Q: Hello Dr! I’m a spinster for now but will be married in few months time. There’s this thing that have been a burden to me; it’s about birth control & satisfying one’s self & one’s partner sexually!

I was told that ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES create rooms for ovarian cancer; which is very dangerous! I was also told that using condoms help in birth control but sometimes prevents spouses from satisfying each other sexually! I was advised that the best method of birth control is for the man to pull out his penis and release outside when he senses sperm is about to be released into the ovary! PLEASE DR, I NEED YOUR ADVICE! Waiting to get a reply from you soon! Thanks!

A: Hallos! All methods of contraception have their pros and cons. The choice of a method that works for you is dependent on your individual preference, cost of the method, ease of using it etc.
Funny enough, Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) actually reduce the risk of ovarian cancer rather than the opposite 😀 However, it does appear that some other cancer risks, like breast and cervical cancer, are increased when oral contraceptive pills are used. OCPs can also reduce the cramps of menstruation, reduce acne (pimples), prevent osteoporosis and ectopic pregnancy and offers some protection against Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Poor candidates for this method include breast feeding mothers, smokers, overweight women etc

Male condom is a barrier method of contraception. They can prevent pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections when used properly. Men would usually complain about reduced sensitivity when using condoms which is the subject of controversy. Studies have shown that men who feel that the condoms reduce sensitivity, are less likely to use it. So, if your soon-to-be husband falls into this class, he may not use it.

Withdrawal method involves pulling the male organ out of the vagina just before ejaculation. This method can protect against pregnancy if used well but does not protect against STIs. It has been argued in some quarters that the pre-ejaculate (a lubricating fluid) may contain some sperm cells and so even if your partner is able to withdraw before ejaculation, the harm would have been done. However, the sperm in the pre-ejaculate is not there at the time the fluid is produced, but is sperm from previous ejaculations that was probably left in the urethra. It is believed that urinating and cleaning the tip of the penis before sexual intercourse helps to clear the urethra of the sperm left from previous ejaculations.

To compare, OCPs are very effective (8 out of 100 couples will get pregnant while using this method within a year), male condoms are moderately effective (18 out of 100 couples using this method will get pregnant within a year) and withdrawal method is less effective (27 couples out of 100 using this method will get pregnant within one year).

So, I suggest that you go see your gynaecologist or visit the closest family planning clinic to you where you will be shown all the options available, their pros and cons and you will then be able to make a proper decision.

Have a great day, y’all 😀