Reproductive health is knowledge that concerns procreation in humans using different contraceptives, which are essential tools for either preventing or delaying unwanted pregnancies and managing reproductive health. Contraceptives work in different ways; while some act by stopping sperm from fertilising an egg, others prevent a fertilised egg from implanting in the uterus. Although other methods, like condoms, also protect against sexually transmitted infections, the majority of contraceptives focus mainly on preventing pregnancy through hormonal or physical means.
Beyond pregnancy prevention, contraceptives help women plan and space their children, reduce maternal health risks, and lower the need for unsafe abortions.
Nigeria has a high untapped need for contraception, meaning a large number of our women of reproductive age who deliberately wish to avoid or delay pregnancy seldom use any effective contraceptive method, while some are ignorant of it.
A WHO report revealed that, globally, about 257 million women of reproductive age face this similar challenge.
For example, in Nigeria, knowledge about contraceptive use is limited partly due to religion and partly due to ignorance, with many women lacking accurate information about available methods, how they work, and their potential benefits or side effects.
Available Contraceptives
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), contraceptives are fundamentally divided into three main categories to include hormonal, non-hormonal, and emergency methods.
The hormonal contraceptives use manipulated synthetic forms of hormones to avoid pregnancy. These types of birth control methods work mainly by stopping ovulation or thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
These consist of contraceptives like control pills, hormonal IUDs, implants, contraceptive injections, skin patches, and vaginal rings.
However, the non-hormonal contraceptive, on the other hand, works without altering the body’s hormones to stop pregnancy. They work through physical barriers, chemical agents that neutralise the potency of sperm,surgical procedures or fertility awareness techniques.
They include things like male and female condoms, copper IUDs, diaphragms, sterilisation, fertility awareness methods, and spermicides.
Meanwhile, emergency contraceptives are used after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to limit the risk of pregnancy. They work mainly by delaying ovulation or preventing implantation.
Emergency contraceptives are not meant for regular use.
Contraceptive Side Effect
According to Kingsley Odogwu, a medical doctor with MSI Reproductive Choices, contraceptives, although effective and recommended for family planning, can sometimes have side effects.
Multiple research studies have revealed that contraceptives have both mild and severe side effects.
According to a report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for hormonal contraception, commonly reported side effects include headaches, feeling sick, mood swings, weight gain, sore breasts and acne.
Another report by the UK National Health Service also stated that non-hormonal contraception can cause heavier or more painful periods, particularly within the first months. It also causes itching, rash, urinary tract infections, and in some cases, puts users at surgical risk.
However, reports on emergency contraceptive methods' side effects include nausea and vomiting, slight irregular vaginal bleeding, and fatigue.
Though in many cases, these side effects are mild and will normally resolve without further medications.
However, in some cases, these side effects can be severe.
Meanwhile, according to experts, women need to undergo medical screening before choosing a contraceptive to avoid the above-listed implications that could arise from adopting one of the methods.
It was learnt that certain medical conditions could get worse with selected family planning methods; hence, screening for medical eligibility is non-negotiable.
WHO, in its Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) for Contraceptives, recommended that “medical eligibility must be taken into account for contraceptive use.”
This has become necessary because some women who have certain health histories, such as blood clots, stroke, heart disease or high blood pressure, are advised to avoid hormonal contraceptives containing oestrogens.
According to the WHO, they face a high risk of life-threatening complications like stroke or deep vein thrombosis.
