By Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu
The use of contraceptives is essential in preventing unwanted pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections STI’s. Typically, of the Ghanaian society, sex education or on contraceptives is regarded “a-no-go-area” of discussion in the home.
This creates avenues for the youth to seek knowledge on the subject matter from their peers who may be inexperienced or from the wrong source.
In the following feature, Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu, explores how the youth have embraced the concept of contraceptive use. The age-old quest for safe and effective oral contraception was espoused in the middle of the 20th century.
The woman who championed that was Margaret Sanger, the founder of the American Birth Control League and the fore- runner of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
Contraceptives prevent pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation.
In 1969, Ghana became one of the first African countries to adopt a population policy.
Acceptance of family planning was slow, however, 20 years later, in 1988, the prevalence of modern contraceptive use had reached only 5%.
The history of birth control, also known as contraception and fertility control, refers to the methods or devices that have been historically used to prevent pregnancy. Planning and provision of birth control is called family planning.
In Ghana we have lots of contraceptives but the common ones are Durex, Rough Rider, Kiss, Protector gold and Champion Condom. The rest are Lydia and Postinor2. Moreover, some people prefer intrauterine devices (IUD) and others.
A Pharmacist, Dr Josephine Kumi-Duoduo says these days ladies patronize condoms more.
Dr. Emmaunel Duah, who works with the Unicom Pharmaceuticals Limited says most people are now practicing healthy sex so the patronage of contraceptives is encouraging.
Dr. Emmaunel Duah appealed to people to continue to use contraceptives as the benefits far outweighs the disadvantages.
