When the sex is unplanned, contraceptives like condoms are overlooked and the aftermath could be panic, health and emotional distress. Young people should comprehend the value of being responsible for their health, and safe sex is an important component of being responsible for oneself.[break]
In the 2010/2011 Adolescents and Youth survey by the Population Division of the Ministry of Health and Population, it stated that the major known contraceptive methods among adolescents and youth male are condoms (99%), pills (68%), female and male sterilizations (65%) and (58%), emergency contraception pill (21%), withdrawal (18%) and other methods (18%) respectively.
According to Bhogendra Raj Dotel, Head of Family Planning Division, Department of Health Services in Teku, contraception is a choice and its usage depends on negotiation between partners. Men have fewer choices compared to a woman which is probably the reason why women choose to use contraceptives; he says adding that unmarried couple tends to use condoms and emergency pills.
Emergency contraceptive pill is the easiest method of dealing with unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, like tearing of condoms. Instruction manuals claim that the pill should be taken within the first 72 hours after sex, the earlier the better. However, the user could experience nausea, headache, and irregular period which are some of the common side effects of taking the pill.
“We don’t advise on using too much of such pills,” Dr Bimala Malla, Associate Professor at Patan Academy of Health Sciences, says, adding, “The women get habituated to it as it is hassle free but there are many different kinds of side effects, one of which is incomplete conceiving that needs abortion by evacuation.”
Another popular contraceptive method, condoms help to prevent STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) like Syphilis, Crab louse or Gonorrhea. While some STDs are curable like Syphilis, others like genital warts and herpes are treatable but incurable. They’re all embarrassing and most often, very painful.
Dr Malla believes that teachers should be professional and encourage students to ask questions and ensure their understanding of important sex and health queries. By the time, the students graduate from school, he/she will have a broader perspective on such issues. Though the awareness level of young people, especially in the urban areas, is highly developed regarding these matters, they need to stop hesitating when they have to actually apply the information they have gathered.
A contraceptive is not expensive, but unplanned pregnancies and STDs could be very costly to one’s physical and mental well being. Pharmacies and hospitals stock all kinds of contraceptives and buying them is a simple but valuable step.
Dotel says, “We have more than 70,000 free distribution points around the country. Our distribution channels are on the district, community and VDC levels as well as outreach clinics.”
If you feel you’re ready for physical intimacy then you’re ready to buy contraceptives to protect yourself from unforeseen changes in your life.
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