Contraception literacy | A Way Towards Happier Future

Contraception literacy: The 5 W’s

‘‘Education of both men and women is a wonderful contraceptive.’’

—Henry Way Kendall, aNobel laureate.

Contraception :

Contraception[1] is a collective term to prevent unintended pregnancy through different methods (chemicals, devices, medication, practices, or surgical procedures). Different contraception options are developed by researchers based on needs and are commonly referred to as contraceptives or birth control.

Contraception has given men and women the power and autonomy over their bodies to plan whether, when and how many children they want! Universal access and availability to contraception services is directly proportional to reduced health risk during pregnancy and maternal mortality/ disability. This has a favourable influence over population dynamics in any geography improving its economic growth, education outcomes, and survival and decreased pressure on urban infrastructure, food systems, and social services. Thus, contraception services has its own unique contribution in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030[2][3].

Understanding contraception

Understanding contraception basics is very essential. It is similar to learning elementary subjects in school which builds your foundation stone in the formal education system. Figure 1 describes on some of the elementary questions (Why, When, Who, What, Where) of contraception.

 WHY:

Contraception emphasis on planning, delaying, spacing and limiting births which has a manifold impact on men and women or family health facets.For a woman, it helps in reducing unintended pregnancy and abortion and decreases pregnancy related morbidities and mortalities. Spacing and planning pregnancies is associated with earlier initiation of prenatal care, improved antenatal care and positive birth outcomes, including reduction in premature births, low-birth weight or small for their gestational age babies. Adding to discussion, there are several non-contraceptive health benefits of contraceptive methods.

Oral contraceptives reduce the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. It is also used to treat several menstrual related symptoms and disorders. Condoms are the only contraceptive which prevent against sexually transmitted infections like HIV[4]. For a man, contraception gives them opportunity to withstand the societal pressure of raising the family when they want to pursue education or employment or other endeavors.

WHEN:

Contraception is for EVERY TIME! Whenever a man or a woman want to prevent unintended pregnancy during their entire reproductive life cycle. There are various methods available in the contraceptive basket of choice which they can choose based on their requirements.

WHO:

Contraception methods are available for both men and women of reproductive age group.

WHAT:

Contraception methods are categorized as:

• Temporary: Reversible; short term and Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
• Permanent: Non-reversible

Each method effectiveness has been studied by the researchers and is described in the Figure 2.

WHERE:

Contraception services are available free of cost in public healthcare facilities across the country. Emergency contraceptives are sold as over the counter drugs.

Key take away:

Contraception is for everyone and it’s the responsibility of every individual or family or community to create enabling environment. There are many geographies in India which has high rates of child marriages and early pregnancy due to complex family and social dynamics. It is very essential for those young married couples to practise contraception for their improved health outcomes and pursuing their dreams of education or employment.Young people need consistent support from their families and communities during their formative years to develop and contribute to the nation building!

[1]Jain, Rakhi, and Sumathi Muralidhar. “Contraceptive Methods: Needs, Options and Utilization.” Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology of India. Springer-Verlag, December 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3307935/.

[2] “Welcome to the USAID-Funded Health Policy Plus (HP+) Project Website.” Family Planning-Sustainable Development Goals (FP-SDGs) Model. Accessed August 25, 2020. http://www.healthpolicyplus.com/fpSDGs.cfm.

[3] “About the Sustainable Development Goals – United Nations Sustainable Development.” United Nations. United Nations. Accessed August 26, 2020. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/.

[4]“Contraception and Beyond: The Health Benefits of Services Provided at Family Planning Centers.” Guttmacher Institute, April 1, 2016. https://www.guttmacher.org/report/contraception-and-beyond-health-benefits-services-provided-family-planning-centers.

[5]“Family Planning – A Global Handbook for Providers.” World Health Organization. World Health Organization, February 20, 2018. https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/fp-global-handbook/en/.

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About the author: Dr. Sanchika Gupta is a healthcare specialist with 7+ years of experience, both as a clinician and public health professional in national and international NGOs. Her fieldwork in different geographies across India spans a wide breadth of the public health realm viz. family planning, sexual and reproductive health and rights, adolescent health, maternal and child health.

Declaration: This is the original writing work of Dr. Sanchika Gupta. Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the email-id:sanchika12@gmail.com or tweet me @sanchika_gupta.

[Material Used in this post is owned by the Author. This Article First Published in Kavishala.in]