Thread by @hockeyloversim

A thread 🚨 on #Contraceptives and #Family planning:
Many types of contraception available to try to best cater to everyones needs and specific wants:
- hormonal vs non hormonal
- long acting (5-10 years) and short acting (days - months)
#ReproductiveHealth

The hormonals are
- OCPs: the pill, taken daily in order to be effective
- DepoProvera: a progestin injection administered 3 monthly
- Jadelle: an implant in your upper arm which works for 5 years
- Mirena: a device which is placed in your uterus and lasts for 5 years

Hormonals available FOC at Govt health facilities are OCPs, Depo and Jadelle. Mirena's can be purchased from some local private pharmacies.
Side effects of hormonal contraceptives include:
Rashes, headaches, changes in appetite (not weight gain), altered menstrual flow, nausea

These are all for females.
Each individual reacts differently to each FP and hormonal method, some suffer adverse side effects so much so they opt to stop using the contraceptive and for others it doesn't change much.
Many women are shamed for their weight gain through FP use +

Which has discouraged a lot of women from opting for hormonal methods even though these have widest variety. Hormonal methods increase appetite not directly induce weight gain, so controlling what you eat and continuing to be physically active can prevent the "weight gain"

Thought to be associated with use of these methods.

Also, STOP SHAMING WOMEN FOR WEIGHT GAINED DUE TO CONTRACEPTIVE USE! STOP SHAMING WOMEN FOR WEIGHT GAIN, PERIOD!

Non hormonal methods are:
- Condoms/diaphragms: these have to be used with every sexual encounter and changed after each use. Also the only method which offers additional protection from #STIs #SexuallyTransmittedInfections like gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, HIV.

Condoms and diaphragms must be stored and used properly in order to be effective.
Keep out of direct sunlight and heat, away from sharp objects, open with caution so as not to tear.
Worn at the right time and discarded in the right way.

- Copper IUCDs: these are similar to Mirena's, inserted into the uterus and last 10 years. This needs to be placed/inserted by a professional.
Some side effects include: heavy or painful menstruation.
These are only 2 commonly used non hormonal methods which are available here.

There are numerous other methods not discussed here but can be discussed with your health care provider.
Health centres around Fiji have family planning clinics with trained professionals to advise you on a method suitable for your preferences and are able to administer them

Oxfam which is the purple building located on Brown street beside the mortuary & paediatrics department also does the same.
Using FP should be a choice YOU make and that no one FORCES you into OR away from. Your bodily autonomy is paramount

Whether to protect yourself from pregnancies you aren't prepared for or from STIs or BOTH. Don't let anyone convince you into not using contraception and don't let anyone force you into using a method you're not comfortable with.

ALSO, please don't forget that there are EMERGENCY contraceptives available.
Hormonal: can be taken up to 3 days post encounter. They come in two different forms, either one dose or two doses taken 12 hours apart.
Non hormonal: the copper IUD.