Everyday,
millions of Nigerian youths get trapped in the dilemma of enjoying sex and at
the same time avoiding its associated risks, especially pregnancy. While some
are shy to discuss it with their healthcare providers and are therefore misled
by wrong counsel from peers, many believe they are ‘experts’ themselves. This
has led to many unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, death and diseases
which could have otherwise been prevented. This short piece will educate you on
the basis of pregnancy and how it can be safely prevented. Guess what! The
knowledge which is about to be shared is equally important to the male as well
as the female gender.
How is Pregnancy formed?
Many
ladies would remember when they saw their first ‘show’ of blood- the gesture of
initiation into motherhood. Mummies are so concerned. You would recall some mums
saying: "Now, you are a woman; do not allow any boy touch you unless you
become pregnant". So funny, isn't it? I'm sure most of us believed that
the touch also included things like a handshake. The first confirmation of
pregnancy is usually the "missing of your period" and it's the
easiest if not the simplest way of affirming pregnancy. It has been used from
time immemorial and it's not likely to become outdated. What bring about this
“missing of period”? Then, a very good knowledge of the female menstrual cycle
is crucial. Let’s review it; seize this opportunity to know it better. Please
note that a good knowledge of the menstrual cycle also tells how healthy you
are e.g a woman's menstrual cycle can become affected if she has hormonal
imbalance, goitre, pituitary tumor or even emotional disturbances.
Menstrual
cycle- it is a series of changes that occurs in the uterus (womb) and the
ovaries (organs that produce eggs) for the purpose of sexual reproduction. This
cycle often ranges between 21 and 35days but 28 days on the average. They are
round-the-clock events that are only interrupted by pregnancy or menopause and
are regulated by hormones. Simply put, it’s like the tyres of a bicycle; they
go round with no gap along it's circumference unless they are torn. Four stages
(phases) make up the cycle. First, Menstrual
Phase: It occurs
because the womb is “weeping” as a result of failure of implantation (planting
of new ‘baby-to-be’). It does this by shedding off the wall that has been
prepared for receiving it and this "tears" come out as blood since it
is no longer relevant. It lasts between 3 to 5 days. During this period some
people may experience pain called Menstrual Pain.. Proliferative Phase: The wall of the womb that was shed earlier on
begins to heal, without scars though. This occurs from day 3 or 5 to day 14 of
the menstrual cycle. Meanwhile, the ovaries are preparing to release eggs
around this time. Ovulation is
the third phase during which there is release of egg(s) from the ovary
(ies). Generally, it is said that ovulation occurs around day 14. Usually the
days before ovulation, you'll notice creamy whitish discharge which is usually
watery, a gradual rise in your body temperature which tends to be highest on
the day of ovulation. You can feel this by gently placing the back of your hand
on your forehead or by using a thermometer. Other signs include breasts
tenderness, a sharp pain on either side of the lowest part of your tummy
depending on which ovary is releasing the egg(s) at that point in time. Some
ladies may spot a little in their panties. The
secretory phase: this is the stage in which the healing processes of the
walls of the womb is complete and these walls thickens in preparation for
receiving the new ‘baby-to-be’. It helps to nurture the egg(s) released
especially if fertilization (fusion of sperm and egg), an aftermath of
unprotected sexual intercourse, occurs. It lasts for 12 to 16 days after
ovulation after which the uterus bleeds again if fertilization fails to occur.
Common Mistakes Women Make
Many
ladies miscalculate their cycle: The day you start bleeding is day 1 of your
cycle. So, count from that day until you get to day 14; do not count fourteen
days after you stop bleeding. Ovulation takes place on the 14th day. This day
14 may not apply to every woman but there are some signs that can help with
that. A few have been mentioned earlier. You must also bear in mind that it is
not only on the day of ovulation that a woman can become pregnant after
intercourse. Ovulation lasts between 12 to 24 hours i.e. once the egg is laid,
it can only survive a maximum of one day. But the sperms for the males can
survive within the female reproductive tract for up to 72 hours. For some, it
can last for as long as five days...stubborn little fellas! So, if you engage
in unprotected sexual intercourse few days before you ovulate, you are likely
to become pregnant. Don’t get confused!
Contraception
It means methods or devices used in
preventing pregnancy. Obviously, the rate of unwanted pregnancies amongst the
youths is alarming and this has led to huge setbacks- increase in the number of
school dropouts, single parents, illegal abortions, maternal morbidity and
mortality. Unfortunately, Nigeria ranks 10th in the world in these. Therefore,
a good grasp of fertility and contraception would go a long way in reducing
this decadence. Some of the means include: diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicidal
foams, oral contraception, injections, implants, patches, Intrauterine Devices
and sterilization. I must clearly state that Dual Protection is very
important in other to prevent pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections; it
involves the use of condoms and pills. Fertility awareness (good knowledge of
your menstrual cycle) should also be borne in mind, especially by the females,
since they are at the receiving end of any ‘error’ that ensues. To all ladies, "if
you can't bear the thought of carrying his child, why let him lay hands on
you".
Above
all, there is a method that offers 100% protection from unwanted pregnancies
and numerous sexually transmitted infections. With it, you’ve got no worries at
all. It’s no other method than ABSTINENCE. Remember, Life is beautiful and the
future that lies ahead of YOU is precious!
EDUCATE YOUR NEIGHBOUR, FRIENDS AND FAMILY
For questions and enquiries, contact
us:
hrfnigeria@gmail.com @HRF_Nigeria 08148327860
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