There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to choosing contraceptives, as what works best depends on your body, lifestyle, and goals
Contraceptives, also known as birth control, are methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. They work in different ways: While some stop sperms from reaching an egg, others stop the release of an egg, and some create conditions where fertilisation just can’t happen.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to choosing contraceptives, as what works best depends on your body, lifestyle, and goals.
Contraceptives are grouped into two major categories, namely hormonal and non-hormonal.
Hormonal methods include oral contraceptive pills, injectable birth control, implants, intrauterine devices (IUD), contraceptive patch and vaginal ring. Although not recommended for regular use, emergency contraceptive pills are also considered a hormonal method.
Non-hormonal contraceptive methods include condoms – both male and female – diaphragm, and intrauterine devices (IUD).
Contraceptives are an important component of reproductive health, offering a critical option for preventing unintended pregnancies following unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), injectable contraceptives and implants are the most commonly used birth control methods among women of reproductive age in Kenya.
There are also other methods, like the contraceptive sponge, which is a small, reusable device that acts as a barrier method of birth control. It works by blocking sperm from reaching the cervix and also by releasing spermicide to kill sperm. The sponge is inserted into the vagina before intercourse and should be left in place for at least six hours after intercourse.
Another contraceptive method is the use of a cream and spermicide. These are applied to the vagina before sexual intercourse, and they should be applied as close to the cervix as possible to be effective.
Some natural family planning techniques that are used by couples include: The rhythm method, Billings Ovulation Method (BOM) and coitus interruptus, also known as the withdrawal method.
There are also the permanent methods, including tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men. These are surgical procedures intended to permanently prevent pregnancy.
When choosing a contraceptive method, there are several important factors to consider to ensure it suits your body, lifestyle, and future plans. These factors include your health history, family planning goals, frequency of sexual activity, and potential side effects. Method-specific factors to consider include effectiveness, ease of use, cost, protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), reversibility, availability and accessibility.
According to the KDHS, Kenya has made great strides in family planning, which is evident through increased uptake of contraceptives.
The percentage of married women using modern contraceptives has steadily increased over time, from 32 per cent in 2003 to 57 per cent in 2022. Over the same period, the unmet need for family planning declined from 27 per cent to 14 per cent. Kenya aims to achieve a 64 per cent Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate by 2030.
