Contraceptives: More awareness needed to increase uptake

Contraceptives have for long been surrounded by a myriad of myths and misconceptions that have to some extent influenced their uptake. Research has proven that women are most comfortable and likely to continue longer with contraceptives suggested by specialists, as long as they are well informed and can make their own choice. Many girls and women gather information from social circles backed up by the internet and seek confirmation and guidance from a health care provider

Contraceptives can be classified under two categories; non-hormonal and hormonal. Non-hormonal contraceptives include male and female condoms, cervical cap, or diaphragm, copper IUD (coil), natural birth control and sterilization. Sterilisation is tubal ligation in women and vasectomy in men. Among hormonal methods of birth control are pills, injections, contraceptive patches, implants and the hormonal IUD or coil.