The 26th of September was World Contraception Day. Each year on this day the aim is to raise awareness of all contraceptive methods available and to support adolescent girls, young women and gender-diverse people with the information that they need to practice their agency and make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.
When I started taking contraceptives, I did not want my parents to know because I did not want them to think that I was having sex, even though I was. I did not want to take the pill because I am forgetful. And, for the pill to work you need to take it at the same time every day. Some people set a reminder to help them remember. But if you ever spend time with me then you will understand why I say that that would still probably not work for me. So I decided to use the injection.
Not everyone starts using contraceptives because they are having sex and they do not want to get pregnant. Some people start taking contraceptives because they have a hormonal imbalance, or their period is irregular or lasts for too long. I know someone who started taking the pill because she had terrible period pains and the pill helped.
Whatever the reason… everyone should have the choice to decide when and if they want to start using contraceptives without needing their parent’s permission. Everyone should have access to different kinds of contraceptives and information about each of them.
Unfortunately, in many countries young people do not get to make those choices for themselves, they do not always have information about different contraceptives and sometimes they can not afford them. I wish that was something that I could change but I cannot. What I can do is share some information about different contraceptives.
Before we get started remember… whichever contraceptive you decide to use, you should also always use a condom unless you and your partner have agreed not to have sex with anyone else. Condoms will protect you from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections like HIV, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
External Condom
The external condom is also known as the male condom and is the most common condom. It is used by people who have penises and/or for some sex toys. The external condom covers the penis and is used during sexual intercourse to reduce the possibility of pregnancy and/or spreading or contracting sexually transmitted infections. This condom should be put on right before having sex and thrown away after using it. It cannot be reused.
Internal Condom
The internal condom is also known as the female condom. It is worn inside the vagina or the anus to create a barrier that stops bodily fluids and semen from entering the body. Unlike the external condom, the internal condom can be put in for up to 8 hours before having sex.
The Pill
The pill, is also known as an oral contraceptive, needs to be taken every day at the same time for it to work. Yes… AT THE SAME TIME EVERY DAY! If you are forgetful, like me, then this may not be the best option for you.
Emergency Contraception
It is best to always use a condom and to speak to the person or people you are having sex with beforehand about using a condom. It does happen though that you do not use a condom, for whatever reason. It has happened to me. If it happens then you can go to the pharmacy and get an emergency contraceptive which is also known as the morning-after pill. It is best to take it between 12 and 24 hours after having unprotected sex. The sooner the better. This contraceptive works by delaying ovulation. Taking it too often can be bad for your body.
Injection
The injection releases the hormone, progestogen, into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. It lasts for 8 or 13 weeks, depending on the injection.
IUDs and IUSs
IUD stands for intrauterine device and IUS stand for intrauterine system. It is the same thing with different names. It is a small, soft, T-shaped device that is put in the uterus (womb) by a healthcare provider. It releases a hormone, called progestogen, which thickens the mucus in the uterus and makes it hard for sperm to move freely and reach the egg. It can last for 3 to 5 years, and it can be removed at any time.
Patches
The is a small sticky patch, put on the skin like a plaster bandage, that also releases the hormones called progestogen into the body through the skin to prevent pregnancy. Each patch lasts for 1 week. You change the patch every week for 3 weeks and then have a week off without a patch. Unlike the other contraceptives, except for condoms, the patch works immediately, and you can put it on yourself.
Implant
The implant is a flexible plastic stick, about the size of a matchstick, that is placed under the skin of the upper arm. Like the other contraceptives that I have mentioned it releases the hormone called progestogen which thickens the mucus in the uterus. Implants stop ovulation. They can last for 3 to 4 years. During the 4th year the chances of getting pregnant increase so it should be replaced with a new one.
The Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring is a small soft, plastic ring that is placed inside the vagina. It releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. It is best to replace the vaginal ring every 3 weeks and you should do this at the same time as when you put it in each week. You can put it in yourself like a tampon.
Our bodies are different, so we all react to contraceptives differently. You need to find the one that works best for you. I preferred the injection. The side effects were that it made me gain weight, which I managed with exercise, and it made my period stop completely for over a year. That is not and will not be the case for everyone. Do some research, speak to someone you trust and or your healthcare provider about the different available options.