Prime

Which birth control method suits me?

Thursday, May 31, 2018 — updated on December 25, 2020 - 5 min read

It is also important to note that some birth control methods work better than others at preventing pregnancy. PHOTO | FILE

By DR MUKUHI NG’ANG’A

Many women want to know what the best contraceptive in the market is. There really isn’t a contraceptive that can be described as the ‘best’. Each has its own benefit and risk profile. Every woman is different and they have different needs.

How do you choose a contraceptive?

• More regular and lighter periods which reduces the chances of having iron deficiency anaemia.
• Reduced menstrual cramping.
• A lower risk of ovarian, endometrial (uterus) and colon cancers.
• Some women report improvement in the appearance of their acne.
Cons
•Increased risk of getting clots in the veins of the legs (deep venous thrombosis)
•Increased risk for development of hypertension
• Increased risk of breast and cervical cancers: this was particularly true for older hormonal contraceptives which had higher amounts of hormones than the current regimens.
• Weight gain (usually due to fluid retention)
• Mood changes
Women who are over 35 years of age and smoke should not ideally use hormonal contraceptives because they are at a much higher risk of getting complications (especially the leg clots and hypertension which increases their risk for stroke and heart attack).

🪫 Your Subscription Ends Soon!

Which birth control method suits me?

PAYE Tax Calculator

Latest

Kenya’s diaspora inflows from Africa overtake UK, Saudi Arabia

KPA to co-invest in Sh79bn Mombasa, Lamu port asset concession deals

Kisumu SGR budget increases to Sh650bn

Dangote’s KPC stake and the fight ahead

In the headlines

Tuju setback as court declines to hear Karen asset sale petition

KPA to co-invest in Sh79bn Mombasa, Lamu port asset concession deals

Kenya’s diaspora inflows from Africa overtake UK, Saudi Arabia

State eyes Sh3.6bn from Trans Nzoia avocado land lease pact

🪫 Your Subscription Ends Soon!

PAYE Tax Calculator

Get it First!

PRIME Kenya’s diaspora inflows from Africa overtake UK, Saudi Arabia

PRIME KPA to co-invest in Sh79bn Mombasa, Lamu port asset concession deals

PRIME Kisumu SGR budget increases to Sh650bn

PRIME Dangote’s KPC stake and the fight ahead

PRIME Tuju setback as court declines to hear Karen asset sale petition

PRIME KPA to co-invest in Sh79bn Mombasa, Lamu port asset concession deals

PRIME Kenya’s diaspora inflows from Africa overtake UK, Saudi Arabia

PRIME State eyes Sh3.6bn from Trans Nzoia avocado land lease pact

Kenya’s diaspora inflows from Africa overtake UK, Saudi Arabia

KPA to co-invest in Sh79bn Mombasa, Lamu port asset concession deals

Kisumu SGR budget increases to Sh650bn

Dangote’s KPC stake and the fight ahead

Tuju setback as court declines to hear Karen asset sale petition

KPA to co-invest in Sh79bn Mombasa, Lamu port asset concession deals

Kenya’s diaspora inflows from Africa overtake UK, Saudi Arabia

State eyes Sh3.6bn from Trans Nzoia avocado land lease pact