World Contraception Day, observed on September 26 every year, is an annual campaign launched in 2007 with the aim of promoting awareness about contraception and helping people make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Today, over 214 million women in developing countries who want to delay or avoid pregnancy cannot access modern contraception, leaving them vulnerable to unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortions, and other serious health complications.

What is contraception?

Contraception, also known as birth control, is the use of methods or devices to prevent pregnancy. Some of the most common forms of contraception include:.

: Barrier methods

Barrier methods of contraception work by physically preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Examples of barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.

These methods are relatively safe and easy to use, but they do require discipline and careful adherence to be effective.

: Hormonal methods

Hormonal contraception works by altering a woman’s hormonal balance to prevent ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary. Types of hormonal contraception include birth control pills, patches, injections, and hormonal IUDs.

These methods are highly effective and have been used by millions of women worldwide.

: Sterilization

Sterilization, which involves the surgical removal or blockage of the fallopian tubes in women or the vas deferens in men, is a permanent form of contraception. While this method is highly effective, it is often irreversible.

: Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, is a type of contraception that can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

This method must be used within 72 hours of intercourse to be effective, and is not a reliable form of regular contraception.

How effective is contraception?

The effectiveness of contraception varies depending on the method used. Some methods, such as hormonal IUDs and sterilization, are more than 99% effective at preventing unintended pregnancy.

Other methods, such as condoms and contraceptive pills, have a relatively higher failure rate if not used correctly or consistently.

: Factors to consider when choosing contraception

When choosing a form of contraception, it is important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include:.

Your overall health and medical history
Frequency of intercourse
Desire for future pregnancies
Reliability in using the method consistently and correctly
Cost and accessibility of the method

: The benefits of contraception

Contraception offers numerous benefits, including:.

Preventing unintended pregnancy
Reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Empowering women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health
Reducing maternal and infant mortality rates
Improving social and economic outcomes for women and families

: Myths and misconceptions about contraception

Despite the many benefits of contraception, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding its use. Some of the most common myths include:.

Contraception is only for women
Contraception is harmful to a woman’s health
Contraception is 100% effective
Contraception is expensive and difficult to obtain
Contraception promotes promiscuity and sexual immorality

: Conclusion

Contraception is a vital tool for promoting reproductive health and empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies and their lives.

By providing access to a range of safe and effective contraceptive methods, we can help to reduce unintended pregnancies, improve maternal and infant health, and promote social and economic well-being for women and families worldwide. Let us use this World Contraception Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about contraception and to advocate for greater access to these life-saving tools.