Birth control as defined in this article, simply means pregnancy prevention, specifically with the use of contraceptives. Medline Plus defines it as the use of medicines, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. There are different types of birth control and they all work in their own specific way. Some are reversible, others aren’t.
Birth controls or contraceptives are so important because they help save a lot of lives. Sarah R. Blackstone and Juliet Iwelunmor, both members of the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois share in their article, Family planning methods such as contraceptives can protect women from unintended pregnancies, thus reducing the number of unsafe pregnancies and abortions that make result. In fact, if high-risk pregnancies were eliminated from Sub-Saharan Africa, maternal mortality rates could fall by 25%.
There are two birth controls or contraceptives that are readily available and easily accessible in Nigeria. These are;
Male Condoms
Male or external condoms can be found in almost every supermarket and/or pharmacy, amongst other places in the country. This is fair because condoms are cheap, easy to manufacture, easy to distribute, and available globally. When used correctly every time you have sex, male condoms are 98% effective.
The only method of birth control that can prevent pregnancy as well as protect against STIs is the condom. They are intended to prevent your semen from getting into contact with your sexual partner and are made of very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene, or polyurethane.
Before you put on a condom, make sure your penis is not in contact with your partner’s genital region. Semen can exit the penis prior to full ejaculation. You may require emergency contraception if this occurs or if semen enters your partner’s vagina during vaginal sex while using a condom.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Postinor 2
There are a couple of birth control pills available in Nigeria. Some are; Dinofem, Levofem, Logynon, Microgynon and lots more but the most common and the most widely used and abused is the emergency contraceptive pill; Postinor 2.
This pill is used as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or missed birth control pills. It should only be used if you are without access to other birth control options because it is not intended for routine birth control. It is safe to use for up to 120 hours following unprotected sex. Only take two pills per day, and make sure to take them within 72 hours.
Though not as readily available or accessible in Nigeria and most parts of Africa, there are other kinds of contraceptives available in Nigeria. Some are;
- Birth Control Pill: These are pills that help prevent pregnancy when taken at the same time, every day. Hormones found in contraceptive pills are comparable to those produced by a woman’s body naturally. To properly prevent pregnancy, the pill must be taken at the same time each day. The pill may take five to seven days to begin working. Use a condom or abstain from sexual activity at this time. As soon as you stop taking the pill, your regular fertility will return.
- Birth control Implant: The contraceptive implant is a small, plastic rod that is put into the upper arm. It can prevent pregnancy for about 3 to 5 years. This is a long-term method of contraception. The benefit of using a long-acting method of contraception is that none of them interfere with sex and, once used, you don’t need to think about them again until they need to be replaced. Additionally, studies have shown that they are 20 times more effective than short-term methods of contraception like the pill.
- IUD: The IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is placed in a woman’s womb and provides contraceptive protection for up to ten years. The IUD is a long-term form of contraception made of plastic and copper. So like the birth control implant, it doesn’t interfere with sex and it can be forgotten about until you’re ready to take it out.
- Injectible: An injectable contains a hormone that is injected into the body that stops eggs from being released. When used properly, injectables have been demonstrated to be 20 times more effective at preventing pregnancy than short-term approaches like the pill. If you don’t go back for an injection every two to three months, you run the danger of getting pregnant.
If you want to learn more about the contraceptives in Nigeria and where you can get them, click here.