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Contraception

  • Contraception [kon-truh-sep-shuhn]

Noun

  • The deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices; birth control

 

  • Contraceptive [kon-truh-sep-tiv]

Adjective

  • Tending or serving to prevent conception or impregnation

  • Pertaining to contraception

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Noun

  • A contraceptive device, drug, foam, etc.

It is essential for young people who plan to have, or are already having sexual intercourse, to receive information about the full range of modern contraception, including the dual protection against pregnancy and STIs provided by condom use. They need information on how to access male and/or female condoms and use them correctly and consistently; and on the availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for persons considered to be at significant risk of HIV infection. Young people should also be provided with information on, and referrals to, comprehensive youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services including services related to sexual abuse or assault, such as psycho-social support, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and pregnancy, STI and HIV services.

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The implant

  • Type: hormonal method

  • Description: one or two small hormone releasing silicone rods put under the skin by a healthcare provider

  • Efficacy: 99%

  • Regimen: lasts three to five years

  • Benefits: long-acting reversible, highly effective

  • Accessibility: requires a prescription, available for free at public health facility, available at private health facilities

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Copper intrauterine device (Cu IUD)

  • Type: intrauterine method

  • Description: an IUD is a small, flexible, often T-shaped device wrapped in copper that is placed inside a person’s womb by a healthcare provider

  • Efficacy: 99%

  • Regimen: lasts five to ten years

  • Benefits: highly effective, long-acting reversible

  • Accessibility: requires a prescription, available for free at public health facilities, available at private health facilities

 

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Intrauterine system (IUS)

  • Type: intrauterine method

  • Description: an IUS is a small, flexible, T-shaped system that releases low levels of hormones and is placed inside the womb by a healthcare provider

  • Efficacy: 99%

  • Regimen: lasts three to five years

  • Benefits: highly effective, long-acting reversible

  • Accessibility: requires a prescription, available at private health facilities

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Emergency contraceptive

  • Type: hormonal method

  • Description: emergency contraceptives are hormone-based pills that are used in the event of unprotected sex. It should not be used as a regular contraceptive

  • Efficacy: >58%

  • Regimen: on time (within 72 hours)

  • Benefits: highly effective when used as directed, emergency care

  • Accessibility: some forms require a prescription, available at private health facilities, available for purchase at various pharmacies

 

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Emergency copper intrauterine device (Cu IUD)

  • Type: intrauterine method

  • Description: The emergency Cu IUD can be inserted by a doctor or nurse into the womb up to five days after having unprotected sex, to prevent pregnancy. It prevents pregnancy but not HIV or other STIs

  • Efficacy: 99%

  • Regimen: lasts five to ten years

  • Benefits: highly effective, long-acting reversible

  • Accessibility: consultation with a clinician/ healthcare provider required, available at public health facilities, available at private health facilities 

 

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Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

  • Type: Oral administration

  • Description: PEP is a 28-day course of antiretroviral drugs taken once or twice a day which help prevent HIV from developing in the body. PEP must be taken within 72 hours (three days) in the event of unprotected sex, including rape

  • Efficacy: >80%

  • Regimen: on time (within 72 hours)

  • Benefits: In an emergency; if a person has been raped or exposed to HIV in any other way, PEP can prevent HIV from developing. Additionally, one can get given emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy and antibiotics to prevent STIs

  • Accessibility: available at public health facilities, available at private health facilities. Note: In the case of a rape, you DO NOT have to report it in order to receive PEP

 

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Sterilization

  • Type: permanent method

  • Description: sterilization is the process of completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce, this is done through surgery or minimal invasion

  • Efficacy: 99%

  • Regimen: permanent

  • Benefits: highly effective, hormone free

  • Accessibility: consultation with a clinician/ healthcare provider required, available at public health facilities and private health facilities

 

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Fertility awareness

  • Type: other method

  • Description: fertility awareness is the method of only having sex on the non-fertile days of your menstrual cycle

  • Efficacy: 76%

  • Regimen: every day

  • Benefits: low or no costs, hormone free

  • Accessibility: -

 

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Pull-out method (withdrawal method)

  • Type: other method

  • Description: Pulling out is the act of a person withdrawing their penis when they are about to ejaculate. Pulling out prevents pregnancy by keeping semen away from the vagina, therefore reducing the chances of the semen fertilising the egg. It is also important to highlight that as much as one might think that pulling out is enough to prevent pregnancy, pre-ejaculation also needs to be taken into consideration

  • Efficacy: 78%

  • Regimen: every time

  • Benefits: non-hormonal, no cost, spontaneous

  • Accessibility: -

 

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Finger cot (finger condom)

  • Type: barrier method

  • Description: is a flexible tube-like cap made of latex or polyurethane that covers a finger. Finger cots are often used to keep finger wounds dry but can also be used for safer sex. They can reduce the risk of certain STIs such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which can affect finger and other exposed areas of the skin. A finger cot is for single-use and should never be re-used

  • Regimen: every single time

  • Benefits: STI protection, low cost, easy to use

  • Accessibility: no prescription required, available for purchase at various pharmacies

 

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Dental dam

  • Type: barrier method

  • Description: is a small, rectangular, thin sheet that is usually used during dental procedures. Dental dams are also used for oral-vagina or oral-anal sexual pleasure. They can reduce the risk of spreading STIs through oral sex. A dental dam is for single-use only and should never be re-used  

  • Regimen: every single time

  • Benefits: STI protection, low cost, easy to use

  • Accessibility: no prescription required, available for purchase at various pharmacies

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