There has been a recorded increase in the number of teenage pregnancies and an astonishing decline in the number of young people on contraceptives in Ekurhuleni.<\/p>\n
Ekurhuleni health practitioners have attributed these worrying developments mainly to the lack of knowledge and myths associated with contraceptives.<\/p>
According to the metro\u2019s Maternal, Child, Women and Men\u2019s Health manager, Thembane Masina, young sexually active women who have no intentions of falling pregnant must know that contraceptives are not a one-size-fits-all remedy.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough there are many different types of contraception, not all types are suitable for all situations.<\/p>
\u201cThe most appropriate birth control method depends on an individual\u2019s overall health, age and desire to conceive in future,\u201d Masina said.<\/p>\n
The metro, through its clinics, offers a variety of birth control methods such as the popular Nur Isterate among teenagers.<\/p>\n
However, there are other family planning methods such as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).<\/p>\n
The LARC, which lasts for a long time, comes in two types, namely:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Intrauterine device (IUD) which lasts for five years.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Implant which lasts for three years.<\/p>\n
The other common method of contraception is hormonal contraception, which comes in the form of pills and injections.<\/p>\n
One pill is orally taken once a day.<\/p>\n
The clinics administer the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Combined oral contraceptive pill such as Triphasil.<\/p>\n \u2022 Progesterone-only contraceptive pill such as Microval.<\/p>\n The injectable hormonal contraception offered are the following:<\/p>\n \u2022 Nur Isterate, given every eight weeks.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Depo Provera injection, given every 12 weeks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Metro brings healthcare services to informal settlements<\/a><\/p>\n Pharmacy medication collection to make life easier for clinic patients<\/a><\/p>\n Metro expands access to healthcare by extending operating hours for 29 clinics<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYoung people need to start exercising their right to healthcare and visit clinics to find out more about appropriate birth control methods suited for them and not rely on their friend\u2019s experiences, which may at times deter them from trying out other methods,\u201d said Masina.<\/p>\n There are also what is called barrier methods of contraception such as the use of condoms. Condoms for both men and women are available at the metro\u2019s clinics.<\/p>\n \u2022 Emergency contraception pill (ECP)<\/p>\n The ECP is a pill given following unprotected sex and is approved to be taken up to three days after unprotected sex.<\/p>\n For women of an average weight, the ECP is 98 per cent effective.<\/p>\n For women who weigh more than 70kg, the ECP is less effective and an IUD is recommended. The IUD can be inserted up to five days after unprotected sex and is more than 99 per cent effective in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy.<\/p>\n Emergency contraception can be used to prevent pregnancy under the following circumstances:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 After unprotected sex.<\/p>\n \u2022 Normal contraception defective for example the condom burst.<\/p>\n \u2022 Missed more than one contraceptive pill.<\/p>\n \u2022 Vomiting or had diarrhoea while on the pill.<\/p>\n \u2022 Missed injection.<\/p>\n Every person who visits a healthcare facility has the opportunity to indicate the contraceptive of their choice.<\/p>\n The metro\u2019s health practitioners have encountered myths that some contraceptives will increase appetite, lead to obesity and affect one\u2019s mental well-being.<\/p>\n There is no truth in those myths.<\/p>\n Those who do experience unpleasant symptoms are encouraged to visit their nearest clinic for medical attention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n