Protection, Pleasure, and Autonomy: World Contraception Day
Key Takeaways:
- Contraception is not just important for preventing pregnancies, but also in preserving bodily autonomy and quality of life.
- There are multiple different methods of contraception, with varied effectiveness.
- Access to quality contraception can be lifesaving.
What is Contraception?
Contraception is the act of preventing a pregnancy. It can be done through devices, medical procedures, or medication.
What Are Some Methods of Contraception?
- External Condoms – Thin latex covering worn around the penis that prevents the sperm from entering the vagina. (Know more about external condoms here)
- Internal Condoms – Worn inside the vagina. Creates a barrier to prevent the sperm from entering the vagina. (Read all about internal condoms here)
- Oral Contraception – Pills that contain a combination of hormones that can either prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, or thin the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. (Read more about oral contraception here)
- Intrauterine Devices – Placed inside the uterus. Prevent fertilization by either releasing progestogen or copper ions. (Read more here)
- Vasectomy – Vas deferens in male reproductive system are surgically cut to prevent sperm content in semen. It is usually permanent. (More on vasectomies here)
- Tubectomy – Fallopian tubes are surgically sealed to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. It is permanent. (Read more here)
- Contraceptive Patch – Sticky patch worn on skin, transdermal releases hormones (like oral contraception) in the system to prevent pregnancy. (Read more here)
- Contraceptive Ring – Small, flexible ring worn inside the vagina, releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. (Read more here)
- Diaphragm – A shallow silicone disc inserted in the vagina, covers the cervix to prevent the entry of sperm. (Read more here)
Why is contraception important?
Contraception is not just about preventing pregnancy.
It is a step towards empowering people to have autonomy over their bodies. It can be life saving, since it helps prevent unwanted pregnancies that could eventually lead to fatal or unsafe abortions. Prevention of early or unwanted pregnancies also gives people, especially women, the freedom to plan their future and families. Furthermore, contraceptives like condoms also protect one from sexually transmitted infections, like HIV, which can be life threatening.
It gives people the opportunity to safely explore their sexuality on their terms, dispelling the idea that the sole purpose of sex is reproduction.
In Conclusion
Access to contraception needs to be viewed as a human right. Multiple factors like education, economic class, social stigma, etc. can become barriers in access to contraception. We must make an effort to foster meaningful conversations in our communities to raise awareness about contraception, and also urge institutional authorities to make access to contraception easier for all sections of society. Talk to your parents, your house help, your siblings, your friends – change can begin at home.
Author
1 thought on “Protection, Pleasure, and Autonomy: World Contraception Day”
Contraception is not preventing unwanted sex. Its giving autonomy to women to have choice, continue education and even have a career. Its basic human right. Contraception also adds to demographic dividend thus empowering youth. Not to forget it adds to the environmental benefits of family planning, (3rd most advocated solution) for sustainability.