As we all know, birth control has been a real issue among African people. We have many people who hold different opinions and beliefs regarding birth control or family planning.
When I go through the street of Nigeria and I see so many children begging, or I see a woman with twin kids begging for alms, I get so much anger swell from the pit of my stomach. Because I fail to understand why two people would be stupid enough to bring another person into this world, knowing they do not have the necessary means to take care of them.
These children didn’t request to be born, so why suffer them unnecessarily, WHY?!!!
Due to research, I noticed not all women and men know the importance of family planning or birth control. Whether you are single or you are married. Birth control is also determined by your financial situation. you need to be honest with yourself about how many children you are financially capable to care for.
So long as you have Constant sexual intercourse with your partner, you need proper information. Here is me telling you the little I know.
Birth Control Myth:
There is a myth that says birth control can stop you from ever having a child. that’s just bull shit. This is only possible if you have a history of Blood clots or history of blood clots, history of stroke or heart attack, Coronary artery disease, breast cancer or cancer of the uterus, cancer of the cervix or vagina, Unexplained vaginal bleeding, Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin) during pregnancy or during previous use of the pill, Liver tumour, If you plan to have surgery with prolonged bed rest, Smoke and have high blood pressure, Uncontrolled high blood pressure or Diabetes, Have Lupus, Migraines with aura or a Smoker over the age of 35 (which honestly is not healthy).
Birth control doesn’t stop you from having kids in the future except you have a hysterectomy or orchiectomy. Therefore, single guys and ladies or engaged men and women who want to hold on having kids till they are ready. Biko read further.
Amidst the numerous types of birth control, here are the various types of Birth control available in Nigeria:
- Condom (we all know this)
- IUD
- Implant
- Emergency contraceptive
- Daily Contraceptive pill
- Tubectomy (surgical for female)
- Vasectomy (surgical for male)
Some have the effect of causing unpredictable weight gain, irregular menstruation, or increased blood pressure. So you would need to speak with a doctor to know exactly which one is suitable for you.
IUD-IntraUterine Device
IUD is also known as intrauterine contraceptive device or coil, is a small, often T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUDs are one form of long-acting reversible birth control.
- Yes, you will still ovulate
- Yes, you will still mestruate.
- Yes, you can still wear a tampon
- No, your partner would not feel the string
- Yes, you still need a condom if you don’t know the health status of your partner. as IUD prevents pregnancies not STDs
Implants
Birth control implants are devices that go under a woman’s skin. They release a hormone that prevents pregnancy, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
- Yes, you will still ovulate
- Yes, you will still mestruate.
Emergency contraception pill
Emergency contraception pill is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Often called the morning-after pill. Emergency contraception pill works better if taken within the grace period of 24-72 hours after unprotected sex. However, they have a grace period of 5 days. If you’re already pregnant, they will have no effect as a contraceptive method. Emergency contraception pills don’t induce abortions
- Yes, you will still ovulate
- Yes, you will still mestruate.
- No, it is not an abortion pill
Daily Birth Control Pills
Daily Birth control pills are small tablets taken daily that contain hormones to prevent pregnancy. They essentially prevent ovulation. The pill is safe, affordable, and 99% effective if you always take your pill regularly and on time. You can start taking birth control pills as soon as you get them, but you may need to use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for up to 7 days to ensure the pills has taken effect.
- Yes, you will still ovulate
- Yes, you will still mestruate.
- No, it is not an abortion pill
- No, you can’t skip a day. Take it as soon as you remember
Surgical Methods
Although surgical methods are termed permanent, they are also reversible. You need proper education from the surgeon and gynaecologist to know the best option for you. The option is best suited for people who don’t want to have kids anymore. After the surgical reversal, there is a 50 to 80 per cent chance of having a child…
Tubectomy
Tubectomy, also known as Tubal Sterilization or Tubal Ligation, is a permanent method of contraception in women. It is a surgical process that blocks the fallopian tubes, thereby preventing the egg released by the ovary from reaching the uterus. There are different procedures, The removal method (a very small portion of the tube is removed ), The band method (a band is placed to clasp the tube together, This has a slight chance for Ectopic Pregnancy), The clip method (a clasp is kept to pin the tube closed) and finally the Essure method (an obstructive device is inserted into each of the two fallopian tubes. there are no scaring in this method).
- Yes, you will still ovulate, but the eggs will be absorbed by your body instead of traveling through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus.
- Yes, you will still mestruate, how ever it might be irregular
- Yes, it is reversible
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy. It blocks sperm from getting to your semen when you ejaculate. Sperm cells stay in your testicles and are absorbed by your body. Starting about 3 months after a vasectomy, your semen won’t contain any sperm, so it can’t cause pregnancy.
- Yes, you will still ejaculate
- No, your semen doesn’t come from your testis.
- No, it doesn’t affect your sex drive
- Yes, it is reversible within a 10 year grace period.
With these few points of mine, I hope I have been able to illuminate the world of birth control to you.
It is important that you and your partner have a proper discussion and come to an agreeable method of birth control.
I know there are still some religious people who preach about birth control; No, I do not judge or condemn your decision (to everyone his beliefs), however, the use of condoms and an ovulation calendar is best prescribed. So you would know when it is safe to have unprotected sex. But, please find a way to protect yourself biko.
Informative. The issue here is that a combination of our religious and traditional beliefs are what cause Africans to struggle with family planning and contraception methods.
I believe with the right orientation, we can have smaller families that we will be able to better take care of. Finances are not the same and as such not everyone will have the resources to look after a large number of children.
Best Regards.
My point exactly. Thank you for reading Ogodilieze.
INFORMATIVE!…..Thumbs up to Dr. PAB
Thank you!
Popoola Bukola, you did well to justify the needs and advantages of mature people to have the basic knowledge on the issue of birth control. I will you to do more especially with the youth that you represent by creating more awareness.
Anyway, kudos to you and it’s always nice reading from you.
I would try and work on that and we hope when that time comes, we would receive your support.
Thank you for reading Otunba.