Thread by @janeztake

Contraception is an essential part of sexuality. It is a deliberate prevention of conception. Contraceptives are meant for sexually active people within reproductive age (married or unmarried). Though not 100% effective, they significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant

It is a bad idea to not use any when you're not ready to be pregnant.

METHODS:
Condom: About 97% effective. It is a barrier method that prevents Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy. It is available for male and female.

Oral contraceptives: These are hormonal (synthetic form of female hormones) pills taken daily to prevent pregnancy. They are also useful for the correction of certain hormonal imbalance. If taken religiously, it is about 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Injectables: These are hormonal contraceptives taken once in 3 months or 2 months depending on the type. It is injected into the upper arm or buttocks. If used correctly, they are about 99% effective.

IUD (Intrauterine device): It is normally inserted into the uterus. Some are hormonal in nature. It can remain in the uterus for 3 to 10 years, depending on the brand used. Reversal entails a simple removal of the device. When placed correctly, it is about 99% effective

Implants: Contraceptive implant is an hormonal small flexible plastic rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. It can lasts for about 3 to 5 years depending on the brand used. It can be removed at any desired time. It is over 99% effective.

Spermicide: This slows down the speed of sperm cells in reaching the egg. It's less effective except it's combined with a barrier method (condom or diaphragm).
Spermicide comes in many forms: creams, gels, film, foams, tablets or suppositories. They are applied inside the vaginal

Diaphragm: A small, flexible rubber cup. It's usually inserted into the vagina and fits over the cervix. it's effectiveness is enhanced when combined with spermicide. It's about 96% effective when used correctly.

Calenders/natural method: This is the most complex of all. It involves understanding your menstrual cycle; knowing when you are likely to ovulate, and abstaining or using a barrier method during your fertile window. A shift in cycle following a traumatic experience, illness,

certain medications, irregular periods may put one in an unfavourable position. It is wise to use condoms when not sure of your status. Apart from a shift, you can be fertile at any time of the cycle. The chart below shows the chances in percentages

Permanent method: The procedure is called tubal ligation in women and vasectomy in men. In women, the fallopian tubes are cut, tied, clamped, or tissue growth is stimulated to cause blockage in order to prevent fertilization.

In men, the vas deferens are cut to prevent sperm cells from combining with semen. Condom should be used until test result shows total absence of sperm cells in semen.
Reversal, if possible, may only give a slim chance of being fertile again.

Withdrawal method: It's the removal of the penis from the vaginal and away from the external genital (vulva) before ejaculation. This is less effective as some sperm cells may have been deposited in the vaginal before the main ejaculation.

Abstinence: For an unmarried person, abstinence remains the most reliable option for the prevention of pregnancy and STDs.

Hormonal contraceptives typically work by hindering ovulation, thinning the uterine lining, and thickening the cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy

Hormonal contraceptives are easily reversed. Side effects - can be managed by the health-care provider; may lead to discontinuation of a method, and adoption of another.

Some medications interfere with hormonal contraceptives. Talk to your health-care provider before taking any

other medication.

This thread is to help you make an informed choice. Be intentional.
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