Understanding Family planning and use of contraceptives

Nairobi, 

Tuesday, 4 February, 2025 

McCreadie Andias  

Reproductive health requires family planning services yet numerous women struggle to find suitable birth control methods. Each person uses several factors to determine their birth control method choice from accessibility to controlling side effects and maintaining their way of life.

The discussion about contraception in Kenya progresses through three major elements which include personal experiences and expert suggestions and healthcare regulatory modifications. 

Majority of women experience benefits from contemporary birth control solutions although misinformation along with cultural and side effect concerns prevail throughout society.

What do Health Experts Say? 

Health professionals believe individuals need to select contraception based on their health situation, lifestyle and reproductive plans. Experts suggest people should follow these particular contraceptive practices:

The group of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) contains intrauterine devices (IUDs) together with implants. LARCs can help users practice effective birth control because they demonstrate less than 1% failure rate and function without needing daily routines. 

The administration of birth control pills, patches and injections falls under the category of short-acting hormonal methods which need periodic dosage. Short-acting hormonal contraceptives work best when used appropriately but require people to stick closely to their prescribed schedules even though it might be difficult for some users. 

Both Female and male condoms function as STI protectors and pregnancy preventers at the same time. The use of these methods shows maximum efficiency through regular and proper use. 

Emergency contraceptive pills work as a secondary method but should not replace regular primary birth control since they only function after unprotected intercourse or failed contraception. 

Surgical options such as tubal ligation or vasectomy serve as permanent solutions for people who are sure they will not want more children in the future. 

Kenyan women report different encounters based on their selected birth control methods.

The main reason Mary Achieng selected the injectable method was its convenient administration. "My failure to get my scheduled medicine injection resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. I create various reminders to maintain my course of action." Achieng says

Mexican birth control implants felt convenient to Christine Wanjiku but she encountered mood swings together with other side effects." My healthcare provider and I chose an IUD as my contraceptive method because it turned out to be more suitable to my needs." She says. 

"The unpredictable nature of my daily schedule made it challenging for me to stay on the daily pill plan" Fatuma, a mandazi vendor, explains,"The medical staff helped me change to the patch since this method needed fewer monitoring commitments."She adds.

The healthcare community maintains that patients need individualized counseling for their choices.

In choosing birth control a woman should make a decision which best suits her personally according to Dr. Kamau, gynecologist at Nairobi Women's Hospital . "Our evaluation includes examination of medical records in addition to lifestyle variations when we determine the best method for each individual patient." He adds.

Family Planning Specialist Nurse Amina believes that acquiring knowledge about both risks and usage techniques remains vital. The team offers thorough guidance that helps patients trust their contraceptive decisions.

Family planning in Kenya has seen major development through expanded accessibility to numerous contraceptive options. The implementation faces ongoing challenges that require the elimination of incorrect beliefs and stable supply distribution networks as well as offering education to enable women to make well-informed selections.

The path to contraception includes independent choices backed by expert knowledge which women share while managing their reproductive wellbeing.