FAQs - Respekt

What is safe sex, and how do I practice it?

The best way to practice safe sex is by using condoms, as condoms can prevent contracting sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs/STDs), while also preventing pregnancy. However, there is also the option of using other contraceptives such as birth control.

Safe sex is also a matter of feeling emotionally safe. To read more on how to practice emotionally safe sex, Click here(consent)

What are the different contraceptives?

Condoms

The safest method one can use to ensure that they are sexually protected involves them using a condom. Condoms are an effective barrier towards sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS although not 100% effective as abstinence, as the condom can break during intercourse. This is rare, though.

Condoms don’t protect against the risk of getting infections like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that cause genital warts and potentially cervical cancer. This is due to the fact that the virus can be found on the skin that isn’t protected by the condom.

Condoms are also good in preventing pregnancy in comparison to use of contraceptives.   This is because they form a physical barrier that prevents sperms from entering the vagina

Other benefits of the condom is that;

1. They are easily portable. They come in a small packet and can easily be carried from place to place in a pocket or a purse.
2. They are available in a variety of products. This is especially because they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and flavors to suit different individuals equally.
3. They are easily purchased. Condoms, unlike oral contraceptives, can be acquired from almost any shop. The fact that some institutions give them for free makes them even more accessible and cheap in comparison to use of other contraceptive methods.
   1. They have fewer side effects- as compared to some contraceptives especially hormonal contraceptives, condoms bear fewer side effects when using them to the body making them much safer to use for certain individuals.
   2. To read on how to apply and use a condom, click here.

   3. Other contraceptives

   4. Contraceptives are good for preventing pregnancies but do not protect one from acquiring sexually transmitted infection. Also, they are not 100% effective in protecting one from getting pregnant as they have their failures depending on timing and a woman’s cycle as well. Using hormonal contraceptives can be associated with menstrual and hormonal issues for women.They however have their advantage as a mode of contraception in that;
   5. They provide alternatives for people who are allergic to condoms
   6. Some of the contraceptive methods works for for upto 12 years.
   7. Most of the time, they don’t need to be carried around like condoms. Contraceptives tend to stay within our bodies for a longer time.
   8. They can be used to treat some menstrual symptoms and disorders especially in the case of use of hormonal contraceptives
   9. Some of them especially the hormonal contraceptives have been associated with reduced risk of some cancers.

What types of contraceptives are there?

There are different types of contraceptives – among them are:

• Barrier methods:
  1. Spermicides
  2. Condoms (male and female) – recommendable since they also protect against STI’s – click here to read more.
  3. Cervical cap
  4. Contraceptive sponge

• Hormonal methods:
  1. Implants
  2. Pills
  3. Intrauterine devices (IUD)

Most of the methods are available at all health centres. Talk to your doctor about what contraceptive might be right for you.

Some like condoms are available easily in almost all chemists and kiosks. Other more radical methods such as tubal ligation (female sterilization) require a trained health specialist in a hospital set up only.

What is the emergency pill and when should I use it?

Emergency pills or ‘morning after pills’ are drugs readily available at all hospitals, health centres and chemists. They are after sex to prevent a pregnancy from developing. Instances when taken include: After a rape incidence, unprotected sex or contraceptive failure e.g. burst condom during intercourse, missed birth control pills.

Note that the emergency pill should not be used on a regular basis but only in case of emergency since they contain a high amount of hormones which is harmful for your body. The emergency pill should not be abused as every-day contraceptives.

Do contraceptives cause infertility?

No. There’s no evidence that long-term use of the birth control pill interferes with fertility.

Are there age restrictions to start using contraceptives?

Currently in Kenya there is no specific legislation on the age of starting the use of contraception. However, the legal age for consent stands at 18 years, therefore indirectly guiding the age of onset. Despite this, condoms are easily available for teenagers at designated public places and pharmacies.

There are legislative efforts trying to fix the age and set a legal frameworks to contraception acquisition. Notable was the Reproductive Health Care Bill 2014. If such a law is passed and the age for contraception access it lowered, safe sex among teenagers should be enhanced.

Do my parents have to be present for one to get a prescription?

According to the Reproductive Health Care Bill 2014, parental consent is not mandatory in the provision of reproductive health care services to adolescents who seek it, including contraception.