World Contraception Day 2019: Nigeria needs to do more

The World Contraception Day (WCD), first celebrated on 26 September, 2007, is a global campaign dedicated to improving awareness of contraception to enable young people make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.

As the World commemorates 2019 World Contraception Day with the theme "It’s your life, it’s your responsibility,” health specialists say there is an urgent need to improve awareness of the importance of abstinence and contraception in Nigeria.

A Guttmacher Institute report estimated 456,000 unsafe abortions are done in Nigeria every year even though abortion is illegal in the country. It is believed that many women resort to unsafe abortion methods, leading to abortion-related complications and increasing mortality and morbidity rates in the country.

Akin Jimoh, Development Communications Network (Devcoms) Programme Director, says “abstinence is a priority recommended means for young people but in reality for a number of this group the increase in the use of contraception will help curb teenage pregnancies."

What are the methods of contraceptives available? We look at three.

Injectables

There are progestogen only injectables and monthly injectables or combined injectable contraceptives (CIC).

The monthly injections are injected into the muscle, and contain estrogen and progestogen’ while the progesterone injection is injected into the muscle or under the skin every two or three months, depending on the product.

Implants

These are small, flexible rods or capsules placed under the skin of the upper arm. It contains progestogen hormone only. It works by thickening cervical mucus to block sperms and egg from meeting and prevents ovulation. It is 99 per cent effective.

Progestogen-only pills (POPS)

POPS are mostly commonly sold across the counter. It contains only progestogen hormone and helps thickens cervical mucus to block sperm and egg from meeting and prevents ovulation. Health specialists says POPS is 99 per cent effective if used according to prescription. It can be used while breastfeeding; must be taken at the same time each day.