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“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live "
Contraception
Sometimes people forget to think about it but contraception should not be ignored when it comes to sex. Many people engage in unsafe sex without even thinking of the consequences of sex without contraception. With the increase of young people developing sexual relations, educating people about the importance of contraception is extremely important because let’s face it, there’s nothing glamorous about accidentally being 16 and pregnant. There are many options to choose when it comes to contraception so it is easy to find method that suits you best.
Implants:
The contraceptive implant is a small device that females can have implanted just under the skin of their upper arm. It works as a contraceptive by releasing etonogestrel which is a hormone that stops ovulation and thickens the fluid in the uterine opening, therefore, stopping the sperm from getting through. Implants are put in by doctors and last for 3 years with a near 100% effectiveness.
Injections:
The contraceptive injection is given to females by doctors every 12 to 14 weeks to avoid pregnancy. It contains a hormone that stops ovulation and thickens the fluid in the uterus to stop the sperm from getting through.
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):
IUDs are small devices that doctors insert into the uterus. Some IUDs can stay there for up to 10 years but can also be taken out much earlier. They work by changing the uterus’ lining so that it is not able to keep sperm alive. If the sperm does survive, the IUD’s effect on the wall of the uterus stops the eggs from sticking to the wall making a pregnancy not possible.
Different people can react to IUDs differently and some have to get them taken out because of various reasons including headaches, acne and heavier periods. Some IUD’s can also have a lasting effect on the uterus after being taken out which can make the process electively becoming pregnant much harder.
Emergency contraception:
Also known as the morning after pill, emergency contraception is a pill that gives the female body hormones that can stop a potential pregnancy. Emergency contraception can be purchased from a chemist with or without the prescription from a doctor and should be taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex. People usually take the morning after pill if they have had sex where their contraception has failed or was not used at all.
The pill:
The pill contains hormones that stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month so that it cannot be fertilized. The pill is taken by females every day and must be prescribed by a doctor. It is 99.7 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly.
Male condom:
The male condom is made of latex and is put over the penis to stop the sperm from entering the vagina during intercourse. The male condom is 98% effective and is the ONLY contraception that also protects you from STIs. It is also the cheapest method of contraception.
Female Condom:
The female condom is a loose pouch that is inserted into the vagina. It is stronger than the latex condom used for men and it stops the sperm from getting through to the uterus. Using this method of contraception can take some practice but once used correctly, is 95% effective.
Diaphragm:
The diaphragm is a soft silicone dome that is inserted into the vagina. It protects the opening of the uterus to prevent the sperm from getting through. When used, the diaphragm must stay in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse to be effective. Just like the female condom, for it to work properly it needs to be inserted correctly.
Abstinence:
Abstinence is the only contraception that is 100% effective. If you are abstinent, you refrain from having sex making pregnancy impossible.
