To mark this year’s World Contraceptive Day on September 26, the Total Family Health Organisation in the Upper Region has taken the initiative to educate the public on family planning and related issues. This activity, which commenced on Monday, September 23, features daily radio outreach by health officials who are sensitizing the public on these important topics.
In an interview on A1 Radio, Clara Ofori, Principal Midwifery Officer at the Upper East Regional Hospital, advised that women should consider implementing family planning methods if they are not ready to conceive. She suggested that during fertile periods, women could either abstain from sexual intercourse or utilize various contraceptive methods.
Madam Ofori emphasized the significance of understanding the menstrual cycle, noting that while the average cycle is around 28 days, it can vary among women, ranging from 21 to 35 days. She highlighted the importance of recognizing one’s cycle, especially for women who wish to avoid unintended pregnancies. “The menstrual cycle differs among individuals, but the average cycle for most women is 28 days. Some women may have cycles as short as 21 days, while others may extend to 32 or even 35 days.”
She explained the biological process of conception, emphasizing that pregnancy begins when sperm fertilizes an egg released by a woman during her menstrual cycle. This fertilized egg then travels to the uterus, where it can implant and develop over the course of nine months. “When the egg is released, it passes through various tubes, allowing the sperm to meet the egg. This is when fertilization occurs. If the egg is released and the woman is not in her fertile days, pregnancy does not occur. The egg still travels to the womb, and along with the preparation that occurs there, it is shed during menstruation.”
She detailed the range of contraception available, which includes short-term, long-term, and permanent options. According to her, permanent methods are particularly recommended for individuals who believe their family size is complete. Madam Ofori also pointed out that while most contraceptives prevent pregnancy, condoms uniquely offer protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. “There are short-term, long-term, and permanent methods. The permanent method is mostly recommended for people who feel they have enough children and do not want any more. This doesn’t mean they cannot engage in sexual activity again; they can still enjoy it,” she said.
In addition to discussing contraceptive methods, she noted that health officials will be available at various locations on the climax day of the celebration to provide information and services related to family planning and reproductive health.
Meanwhile, Mary Azika, Senior Medical Officer at the Bolga Municipal Health Directorate, cautioned against using concoctions purported to tighten women’s private parts, urging them to seek safer, medically approved alternatives.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga|
