely benefit from them in many ways. This World Contraception Day, let’s spread awareness about the above-listed myths as well as facts about contraception.
