Preventing unplanned pregnancy
Contraception is the act of preventing an unexpected pregnancy. There are various contraceptive methods. It is important to know about contraceptives regardless of whether you are sexually active. There are two main functions of contraception:
1. Preventing unplanned pregnancy
2. Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Since there are numerous contraceptive methods, there are multiple factors to consider when choosing the contraceptive that is most suitable for you, such as the level of protection, effectiveness, accessibility and affordability.
The following section contains information about modern contraceptives available in Sri Lanka.
A Contraceptive pill is a hormonal contraceptive method used to prevent pregnancy. If you are able to take the pill daily at a consistent time, this is a safe, affordable and effective method.
One packet of oral contraceptive pills contains 28 tablets. The first 21 pills (these are lighter in color) contain hormones (estrogen and progestin). The remaining 07 pills (these are brown) contain iron.
Taking oral contraceptive pills daily in the correct manner prevents the maturing and release of ova. At the same time, it prevents the movement of sperm towards the uterus by thickening cervical mucus.
This method prevents the maturing and release of ova. It also prevents the movement of sperm towards the uterus by thickening cervical mucus.
Normally the most suitable time for a woman to obtain this injection is during the first 7 days of starting the period. This injection can also be obtained 6 weeks after childbirth.
This injection is required once every 90 days.
Implants are a long-acting contraceptive. Implants are small plastic rods that contain the hormone progesterone.
This method prevents the maturing and release of ova. It also prevents the movement of sperm towards the uterus by thickening cervical mucus.
At present implants used in Sri Lanka include:
- Single rod implant (protects from pregnancy for 3 years)
- Double rods implant (protects from pregnancy for 5 years)
The implant is placed under a woman’s skin on the inner side of the upper arm through a small incision by a trained doctor.
At the end of the time period, the implant has to be removed. If needed, the implant can be replaced. Implants can be used repeatedly over a long period of time without problems.
This is a small flexible device containing copper and plastic, as safe method .
This method can prevent pregnancy up to 10 years.
If you wish to have a child during this period, the IUD can be easily removed. The IUD must be removed at the end of the 10-year period and if you need to continue to prevent pregnancy, a new replacement IUD must be inserted the same day.
Primarily, the IUD prevents the fertilization of the egg. In the rare instance of an egg becoming fertilized, the IUD prevents the implantation of the fertilized egg.
At a family planning clinic, a trained doctor or nurse places the IUD in the uterus.
A condom is a rubber barrier used to cover the erect penis.
A new condom must be used every time you engage in sexual intercourse.
Since the condom acts as a barrier, it prevents sperm entering the vagina.
A condom provides protection from unintended pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections. This is called dual protection.
The withdrawal method of contraception is to remove the penis from the vagina before ejaculation in order to prevent pregnancy. This is also known as ‘pulling out’. The objective of using this method is to prevent sperm entering the vagina.
This is not a very effective method of contraception because the sperm contained in the pre-ejaculation fluid (or ‘precum’) can enter into the vagina during sexual intercourse. Therefore, when compared to modern contraceptives, this method has a lower level of effectiveness.
The withdrawal method means pulling out the penis before ejaculation. But because it feels really good just before ejaculation, it can be hard to pull out in time. To stay safe and avoid pregnancy or infections, it’s better to use a condom every time you have sex.
The calendar method is a traditional method of contraception. To use the calendar method, fertile dates should be assessed by estimating the dates during which the egg will be released in advance.
Generally, the fertile period can be assumed by subtracting 14 days from the start of the next period.
This method becomes effective only if the fertile period can be clearly identified when the menstrual cycle is regular. Even if your menstrual cycle is regular, the date of your period can change based on factors such as medications you are on, external influences, and stress. Because of that, this method is not as effective as modern contraceptives.
The calendar method provides a very low level of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, and does not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections.
Play the game below to understand how to assume the fertile period.
Challenge yourself and your friends to test your knowledge, take the quiz
Access to these contraceptives is made easy through public hospitals and health centers where they are provided for free. Families can talk to doctors and nurses to learn about.
Preventing unplanned pregnancy
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