Contraception 101 - Everything You Need To Know

You said you wanted to know more about Contraception; well Vanessa is here with a complete guide on everything you need to know about birth control.

Wetin dey Shuga Naija fam! When it comes to preventing or delaying pregnancy, do you know your options? With so many different prevention methods on the market, it can be overwhelming or confusing when trying to figure out what options are best for you and your needs.  You can choose from a range of products including barrier methods, pills, injection and implants, and even IUD’s and IUI’s. Let’s get started!

Basics and essentials Condoms are the most accessible and commonplace prevention method for preventing pregnancy and protecting users from contracting infections or infecting others. They are affordable and can come in many exciting varieties that sometimes add a boost of pleasure. Make sure to check the expiry date of your condom first before purchasing or using, next, store it properly away from the sun and hot temperatures, then when you are about to use, put it on correctly with the lubricated part outside. Condoms are 99% effective when used correctly. Make sure to put the condom on correctly every time. Remember condoms are the ONLY form of contraception that protects against sexually transmitted infections! Boss up and keep it wrapped!

There is an urgent need to improve awareness of the importance of abstinence as well as contraception to enable young people make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health. @MTVAfrica #MTVShugaNaija

— Queen In The North 👑 (@Judith_Caleb) September 26, 2019

Diaphragm. A diaphragm is a form of birth control that’s a shallow cup shaped like a little saucer that’s made of soft silicone, the diaphragm acts as a barrier that covers the cervix, stopping sperm from joining an egg.  You bend it in half and insert it inside your vagina to cover your cervix. Don’t be intimidated, the diaphragm is easy to use once you get the hang of it! Best of all it is reusable for up to 2 years, talk about maximising value on a onetime payment. The diaphragm is safe, reliable and hormone-free!

Birth Control Pills – When you hear birth control, you probably think of “the pill”. The birth control pill works by stopping sperm from joining with an egg (which is called fertilization). The hormones in the pill stop ovulation. No ovulation means there’s no egg hanging around for sperm to fertilize, so pregnancy can’t happen. The pill’s hormones also thicken the mucus on the cervix. This thicker cervical mucus blocks sperm so it can’t swim to an egg — kind of like a sticky security guard. Birth control pills come in a pack, and you take 1 pill every day. The pill is safe, affordable, and effective if you always take your pill on time. Besides preventing pregnancy, the pill has lots of other health benefits, too like regulating your cycle, can make periods lighter and less painful, can treat dysfunctional uterine bleeding, can treat polycystic ovarian symptoms and severe acne. Be in control, ask your doctor which pill is the best fit for you!

The cast of #MTVShugaNaija have a special message for this year's #WorldContraceptionDay. With 214 million women battling to access contraception, the steps we take today will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. @MTVShugaNaija @MTVShuga pic.twitter.com/rumVo2Cb5a

— MTV Base South (@MTVBaseSouth) September 26, 2019

Emergency contraception– This your backup plan for when unexpected happens! Bae refused to wear a condom? Condom tore during sex? Your man didn’t pull out on time? Take the POSTPILL. It is very effective at preventing pregnancy and works by delaying ovulation and preventing fertilization. For best results, take one tablet of POSTPILL as soon as possible after unprotected sex, preferably within 12hrs. But, the good news is; you can still take POSTPILL within 5 days after unprotected sex, which will give you a 59-95% chance of preventing pregnancy.

Injection & Implant: The contraceptive injection is a shot that contains hormones that will stop your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus of the cervix. All you need is one shot to prevent pregnancy for three months! The implant is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick. The implant releases hormones into your body that prevent you from getting pregnant. A nurse or doctor inserts the implant into your arm and that’s it — you’re protected from pregnancy for up to 5 years. It’s get-it-and-forget-it birth control!

IUD: No Go-slow, its ready-set-go with the IUD. The IUD is a type of intrauterine device that contains copper. It is used for birth control and emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control and can prevent pregnancy for up to ten years. It starts working the moment it is installed and once removed your fertility is instantly back, e go work! Additionally, a copper IUD can be used as emergency contraception if inserted within five days after unprotected sex. It is important to note that only copper IUDs, like the Lydia Copper T or the Lydia Copper Y, are effective immediately as emergency contraception.

Call 55059 for free (in Nigeria) to talk about safe sex, contraception, sexual assault, sex work etc. you can get info from there #MTVShugaNaija

— softie (@MimieLaushi) November 13, 2019

If you don’t know now you know! Spread the word, abeg! For more information or to find out where you can get these contraceptives check out Honey & Banana!