Choosing suitable contraceptives

MAKING the right choice on the method of contraception remains critical to the uptake of family planning services in Zambia.

While the ultimate goal of various contraceptives is to prevent unwanted pregnancy for economic and health reasons, there is an array of side effects that users must pay attention to, before deciding on what method to settle for.

Physiologically, we react differently to medication and in most cases; a contraceptive that works well for one person might not produce the same results for another owing to various factors that include medical history.

Therefore, for some women, choosing a contraceptive method that suits them perfectly well is a nightmare hence most of them resort to trial and error.

It is always recommended that people must seek professional advice from qualified medical practitioners on the available contraceptives, the benefits and risks to make informed choices on preferred methods.

What is worrying though, is the growing trend of self-prescription of medication in our households without consulting service providers. This tendency should stop as it can lead to adverse effects on one’s health. Let us always seek medical advice from qualified personnel.

Today’s subject is aimed at addressing the concerns raised by one of the readers. She is worried about her prospects of conceiving again after having used the implant method of contraception for about two years.

Maranne shares her story…

Hai Moses,

I have a problem, please help find answers. Two years after giving birth in 2012, I started using the Jadelle method of contraception so that I could space my children. It was inserted in me on April 4, 2014 and I had it removed on December 22, 2016 when I decided to fall pregnant again.

After removing it (Implant), I wasn’t having my period (menstrual periods) for two months, so I started taking brown tablets of family planning pills, after which I started having my periods. However, a month later, I started experiencing stomach pains as if I am in serious labour.

This pain has continued up to now. I want to be a mother again but my worry is that despite making several attempts, nothing seems to be happenning. I just can’t beome pregnant. Is there a possibility of me being a mother again? Can I switch to another method of contraception?

I really need help.

Marianne.

In response to Marianne’s concern, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynecologist at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Dr Samson Chisele says, “It’s not easy to be exact with just an explanation in this case. However, going for a medical checkup at a healthy facility would be my best advice.”

Yes! Only a medical checkup would give a clear direction and determine the next course of medication that Marianne requires.

With this case in point, I was compelled to highlight this method of contraception for the benefit of women who may still have questions on the implant.

The implant is a form of long-acting (up to five years) reversible contraception for women used to prevent pregnancy.

Contraceptive implants are small rods about the size of a matchstick that are put under the skin in the inside of the arm and they slowly release a hormone called progestogen which stops the body from releasing an egg each month.

Maternal Child Health (MCH) coordinator for Kasama District Derrick Musonda says implants thicken the mucus in the cervix so the sperm cannot travel up to meet an egg.

He says once the implant is inserted, periods are likely to change. A few women have no periods, some have their normal periods, but most of them have a change in bleeding pattern.

“The kind of bleeding may be irregular, frequent bleeding, light or heavy bleeding. There are pills to treat this if it happens,” he says.

Almost every woman can have an implant inserted regardless of the age. It is suitable for women who may be forgetful to take pills, disremember appointments for injections or those that have medical reasons which stop them from using the combined pill.

With the implant, there is no need to think about contraception every day, and once inserted, it becomes effective for up to five years.

Furthermore, it is highly effective and there is a rapid return to fertility once it is removed.

In contrast, Jadelle has the following common side effects; irregular menstrual bleeding, application site reactions, dizziness, headache, breast pain, pelvic pain, weight gain, nausea, and urinary tract symptoms among others.

It is important to note that women who have had breast cancer and those that are on some medications should not use this method of contraception.