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Contraceptives

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Contraceptives

The Pill:
• Remember to take the pill at the same time every day. When you start the 1 st packet, you will have
   an unsafe period whereby the pill is not effective yet, use condoms for 7 days.
• If you miss a pill and it is less than 12 hours, take one as soon as you remember. Continue as
   normal.
• If you are more than 12 hours late with taking your pill, continue to take your pill and use condoms
   for the next 7 days. You may experience breakthrough bleeding. If you had sex, ask the healthcare
   provider about emergency contraception.
• If you missed 2 pills, use condoms and contact your nearest clinic for further assistance. If you had
   sex, ask about emergency contraception.
• When you start using the pill initially, you may experience breast tenderness, nausea, head aches,
   increased appetite. Allow you body 3 months to adjust to the pill. If these symptoms persist, discuss
   other options with the healthcare provider.
• Medication like antibiotics, diet pills and purgatives can affect the pill. Inform your doctor that you
   are using he pill.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea can also affect the pill, use condoms if you experience this. Discuss when
   and how to restart with the healthcare worker.
• If you experience any breakthrough bleeding while taking pill daily, please discuss this with the
   healthcare provider.
• It is not advisable to give your body a rest from taking the pill.
• It is advisable to use condoms as well to protect you against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted
    Infections.
• The pill may not be used by women who are 35 years old and smoke, have cancers of the breasts/
    womb/ mouth of the womb, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, bloodclot in the legs.

Injection:
• Ensure that you come for the follow up as indicated on your appointment card, to avoid an
    unplanned pregnancy.
• Initially one can experience increased appetite after starting the injection. Allow your body 3 months
    to adjust to the injection. Discuss any severe side effects with your healthcare worker
• On the 2 months injection one might still menstruate, whilst no menstruation on the 3 months
   injection, is common and
   harmless to the body.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding can occur whilst using the injection. It maybe mild ( spotting ) or heavy
   (breakthrough bleeding), changing more than 3 heavily soaked pads per day and passing clots.
   Consult your healthcare worker .
• Any medication can be used whilst using the injection. It won't affect it at all.
• It is safe to breast feed while using the injection.
• When planning to fall pregnant advise the healthcare provider, since it could take 9 months on
   average before falling pregnant.

The Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD also known as the Loop)
• Enquire from the healthcare provider when the IUCD must be replaced
• You may experience heavier menstruation or bleeding in between your periods for the first 2-3
    months.
• It is advisable to abstain from sex for 2-3 days or as long as there is bleeding or cramping. You are
    protected immediately against pregnancy after insertion.
•  Check for the strings after your period by washing your hands and putting 2 fingers high up in the
    vagina and feeling for the strings
•  Go to the clinic 6 weeks after insertion of the IUCD. After that, it should be checked annually.
• If you have more than 1 sexual partner or your partner has more than 1 sexual partner, you put
    yourself at an increased risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

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