CONTRACEPTIVE AND IT’S EFFECT

CONTRACEPTIVE AND ITS EFFECT

ABSTRACT

Contraception is a process or technique for preventing pregnancy by means of a medication device or via a method that blocks or alters one or more processes of reproduction in such a way that sexual union can occur without impregnation. This research work focuses on the use and effects of contraceptives. It examines the role of common contraceptive practices and its implication in the Oju Local Government Area of Benue State. A simple percentage method was used for data analysis and the data were collected through questionnaire administration. The results of the analysis showed that a large number of rural dwellers have heard of common contraceptive practices (95%). The results equally showed that most of the rural dwellers were aware of some common contraceptive practices (95%) and their effectiveness (96%). The study recommended that study suggests that efforts should be made to motivate adults in Nigeria to visit health facilities and consult health practitioners about contraceptive methods.

 

CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

  • INTRODUCTION       

Many developing countries have substantial geographic variations in contraceptive use. This situation also strongly applies to Nigeria, where we have amongst others, aspects of a society’s or communities’ socio-cultural and economic environment affecting the use of contraceptives or contraceptive methods the current prevalence rate for contraceptive use in Nigeria is approximately 11%–13% (Federal Office of Statistics journal, 2012). This rate is very low in spite of the high rate of sexual activity and widespread awareness of the various contraceptive methods among Nigerian adolescents and youths. As a result, there are many unintended pregnancies and illegal abortions contributing to a high maternal mortality ratio, which seems to indicate a large unmet need for contraceptive use. However, what is lacking is a political will in Nigeria to provide contraception programs on a much larger scale, using community-oriented approaches and communication programs, to help change the myth about the side effects of modern contraceptives.

Contraception allows couples to choose when and if to have a baby. Some forms of contraception also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are several types of contraception, which work in different ways. Barrier methods such as male and female condoms create a physical barrier against sperm. Women can also use hormonal methods of contraception, such as pills, or mechanical contraceptive devices, such as an IUD (Intrauterine Device) that is placed in the womb. (Robert Finn, 2007). No contraceptive is 100% reliable, and some have possible side effects. It is therefore important to consider Age, medical history, and sexual lifestyles when deciding what sort of protection to use. It’s worth remembering that the male condom is the only form of contraception that also protects against sexually transmitted diseases. In all cases, contraceptive methods are more reliable if used properly. (Robert Finn, 2007).

Grossman et al (2010) mentioned that the adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives usually diminish with continued use of the same method. Often, physicians only need to reassure patients that these symptoms will likely resolve within three to five months. Long-acting injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate is the only hormonal contraceptive that is consistently associated with weight gain; other hormonal methods are unlikely to increase weight independent of lifestyle choices. Switching combined oral contraceptives is not effective in treating headaches, nor is the use of multivitamins or diuretics. There are no significant differences among various combined oral contraceptives in terms of breast tenderness, mood changes, and nausea. Breakthrough bleeding is common in the first months of combined oral contraceptive use. If significant abnormal bleeding persists beyond three months, other methods can be considered, and the patient may need to be evaluated for other causes. Studies of adverse sexual effects in women using hormonal contraceptives are inconsistent, and the pharmacologic basis for these symptoms is unclear. If acne develops or worsens with progestin-only contraceptives, the patient should be switched to a combination method if she is medically eligible. There is insufficient evidence of any effect of hormonal contraceptives on breast milk quantity and quality. Patient education should be encouraged to decrease the chance of unanticipated adverse effects. Women can also be assessed for medical eligibility before and during the use of hormonal contraceptives.

Adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives usually diminish to the point of acceptance with continued use of the same method. Reassurance that symptoms will likely resolve within three to five months is often the only treatment required. Despite the transient course of these effects, a population-based survey found that 64.6% of women who discontinued oral contraceptives did so because of adverse effects. Educating patients about the common adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives help to establish realistic expectations. Persistent symptoms are often alleviated by changing methods; however, no method has been proven superior in terms of adverse effects. Exogenous estrogen increases the production of sex hormone-binding globulin. Progestin binds the sex hormone–binding globulin and decrease its synthesis to varying degrees, which should result in different levels of androgenicity. However, despite their biochemical differences, progestins have shown few differences clinically. Furthermore, Physicians can decrease the likelihood of significant adverse effects by using criteria from the World Health Organization to assess patients for medical eligibility before and during the use of hormonal contraceptives and outlines potential treatments for adverse effects of hormonal contraceptives.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Contraceptives are not intended as a regular method of contraception. Side effects of modern contraception methods, either experienced or anticipated, have been identified as a common reason that women either choose not to start or discontinue contraceptives. Side effects include menstrual changes (heavier bleeding, amenorrhea, or oligomenorrhea), changes in weight, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and cardiovascular impacts. In addition, women may harbor fears of the long-term effects of contraceptive use, such as infertility and childbirth complications  (Rademacher et al, 2018).

  • RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This study sought the answer to the following research questions:

  • What is the implication of common contraceptive practices among adults in Nigeria?
  • What is the level of awareness of the use of common contraceptive practices among adults in Nigeria?
  • How effective is the adoption of these common contraceptive practices among adults in Nigeria?
    • OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is to investigate contraceptives and their effects in Nigeria. The specific objectives include:

  • Find out the implication of common contraceptive practices among adults in Nigeria.
  • The awareness of the use of common contraceptive practices among adults in Nigeria.
  • The effectiveness of these common contraceptive practices among adults in Nigeria.

1.5        SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
This project work shall discuss the use and effects of contraceptives amongst adults in Nigeria, focusing mainly on some selected towns/villages in Oju Local Government Area. The study focuses mostly on family and healthcare workers in Local Government. These selected towns and villages are Ukpa, Ainu, Owo, Uwokwu, Abila, and Oju.

The scope of this study covers the effects of contraceptive patronage and risk involvement among female secondary school students. In the course of the study, the researcher encounters some constrain that limited the scope of the study;

Time factor: The time allocated to the researcher during the period of the study was limited coupled with lectures and exams.

Financial constraint: the finance at the disposal of the researcher during the course of the study wasn’t sufficient enough to run the expenses of the research work.

1.6    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY 

The focus point of this research work is on contraceptives and their effects in Nigeria. On this note, therefore, the research will help to educate the readers and general public on common contraceptive practices. The research will also spread out some facts to encourage common contraceptive practices and also provide an adequate solution to some problems such as recommendations that will be of great value to the government and other organizations responsible for the enlightening campaign on family planning.

CONTRACEPTIVE AND ITS EFFECT

 

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