World Contraception Day is observed on the 26th of September every year. World Contraception Day raises awareness about the various methods of birth control available, in order to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Birth control, also known as contraception, anticonception, and fertility control, is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy.

What are the different methods of contraception available for men and women?

• Condoms – Condoms can be used by both men and women, as a birth control method. They are one of the most widely used methods of contraception. The use of condoms is also recommended as it can prevent the transmission of STDs.
• Contraception Injection – The contraceptive injection releases the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. It is a contraception method used by females.
• Contraception patch – A contraceptive patch is a transdermal patch applied to the skin that releases synthetic estrogen and progestogen hormones to prevent pregnancy. However, it is recommended that during the first week of using the patch, women should use one more type of contraception.
• Birth control pills – Birth control pills also work on the principle of the release of estrogen and progesterone in the body and help to prevent pregnancies. Birth control pills are to be consumed regularly to avoid pregnancy.

facts about contraception across the globe:

1. 211 million pregnancies are estimated to occur every year and currently, more than 40% are unwanted pregnancies.
2. Of the 40% unwanted pregnancies, about 50% end with abortion, often in unsafe conditions that threaten the woman’s health and life.
3. About 16 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 give birth every year, and one million are under 15. They are much more at risk of incurring fatal complications while giving birth than women over the age of 19.
4. Young people are more likely to receive sexually transmitted infections than adults. Adolescent girls are disproportionally affected by HIV and account for three in four new infections in sub-Saharan Africa.

It is important for all teens to learn about contraception so they have the information they’ll need to make safe and healthy decisions. Studies show that preventing teens from getting contraceptives unless they tell a parent won’t stop teenagers from having sex. It will just drive them away from the services they need to protect themselves, leading to higher rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Myth – Condoms provide 100 percent protection from unwanted pregnancy

Fact: Condoms can give only 80 percent protection, which means that 2 out of 10 couples using condoms can end up with a pregnancy.

Myth – Contraception is a woman’s problem

Fact: Just like how planning a pregnancy is a decision made jointly by a couple, contraception also requires couples to work as a team.