Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Paul Koigi, has emphasized that women have several contraceptive options to choose from, and the method used should depend on how it works, how often it is needed, and an individual's health. Speaking on Radio Generation, Dr. Koigi explained the different methods available, including emergency contraceptive pills, daily pills, skin patches, injections, condoms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), commonly known as coils.
Dr. Koigi cautioned against treating emergency contraceptive pills as a routine family-planning method, saying they are designed for situations where regular contraception was not used or has failed. He noted that emergency contraceptive pills, often called the morning-after pill, are used after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or sexual assault, and should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within five days of unprotected sex.
The World Health Organization states that emergency contraceptive pills mainly work by preventing or delaying ovulation. A copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception and is more than 99 per cent effective when inserted within 120 hours. Dr. Koigi defended the availability of emergency contraceptive pills without a prescription, citing the importance of easy access for survivors of sexual violence who may face difficulties seeking specialized help.
For women seeking regular contraception, Dr. Koigi discussed several hormonal methods, including combined oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills. He noted that hormonal contraception may not be suitable for every woman and that medical history should be considered before choosing a method. Conditions such as a previous blood clot may affect which contraceptive is appropriate.
Dr. Koigi also highlighted other contraceptive options, including the contraceptive patch, which is placed on the skin and changed every week, and the contraceptive injection, which provides protection for three months. For women looking for longer-term protection, he pointed to IUDs, which are available in hormonal and non-hormonal forms, and can remain effective for between three and eight years, or up to 10 to 12 years in the case of copper IUDs.
Condoms, Dr. Koigi emphasized, remain important because they offer protection against sexually transmitted infections in addition to preventing pregnancy. The World Health Organization states that condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, when used correctly and consistently.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, 63 per cent of currently married women in Kenya were using a contraceptive method, with 57 per cent using modern methods and six per cent using traditional methods. The survey also showed that 14 per cent of currently married women had an unmet need for family planning, while 76 per cent had a demand for family planning.
Key points
- Dr. Koigi emphasizes that emergency contraceptive pills should not replace regular family-planning methods.
- Various contraceptive options are available, including hormonal and non-hormonal methods, and the choice of method depends on individual health, fertility, and lifestyle.
- Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
