In Kenya, contraceptives can be easily bought over the counter making them available to women of different ages. It is common to find girls as young as fifteen years old using contraceptives to prevent pregnancy while being sexually active. As they grow older, they continue using different birth control methods as singles and later on when they get married. As they approach their forties, many women consider abandoning the use of contraceptives all together especially if they see signs of menopause.
Even so, it is important to understand that women’s bodies are not the same and will react differently to various contraceptives, making it important to consult a doctor before using any of them. Some of the common effects of using contraceptives depending on age include:
• 20s
Most young women in Kenya, begin to regularly use contraceptives at this age to avoid getting pregnant. The most common birth control method is the pill which can either stop ovulation or prevent sperms from meeting an egg. There are two types of pills available which are combined pill which has estrogen and progestin; and mini-pill that only contains progestin.
• 30s
Single women at this age also use over the counter pills and barrier methods such as condoms to prevent pregnancy. On the other hand, married women in Kenya can opt for long term options such as IUDs, contraceptive implants or injections after having babies. These birth control methods are quite effective for those that use them.
• 40s and beyond
For most women in Kenya, having a child in their forties is uncommon with many having had stopped trying to get pregnant at this age. However, for those that are sexually active, the use of IUDs and long term control methods such as implants are common. Sterilization in form of tubal ligation is also an alternative for older women.
