The myths and misconceptions surrounding contraception, such as potential weight gain, barrenness, fibroids, and discomfort during sex, are a significant factor in advocating for its use.

However, it is important to consider that everyone responds differently to contraception, and it is crucial to consult a health professional before using it. It is also not advisable to rely on a friend's success with contraception, as they may be taking the pills for different reasons, such as regulating their menstrual cycle or treating an ache.

Contraception pills may work for some people, but it is essential to consult a health professional for proper advice and understanding.

Let's describe a few birth control options like I would in a community outreach.

Abstinence:

My favorite so far. You could save yourself from a lot of trouble just by abstaining from sex for as long as you choose to. Put aside the opinions of your social media followers. You're not abnormal because you don't want any sexual activity. No one is going to abandon you. There is nothing you could possibly be missing. You're taking control of YOUR reproductive health. Wherever you're ready to have sex, know what you want and stick to that.

Coitus interruptus:

If this has been working for you, congratulations!

However, it is not very effective for the vast majority of people and is not recommended for those who are not actively trying to conceive. Many people have been let down by this approach. Because scientific studies have shown that precum has a substantial amount of sperm that can get a woman pregnant.

Condoms:

This method essentially "kills two birds with one stone," by providing protection against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections for both you and your partner. The neighborhood lads have an adage, candy with its wrapper on is unfit for consumption, hence they cannot have sex with a condom. Alongside the issue of unplanned pregnancies, there has been a notable rise in the prevalence rate of HIV.

Approximately 354,927 people are living with HIV, with 115,235 males and 239,692 females affected. Ghana’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 1.8%.  A significant proportion of these infections could have been avoided through appropriate preventive measures such as abstinence or the use of condoms. Additional sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and others, can be effectively prevented.

Engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners while maintaining a dismissive attitude towards the effectiveness of condoms poses an even greater risk.  The rationale behind the provision of condoms in various flavors by organizations such as Marie Stopes is to enhance the overall experience of sexual activity, thereby lessening potential boredom.

Emergency Pills:

An emergency contraceptive tablet SHOULD NOT be taken more than twice year for health reasons. The hormones in these pills are more potent than the regular pills. It can alter your natural hormone levels when abused and may cause undesirable consequences

 The word "emergency" says it all. You need it "just in case,". Specifically, individuals who engage in sexual activity on a regular basis are advised to seek guidance and obtain a prescription for an appropriate contraceptive method from esteemed institutions such as Marie Stopes blue star clinics or Planned Parenthood.

Regular contraceptive pills

These are just your everyday birth control tablets. Take this pill regularly prescribed by a health professional for as long as you need or choose. It seems straightforward, but frequent pill users cannot skip a day. Let me clarify:

 if you take on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but skip Thursday, you must take two on Friday to compensate. When you take on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday but miss Thursday and Friday, you must start over from a new strip.

This is essentially for consistent Divas. For inconsistent users, you may choose other options.

The injectables:

These are hormonal too. They work like pills but require little to no administration. To have your injections, just visit the clinic occasionally. Choosing 3 months injectable means you must be accountable and attend injection sessions every three months at the hospital or clinic.

The implant:

It is a highly effective and long-lasting method of birth control. A healthcare provider will place these thin, flexible rods just under the skin of the upper arm. Individuals seeking a dependable and covert method of birth control often choose implant contraceptives for their convenience and low maintenance needs.

The IUD: intrauterine device:

IUDs are extremely efficient, and, depending on the type, they can provide protection for anyone from three to ten years at a time. They take little daily effort, provide a low-maintenance contraceptive alternative, and return to fertility quickly once removed. IUDs are a good option for people who want long-term birth control that can be reversed and requires no effort from the user.

The permanent contraception methods

Tubal ligation:

My second favorite. With this surgical procedure, a woman's fallopian tubes are surgically severed to prevent egg fertilization following unprotected sex. This process cannot be undone.

If you choose this approach, you have decided against having any more children. For various medical reasons, this procedure is recommended for some women. Therefore, this technique can also save lives.

Vasectomy:

This is a surgical procedure for men. Sperm tubes are sealed by cutting, blocking, or heating them so that sperm cannot travel from the testicles to the penis. As a result, a woman's egg will not be fertilized by a man's ejaculate since there are no sperm in the semen. This approach is equally appropriate for males who have no interest in fatherhood.

If you've made it this far, I hope it's cleared up some, if not all, of your concerns about contraception. I also hope this information will empower you in assuming agency over your reproductive well-being.

About the author; Aurelia Sowah-Mensah is a Sexual Reproductive Health Advocate.