Young people today want to understand birth control. And that is a good thing. When you know how birth control works, you can make smarter choices about your body and your future. So, let us talk about birth control options. Just clear information that helps you understand what it is all about.
Birth control simply means any method that helps you avoid pregnancy until you are ready. People use birth control for different reasons. Some want to finish school. Some want to build their life first. Some just want to feel safe. Whatever the reason is, it is good to know the choices available.
So, in this guide, you will learn the different types of birth control, how they work, the good sides, the bad sides, and how to choose the one that is best for you.
Importance of Birth Control
Well, many teenagers and young adults are sexually active today. That is the truth. And pretending that they are not does not help anybody. So, it is better to give them proper information so they can protect themselves.
Birth control matters because it helps you:
• Avoid unwanted pregnancy
• Reduce stress and fear
• Plan your life the way you want
• Focus on school or work
• Protect your emotional and mental health
When you know you are safe, you can think clearly and make good decisions. And you will have more control over your future.
Types Of Birth Control Options
There are many birth control options, but they fall into a few main groups. You will learn each one in simple language, so everything makes sense.
Hormonal Methods
These methods use hormones to stop the egg from coming out each month. No egg means no pregnancy. Some hormonal methods also thicken the mucus inside the body, making it hard for sperm to move around.
Common hormonal methods include:
• the pill
• the injection
• the implant
• the patch
• the ring
The Pill
The pill is a small tablet you take every day. You take one each day at the same time. So, if you start today at 8 am, you keep taking it at 8 am every day.
How it works:
It stops your ovaries from releasing an egg.
Good sides:
• it works well when used correctly
• it helps make your period lighter
• it helps reduce period pain
• it helps clear skin for some girls
Bad sides:
• you must remember to take it every day
• it can make you feel a little sick sometimes
• it does not protect you from infections
The pill is best for someone who can follow a routine.
The Injection
Some people call it the family planning injection. A nurse gives it to you in your arm or your backside. It works for three months at a time.
Good sides:
• you do not need to take anything daily
• it is very effective
• it is private because nobody will know unless you tell them
• it can reduce your period flow
Bad sides:
• some people gain weight
• some people lose their period for a long time
• it can take time for your period to return to normal after stopping
The Injection is good for girls who do not want to think about birth control every day.
The Implant
This is a small, thin stick that a doctor places under the skin of your arm. It is tiny, like a matchstick. It works for three to five years depending on the type.
Good sides:
• it lasts long
• you do not need to remember anything
• it is one of the most effective methods in the world
Bad sides:
• it can cause irregular bleeding
• some people experience headaches or mood changes
The Implant is good for anyone who wants long term protection.
The Patch
The patch looks like a small plaster. You place it on your skin. It releases hormones through your skin into your body. You replace the patch once every week.
Good sides:
• you do not need to take pills
• it is easy to use
• it works well
Bad sides:
• it can cause skin irritation
• it does not protect from infections
• you must remember to change it weekly
The Ring
The ring is a small soft plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It releases hormones slowly for one month.
Good sides:
• you only change it once a month
• it works very well
Bad sides:
• some people feel uncomfortable using it
• you must be confident placing it in yourself
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods simply put something in the way to stop sperm from entering the uterus.
Types include:
• the male condom
• the female condom
• the diaphragm
Male Condom
This is the most common method in Nigeria. It is a thin wrapper that a man wears on his penis during sex.
Good sides:
• it protects from pregnancy
• it protects from infections
• it is easy to get
• it is cheap
Bad sides:
• it can tear if not used well
• some people feel it reduces pleasure
• some people are too shy to buy it
Female Condom
This is a thin bag that a woman places inside her vagina before sex.
Good sides:
• it protects from infections and pregnancy
• you can put it in ahead of time
• the man does not need to wear anything
Bad sides:
• some people find it uncomfortable at first
• it is not as common in Nigeria
Diaphragm
This is a small silicone cup you place inside your vagina to block sperm from entering. You must use it with a sperm-killing gel.
Good sides:
• it does not use hormones
• you can insert it yourself
Bad sides:
• you must place it correctly
• you need a doctor to fit the right size
• it does not protect from infections
Intrauterine Device
Commonly called IUD. This is a tiny T shaped device a doctor puts inside your uterus.
There are two types:
• Copper IUD
• Hormonal IUD
Copper IUD
This one has no hormones. It can last from five to ten years.
Good sides:
• long lasting
• no hormones
• very effective
Bad sides:
• can make periods heavier for some months
• you must visit a clinic to insert it
Hormonal IUD
This one releases a small amount of hormone and can last three to seven years.
Good sides:
• makes periods lighter
• reduces pain
Bad sides:
• irregular spotting in the first months
Natural Methods
Some people prefer natural birth control. That means you avoid sex on the days you are most fertile.
Types include:
• Tracking your period
• Withdrawal method
• Observing cervical mucus
• Using fertility tracking apps
Natural methods are good for people who have very regular cycles and are very disciplined.
Natural methods are not as safe as medical options. So they are risky for teenagers or people who are not ready for pregnancy at all.
Emergency Birth Control
This is also known as the morning after pill. But the name is confusing because you can use it up to three to five days after unprotected sex, depending on the type.
Good sides:
• it helps prevent pregnancy after a mistake
• easy to get in pharmacies in Nigeria
Bad sides:
• it is not for everyday use
• it can make your period irregular
• it does not protect from infections
It is only for emergencies, not a regular plan.
Birth Control Myths In Nigeria
In Nigeria, many people believe wrong things about birth control. So, let us clear some of them up.
Myth: Birth control will make you barren
Truth: It does not. Once you stop using it, your body returns to normal.
Myth: Condoms always tear
Truth: They tear mostly when used wrongly.
Myth: Using birth control is sinful
Truth: Birth control is a personal choice. It is not for anyone else to judge.
Myth: The morning after pill causes abortion
Truth: It only stops or delays ovulation. It does not stop a pregnancy that has already started.
How To Choose The Best Birth Control Option
Choosing birth control is like choosing shoes. What fits your friend may not fit you. So, you must think about your lifestyle, your health, and your comfort.
When choosing a method, ask yourself:
• Can I remember something daily
• Do I want something long term
• Do I prefer something natural
• Do I want protection from infections
• Do I mind visiting a clinic
• What side effects can I manage
If you want something easy and private, the Injection or Implant may fit. If you care about infection protection, condoms are your best friend. If you want long term and no stress, IUDs are good.
Talk to a healthcare worker. They will guide you based on your body and health.
Side Effects You Should Know
Every method has small side effects. So, it helps to know them ahead of time.
Possible side effects include:
• headache
• nausea
• mood changes
• spotting
• weight changes
• breast tenderness
But remember, not everyone will experience these. And most side effects reduce after some months.
Conclusion
Choosing the best birth control option is not about fear. It is about wisdom. It is about being ready. It is about caring for yourself. So, as a young person in Nigeria, take time to learn. Know your choices. Ask questions. Talk to a health worker. Do what is best for your life. Birth control will not harm your future. It will protect it.
