22 Jun 2015

The Intra Uterine Contraceptive device (IUD) is considered to be one of the most effective and safest forms of preventing unintended pregnancies for teenagers.

This was said by Ms Senzeni Makhwaje, a service provider with the Botswana Family Welfare Association (BOFWA), at a youth dialogue group discussion on family planning methods held in Kasane recently.

She indicated that unintended pregnancies were high among sexually active people. She noted that most teenagers were not using, and might not even know about birth control methods such as IUD, also commonly known as the loop. Ms Makhwaje explained that the copper IUD, which was commonly used, prevented fertilisation of the egg by killing sperm.

It also affected the uterine wall where a fertilised egg would implant and grow. She said teenage pregnancy was a great concern in Kasane. She revealed that since November 2014, BOFWA clinic had registered 19 pregnancies. Ms Makhwaje said the use of IUD had declined due to myths linked to it.

She said that BOFWA was working around the clock to offer information on the use of IUD to teenagers.

She said young people are well suited for long term contraceptives because most teenage pregnancies are unintended. She indicated that IUD is the easiest and simplest birth control method as it prevents unplanned pregnancy, rapid repeat pregnancy and abortion in young women.

She however cautioned participants that IUD does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). She said that it is less likely to cause side effects such as painful and heavy periods as well as weight gain compared to other family planning methods.

“Unplanned pregnancy is a challenge amongst the youth, therefore IUD is a recommended form of contraception, and besides that, you and your partner can also use condoms,” she noted.

She added that IUD is also cost effective overtime as it does not interrupt intercourse and can be inserted at any time as long as one is not pregnant. Ms Makhwaje also said that the insertion procedure takes only a few minutes and it can only be done by trained nurses.

She encouraged young women to be bold in communicating and initiating dialogue on family planning methods with their partners. She stressed that communication between partners is important.

The objectives of the discussion were to empower and educate the youth on family planning methods and to demonstrate and intensify the use of IUD among the youth. Ends