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A bonus with contraception
By Diepiriye S Kuku
Most urban women are preoccupied with the many roles that they have to play as homemakers. The decision to use contraception is often taken hastily, without knowledge and consideration of the many options that are now available. Whether a combined oral contraceptive or a hormonal patch, an injectable or a condom, most women are unaware that most contraceptives have benefits attached to their usage, over and above the function of preventing unwanted pregnancy.
Many of these benefits are not health-related, and provide beauty and skin enhancement, a feeling of well-being, a release from tension, secure in the knowledge that they are protected from unwanted pregnancies. Regularizing of an unpredictable monthly period, improvement in acne and a glowing skin due to the hormonal content of the contraceptive, and protection from osteoporosis are just some of the non-contraceptive benefits that hormonal methods.
Many non-contraceptive benefits- Many methods available today!
Women who take the combined oral contraceptive pill are helping prevent ectopic (tubal) pregnancies, ovarian cysts, endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the womb), ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease and benign breast disease.
The biggest advantage for women who take the 3-monthly injectable DMPA is that it does not affect the quality and quantity of mother's milk. Therefore, nursing mothers as early as six weeks after childbirth can use DMPA. Injectable contraceptives also do not have any estrogen side-effects. They do not increase the risk of estrogen-related complications such as heart attack. In addition, injectables provide protection from iron deficiency and to help prevent ectopic pregnancies, endometrial cancer, uterine fibroids, as well as ovarian cancer. For those women suffering from epilepsy and sickle cell, DMPA may reduce the frequency of seizures and sickle cell crisis and even reduce the pain associated with the episodes.
The most significant advantage of using condoms is their high effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STI's), including HIV/AIDS, when consistently and correctly used during intercourse. Condoms are safe and have no hormonal side effects. Condoms also prevent pregnancies. Further, condoms safeguard against exposure to STI's and even HIV/AIDS that either partner may not even be aware of carrying.
These are just some of the benefits attached to contraceptive usage. Every method has its share of advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately benefits of using a particular method differ from person to person and depend on the physical and mental make-up of the person using the method. Through raising awareness and spreading comprehensible information and availability of options, consumers are able to make knowledgeable reproductive health choices.
About the Author
Diepiriye S. Kuku-Siemons is a researcher/writer/consultant based in New Delhi, pursuing a PhD in Sociology focusing on urban sexuality and globalization. His primary areas of interest are Reproductive Health Justice and Public Health Communications.
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