Cultural beliefs that may affect the use of contraception. There are moral and theological convictions in many societies, including some religious ones, that forbid the use of contraception. For instance, some individuals think that contraception is against the natural order of things or that it interferes with God's purpose. Additionally, it can be challenging for people to acquire knowledge and tools since open discussion of sex and contraception is stigmatised in some societies. World Health Organization strategy for engaging religious leaders, faith-based organizations and faith communities in health emergencies (who.int) Religious leaders and family planning: A sociology of knowledge viewpoint, a 2019 World Health Organization paper, explores how religious views might affect the usage of contraceptives. According to the paper, "the role of religion is particularly salient to the extent that religious beliefs and practises inform individual and societal values, norms, and behaviours regarding sexuality and gender relations, particularly when it comes to birth control methods." According to the paper, cooperation between religious leaders and medical experts might lessen cultural obstacles to the use of contraceptives. Coverage and determinants of modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: further analysis of demographic and health surveys | Reproductive Health | Full Text (biomedcentral.com) The use of contraception can be hindered in some areas due to cultural practises and beliefs, according to another 2014 The Guardian story headlined "Cultural barriers and misconceptions are blocking contraception in sub-Saharan Africa." "Cultural beliefs that prioritise childbearing or put pressure on women to prove their fertility can also make contraception a difficult choice," the article claims. The article also mentions how it might be challenging for women to utilise hormonal contraception since certain cultural beliefs interpret menstruation as a sign of fertility. In conclusion, cultural taboos and religious convictions may prevent some cultures from using contraception. Unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortions, and maternal morbidity and death can result from this. Promoting reproductive health and lowering mother and new-born morbidity and death require addressing these cultural obstacles. Nigeria is one of these nations, where cultural and religious beliefs frequently forbid the use of contraception and other preventative measures like outercourse. Premarital sex is discouraged, and abstinence is encouraged by both Christianity and Islam, according to a research that was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Nigeria is home to a large Muslim population. Many couples refrain from using contraception or indulging in extramarital affairs because of this and the notion that having children is necessary for preserving a good and happy marriage. Further discouraging the use of contraception and outercourse is the perception that talking about sexuality and family planning is stigmatising. 1. Adeyemo, O. A., & Adeoye, I. A. (2016). Contraception and outercourse among Nigerian youth: a review of the literature. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 36(2), 173-177. 1. Ghule M, Silverman J, Nair S, et al. Contraceptive use in rural Maharashtra: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):307. doi:10.1186/s12889-0185223-3 2. Cleland J, Conde-Agudelo A, Peterson H, Ross J, Tsui A. Contraception and health. Lancet. 2012;380(9837):149-156. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60609-6 3. Fathallah MF. Family planning: a necessity in developing countries. Br Med Bull. 2003;67:109-120. doi:10.1093/bmb/ldg007 Who is responsible for preventing pregnancy? The responsibility of preventing pregnancy typically falls on individuals who are sexually active. This includes using contraception methods such as condoms, birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and other forms of contraceptives. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG), women and men have a shared responsibility in the prevention of unintended pregnancy. Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/contraception) According to survey 85% said both male and female and 15% said male for which partner is responsible for preventing pregnancy. Who Should initiate a discussion of birth control Methods? Both partners in a sexual relationship should initiate a conversation about birth control options. However, occasionally, one partner may feel more at ease or knowledgeable about the subject and take the initiative to start the conservation. In the end, it is critical that both partners feel empowered to start and participate in conversations about contraception, as according to the Department of Health, Australia, it is both partner’s responsibility to ensure the use of contraception, not only to prevent unwanted pregnancy but to practice safer sex as unintended STDs is a shared responsibility. According to survey 85% said both male and female and 15% said female should initiate a discussion of birth control methods. Source: https://www.getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au/faqs/who-is-responsible-forcontraception#:~:text=It%20is%20BOTH%20partners'%20responsibility,about%20contracep tion%20and%20safer%20sex. Who should pay for the devices used or the medical appointment? The responsibility for paying for contraception devices used or medical appointments in intimate relationships may depend on various factors, including individual preferences, financial abilities, and the healthcare system in which they reside. In general, it is recommended that partners in an intimate relationship discuss the costs associated with contraception and medical appointments and come to a mutual agreement on how to divide these costs. Source: Brain According to survey 85% said both male and female and 15% said male for which partner is responsible for paying for devices used or the medical appointment of the contraception method How do you resolve a conflict about which method to use? In order to resolve conflicts on which contraceptive method is to be used it is important that the conversation is open and respectful between intimate partners. A key factor for resolving these issues is by listening to each other’s concerns to get a clear understanding of their perspectives on the issue and to find a common ground. Secondly, to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method and to understand the risks that are associated with each with the aim of highlighting individual preferences. If it is difficult for both partners to come to an agreement then it would be wise to seek professional health such as that of doctors and nurses, and lastly, it is important to be open to comprise so that an option can work for both individuals. Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/contraception) • Whoever is using the contraception method should decide • Speaking to a doctor who will advise the best one for the person specifically • Have an open discussion with my partner and doctor to help with the decision. • Weigh the pros and cons of each which ever has the most pros that's the one they should use • I would try to lean towards the contraceptive method that my partner is more comfortable with • By discussing with my partner and coming to an agreement • The person who is using the contraceptive should decide, since the side effect if contraceptive will affect his/her body. • Discuss the effects of not using birth control and what would be the resolve in case of unwanted pregnancy What is outercourse and how can it play a role in contraception? Done on slide Outercourse, which refers to sexual activities that do not involve penetration or ejaculation, can be a form of contraception. During outercourse, there is little to no risk of pregnancy as there is no direct contact between the sexual organs. However, it should be noted that there is still a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as some STIs can be transmitted through skin-toskin contact. Outercourse can be a viable form of contraception for couples who want to avoid the potential side effects of hormonal contraception or who cannot use other forms of contraception. However, it should not be relied upon as the sole form of contraception and should be combined with other methods, such as condoms or spermicide, for maximum effectiveness in preventing both pregnancy and STIs. Can outercourse be a form of contraception method? The survey says 65% yes and 35% no. Why don't more people use this method? Done on slide • • • • • • • • • • • Persons possibly prefer penetration. It brings more fun and increases sexual pleasure. It’s not satisfying enough Probably it's not stimulating enough I think a lot persons aren’t fully informed about it They don't have to worry about having a child if its not their time More likely because it doesn’t include ejaculation Because there isn’t much pleasure using outercourse I think fewer people uses this method as it is has a disadvantage where it is harder not to have penile intercourse once engaged in these sexual activities. These activities would cause sexual arousal and in the heat of the situation just leads to penetration. When thinking of sexual activities most person tend to get involved in penetration therefore it not being a popular choice. Because it doesn't involve actual penetration of the vagina, so it's hardly considered to be sex. I think fewer people use this method because it is not fully pleasurable as there is no release also most persons don't know about it or consider it to be a method of contraception but more of foreplay. Which method of contraception do you consider is/are the worse? The survey says the worse method of contraception are vasectomy, patch, typing tube, copper iud and implant Which method of contraception do you consider is/are the best? The survey says the best method of contraception are male condom, oral contraceptives injection. THE KEY FINDINGS OF CONTRACEPTION. Cultural and religious convictions: The use of contraception may be prohibited by cultural and religious convictions in some communities, which can result in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal morbidity and death. Shared responsibility: Safer sex and the prevention of unintended pregnancy are duties that fall on both parties in a sexual relationship. Respect and open communication are vital to overcome disagreements about the best contraceptive technique to employ. These discussions must be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness. Outercourse: Sexual activity that doesn't include penetration or ejaculation can be a type of contraception, but it shouldn't be used as the only technique; instead, it should be used in conjunction with other measures to prevent pregnancy and STIs as effectively as possible. Best and worst methods: Male condoms, oral contraceptives, and injections are the greatest means of contraception, whereas vasectomy, patch, tying tubes, copper IUDs, and implants are the worst. Personal responsibility for sexual behaviour in relationship Consent Communication Respect Protection Societal responsibility for sexual behaviour in relationship Education Laws and regulations Accountability Stigma Reduction The Importance of taking Personal and Societal Responsibility for Sexual Behaviour in Relationships relating with the key findings of Contraceptive Methods. Relationship sexual conduct is a very personal subject that includes, among other essential components, voluntary communication, respect, and protection. A strong and secure sexual relationship is built on these fundamental components of personal responsibility. However, such personal accountability must extend beyond the individual and be ingrained in societal norms, rules, and laws as well as a more extensive culture of accountability that lessens stigma and raises educational standards. One cannot overstate the significance of personal and social obligations affecting sexual behaviour patterns in partnerships. Cultural and religious beliefs are a key element that influences the usage of contraception. To lower unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality, it is crucial that people, regardless of their religious or cultural views, are informed of all their options and have access to contraception. To engage in safer sex and avoid unexpected pregnancy, both partners in a sexual relationship have a responsibility to do so. Respectful dialogue and open communication between spouses are essential for successful contraceptive usage. Contraception disagreements should not be disregarded out of hand, but rather should be discussed in an environment of openness and respect. It is critical that people feel free to express their worries and desires on the various forms of contraception without worrying about criticism or blame. The importance of communication is reinforced by the results produced by the survey, where 85% of the respondents suggest that an open discussion between partners is necessary in order to select the best contraceptive method while 15% says only the female should initiate the discussion of the contraceptive methods. The use of protection during sexual activity conveys a form of personal responsibility. Furthermore, the type of protection used is dependent on one's knowledge of contraception which is a societal responsibility to encourage informed decision making and reducing transmitted diseases. Some contraceptive techniques are more successful than others. According to Crooks and Baur (2011), the most reliable methods of contraception include outercourse, vasectomy, tubal sterilization, Progestin IUD, vaginal ring, and skin patch. It was also suggested that the least preferred methods of contraception included no method, sponge, cervical cap and vaginal spermicide Crooks and Baur (2011). Contrarily the male condom, oral contraceptive (pill), copper IUD, and vasectomy are deemed the most reliable forms of contraception as stipulated by the survey while vasectomy, tubal sterilization, the patch, and copper IUD are deemed the least reliable. This may be because people were unaware of its efficacy or had already experienced negative side effects. People should be aware of the effectiveness of each strategy so they may choose the one that suits them best based on that knowledge. Outercourse is a method of contraception that can be used as an alternative to penetrative intercourse. The survey results also suggest that outercourse can be a viable form of contraception, with 65% of respondents indicating that it can be used as such. However, respondents cited reasons such as lack of satisfaction, stimulation, and pleasure as potential barriers to using outercourse as a viable option of contraception. However, for best success, it should be used with other strategies rather than as the exclusive means of avoiding pregnancy and STIs. It's critical for people to be informed about their options and choose the kind of contraception that suits them the best. Overall, it is important to recognise that sexual conduct patterns in partnerships involve both personal and social obligations. Access to contraception should not be hindered by cultural or religious beliefs, and open dialogue, respect for one another, and well-informed decisionmaking are essential elements of successful contraceptive usage. Keeping this in mind, people may take ownership of their sexual health and make responsible choices that will stop unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STDs. For public health policies and initiatives, addressing information gaps, provider bias, and access to contraception must be a top concern. Also, the views and perspectives of the respondents imply the necessity of campaigns encouraging safe sex practises and raising knowledge of non-contraceptive options like outercourse.
