It’s normal to have questions about what birth control method is right for you.

Starting birth control is a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what questions to ask your doctor.

With so many options available, from pills and patches to implants and IUDs, it’s understandable if you’re feeling confused or anxious.

Finding the right method isn’t just about preventing pregnancy; it’s also about making sure you feel comfortable and healthy with your choice. Your doctor is there to guide you, but it’s important to come prepared with questions that address your concerns, lifestyle, and future plans.

1. What types of birth control are available?
When it comes to birth control, one size does not fit all. Ask your doctor about the different methods available, such as the pill, IUD (intrauterine device), patch, ring, implant, or shot.

Your doctor can explain how each method works, how effective they are, and what the pros and cons are. For example, if you prefer something long-term, an IUD might be a better option. But if you like having more control, the pill could work well.

2. What are the possible side effects?
Every type of birth control has possible side effects. Some people may experience nausea, headaches, weight changes, or mood swings, while others have no side effects at all. It’s important to ask your doctor about what you might expect. If you’re sensitive to hormones, your doctor can suggest non-hormonal options, like the copper IUD. Being aware of side effects in advance can help you know what to look out for and decide what you’re comfortable with.

3. How will birth control affect my period?
Birth control can change your menstrual cycle in different ways. Some methods may make your periods lighter or stop them completely, while others may cause irregular bleeding at first.

If having regular periods is important to you, make sure to mention this to your doctor. They can help you choose a method that aligns with your preferences. If your periods are painful or heavy, certain types of birth control may even help reduce those symptoms.

4. Will birth control interact with my current medications or health conditions?
If you have existing health issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of blood clots, some birth control options may not be safe for you. Also, if you’re taking medication for any condition, ask whether it might affect how well your birth control works. Your doctor can guide you to options that won’t interfere with your health or current treatments. Safety should always come first when choosing birth control.

5. What happens if I want to get pregnant in the future?
You’ll need to ask how quickly you can become fertile again after stopping birth control. Some methods, like the pill or the patch, allow for a quick return to fertility, while others, like the shot, may take longer.

If you’re thinking about starting a family in the future, talk to your doctor about which birth control options will work best for your timeline. Planning ahead can make transitioning easier when the time comes.

The Enugu State Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 10 people following a cholera outbreak in the state.

In a letter addressed to the Guild of Medical Directors on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, Dr Egwuonwu Samuel, Director of Medical Services, announced the outbreak and the swift actions being taken to prevent further spread.

The ministry reported several alarming cases of cholera, resulting in 10 fatalities so far. Efforts are already underway by the State Ministry of Health and its partners to contain the outbreak.

“Health facilities and personnel are advised to stay alert for symptoms like acute diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting,” said Dr. Egwuonwu.

“We are calling for the immediate implementation of heightened Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all medical facilities to stop the spread.”

He urged medical practitioners to take extra precautions and report suspected cases swiftly.

“This outbreak poses a significant public health threat, as cholera is a highly contagious disease typically spread through contaminated water or food. The ministry’s swift action is critical to containing the outbreak and protecting public health.”

Dr. Egwuonwu also appealed to the public to practice strict hygiene measures, including boiling water before drinking, frequent hand washing, and avoiding poorly handled food.

He noted that the Enugu State government would provide further guidelines and updates as the situation develops, while efforts continue in collaboration with local and international health partners to mitigate the outbreak.

(NAN)

Nigeria has received 846,000 doses of the RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to combat malaria.

This vaccine, proven to reduce malaria cases and mortality among young children in large clinical trials across Africa, makes Nigeria the third country to adopt it, following Ghana and Kenya, which started using it in 2023.

The vaccine rollout is set to begin next month in two high-prevalence states, Kebbi and Bayelsa, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina, said yesterday.

Malaria, which is transmitted year-round in southern Nigeria and lasts up to three months in the northern regions, remains a major public health concern, affecting about 97 percent of the population.

During the handover of the RTS, S/AS01 vaccines in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasized the pivotal role the vaccine will play in reducing malaria cases and deaths.

He noted that the arrival of the vaccine marks a historic milestone in Nigeria’s fight against malaria and will significantly enhance the country’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease, revealing that the rollout would begin in high-burden regions before expanding nationwide.

The Minister said: “Our target is to prioritize regions most affected by malaria, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

“With proper infrastructure, political will, and continued international collaboration, Nigeria is poised to make substantial progress in reducing the disease’s toll and moving toward malaria elimination”.

Asserting that global health partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are providing both technical and financial support to ensure the successful rollout of the malaria vaccine, Pate said, “USAID and other partners are pushing for rapid scale-up beyond the initial two States.

“The aim issue for a nationwide rollout to cover all regions of the country,” Pate added.

Aina, also underscored the importance of the vaccine, noting that Nigeria is among the top 10 contributors to the global burden of malaria, accounting for approximately 27 percent of the global burden and 31 percent of malaria deaths worldwide.

“In 2022, nearly 200,000 deaths from malaria occurred in Nigeria. Children under five years of age, and pregnant women are the most affected, with a national malaria prevalence rate of 22% in children aged 6-59 months as of 2021.

“The vaccine would quicken our malaria control and elimination efforts, as we expect about a 13% reduction in all-cause mortality in children under five and a 22% reduction in hospitalized severe malaria cases.

He however assured that the agency would not compromise deployment of the vaccine for whatever reason, saying, “The WHO recommends prioritization of the vaccine in areas of high to moderate transmission and this is guiding our phased introduction strategy.

“Consequently, we are commencing the first phase of the introduction in November, in two States – Kebbi and Bayelsa, with high prevalence of malaria.

“Kebbi because it has the highest prevalence rate in the country (52%); while Bayelsa is selected because its target population of 69,935, and that of Kebbi’s 162,014, aligns with the one million doses available for this phase, thereby ensuring that the vaccine supply is effectively utilized.

“The vaccine will be administered to children aged 5 months to 15 months as part of Routine Immunization.

“Each child requires four doses, given at 5, 6, 7, and 15 months of age, to be fully protected”.

Expressing optimism about the vaccine’s life-saving potential, WHO’s representative in Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, voiced confidence that the vaccine, when combined with other preventive measures, will significantly reduce the malaria burden in Nigeria and bring the country closer to the goal of a malaria-free Africa.