List Of Family Planning Methods Available In Kenya

This is a list of family planning methods available in Kenya. Family planning generally entails comprehensive medical or social activities which involve consideration of the number of children one wishes to have, the spacing of children, the age which one wishes to have children as well as the choice to have no children.

The need for family planning may be influenced by a number of factors which may include; career considerations, financial factors, marital situation and disabilities that may affect the ability to have children. In Kenya, various methods of family planning are being used, from modern methods to traditional methods.

Here is a list of family planning methods available in Kenya.

1.Injectables

It is one of the most popular methods of contraception used in Kenya. Depo Provera is the most used injectable here in Kenya. It is highly effective however, it can cause irregular bleeding, spotting and sometimes may be expensive. Most women prefer injectables due to the privacy and confidentiality associated with this method of contraceptive.

2.Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD)

It is mostly associated with women who want to stop childbearing. The IUCD prevents the sperm from fertilizing a woman’s eggs. The most common used IUCD in Kenya is Copper T 380 A which has a cumulative probability of pregnancy of about 1.7% over 7 years of use. It is an effective contraceptive but it can have side effects which include; irregular periods/menstrual changes and pain during periods.

3.Oral Contraceptives

This entails the use of contraceptive pills which prevent ovulation. Most oral contraceptive pills contain a combination of Oestrogen and Progestin (COCs). Others may contain  Progestin-only (POPs). COCs are commonly used pills in Kenya. These contraceptive pills are easily affordable. The only side effect one may experience after using such pills is unexpected changes in menstruation flow.

4.Female Sterilisation

It is one of the least accessible contraception methods in Kenya. It is an expensive method that requires a fully equipped facility and well-trained physicians to perform. It is usually done with the use of local anaesthesia and light sedation. It is a permanent method of birth control. The major challenge associated with this method is the cost factor since it requires technical assistance, medications and surgical training.

5.Male Sterilisation/ Vasectomy

It is less expensive compared to female sterilisation. It is also among the least used methods in Kenya as it represents a negligible portion of men. It is a permanent method of contraception which is still not common in Kenya as most men believe that family planning is the sole responsibility of women.

6.Norplant Implants

It has been estimated that only 0.7 % of women in Kenya go for implants. It is mainly associated with child spacing purposes. It is usually effective for 5 years but can also be made ineffective by the removal of the implant. Side effects associated with implants include; irregularities in menstruation, weight gain and breast tenderness.

7.Barrier method

This generally entails the use of condoms for the male. Condoms can prevent pregnancies and STIs if used correctly. It is the most used method of family planning in Kenya.

Barrier method also entails the use of female condoms which should not be used together with the male condom. It also involves the use of foaming tablets which can be used without partners knowledge. However, foaming tablets may cause itching and irritation.

8.Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)

ECPs can provide a 74 % chance of avoiding pregnancy after having unprotected sexual intercourse. It is stipulated that emergency contraceptive pills be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex. Side effects that may be associated with ECPs include nausea and vomiting.

9.Natural method

This involves examining or monitoring a woman’s menstrual cycle to determine her safe days. This method may, however, be ineffective and may also limit sex thus causing marital conflicts.

10.Traditional methods

This includes abstinence during breastfeeding, breastfeeding, periodic abstinence and withdrawal. These methods may not be much effective if not performed consistently and correctly.

N/B

It’s always advisable to consult your doctor before settling for any family planning method. 

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