300000 girls in Uganda getting pregnant before they are 19

By Guest Writer Naigaga Phiona Fortunate

Why are so many teenagers and young adults still opting for unsafe sex? Why, when there are sex education classes in most schools and constant public health campaigns, are some people having sex without using contraception or only using a form that protects against pregnancy and not STIs?

According to the Uganda Demographic Health survey 2011, about 14 per cent of young women and 16 per cent of young men had their first sexual encounter before the age of 15 while 57 per cent of young women had their first encounter before the age of 18.

More than 300000 girls in Uganda getting pregnant before they are 19, and many opting for abortion.

Early marriage, early initiation of sex and lack of information, are said to be the leading drivers of adolescent pregnancy. According to Dr Wilfred Ochan, the Assistant Country Representative United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), lack of access to reproductive health information supported with services, has led teenagers into early sex while poverty and cultural practices continue to force girls into early marriages.

Communications Officer of Isis-WICCE Balikudembe Kireju said that the increased poverty levels due to conflict, displacement and abandonment of known means of livelihood as a result made parents begin to look at their girl children as a source of income in form of dowry if they became formally married. If they were on the other hand impregnated, the culprits were to give some gifts to the parents as a form of appeasement.

Birth control methods
The pill
Pros: It does not interrupt sex and can reduce bleeding, period pain, and PMT.

Cons: It does not protect against STIs; can have side effects; and vomiting, diarrhoea, antibiotics, and other drugs can interfere with its effectiveness.

Injectables

Pros: They do not interrupt sex and are good for those who forget to take daily pills.

Cons: Can cause irregular bleeding, do not protect against STIs, and it can take time for fertility to return to normal once you stop taking them.

The coil

Pros: Does not interrupt sex, can stay in for up to 10 years, and works as soon as inserted.

Cons: May cause irregular bleeding, does not protect against STIs, and there is a risk of pelvic infection.

Intrauterine system

Pros: Does not interrupt sex, can stay in for five years, and works as soon as inserted.

Cons: Some medication interferes with its effectiveness, it may cause irregular bleeding, and it does not protect against STIs.

Implants

Pros: Do not interrupt sex, work for up to three, years and may reduce painful periods.

Cons: Do not protect against STIs, and may cause irregular bleeding, no bleeding at all, acne or weight gain.

The patch

Pros: Does not interrupt sex and easy to reverse.

Cons: May be seen on the skin, certain medication can interfere with its effectiveness, and it does not protect against STIs

Diaphragm/cap

Pros: Can be put in any time before sex, can be reused, useful if seeking to avoid hormones.

Cons: Does not protect against STIs and cystitis can be a problem for some users.

Natural fertility tracking methods

Pros: it does not involve chemicals and is free from side effects.

Cons: it requires keeping a daily record, involves avoiding sex at some times during the month and does not protect against STIs.

Condoms

Pros: Widely available, protect against both pregnancy and STIs, and cause no medical side effects.

Cons: Putting them on requires practice and they can be damaged if handled roughly or used with an oil-based lubricant.