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Contraception FAQs

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Your contraception questions, answered here

Viya health kenya contraception faqs

There are various types of contraception, including hormonal methods like birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants; barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; intrauterine devices (IUDs); fertility awareness methods; and permanent methods like sterilization.

The effectiveness of contraception varies depending on the method used. Some methods, like hormonal implants or IUDs, are more than 99% effective, while others, like condoms, have a lower efficacy rate. It’s important to use contraception consistently and correctly to maximize effectiveness.

Hormonal contraception can have side effects, which may vary depending on the individual and the specific method used. Common side effects include changes in menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, and nausea. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential side effects and find the best option for you.

Depo-Provera© is the Pfizer brand name of the intra-muscularly (IM) injectable form of the hormonal contraceptive Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). There are currently two injectable contraceptive products that both contain DMPA. In addition to DMPA-IM, which can only be injected by a healthcare provider, there is sub-cutaneous DMPA or DMPA-SC, and this can be injected by either a provider or by oneself (self-inject) after receiving initial training. DMPA-SC is also known by its Pfizer brand name Sayana Press©. Different people use the term ‘Depo’ in different ways and it’s possible that they are referring to Depo-Provera© specifically, or more broadly to any form of Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate.

Intra-muscular injection requires the use of a standard syringe (like those used for vaccines) and it has a longer needle than sub-cutaneous injection, which only pierces the skin and does not penetrate muscular tissue. DMPA-SC uses a small ‘unit’ known as the Uniject™, which clients can use to inject themselves after initial training. Many users consider SC to be less painful than IM, although this is a subjective experience that may vary by individual. SC can be injected by either a healthcare provider or by oneself, whereas IM can only be injected by a medical professional.

Yes. This is a great option for women who would like to make less frequent visits to their provider. You can keep DMPA-SC units at home and self-inject them after you’ve received training.

The best way is to speak with a family planning provider about your preferences and needs, however, you may contact us through the form below and we will answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate vetted practitioner.

There are various types of contraception, including hormonal methods like birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants; barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; intrauterine devices (IUDs); fertility awareness methods; and permanent methods like sterilization.

The effectiveness of contraception varies depending on the method used. Some methods, like hormonal implants or IUDs, are more than 99% effective, while others, like condoms, have a lower efficacy rate. It’s important to use contraception consistently and correctly to maximize effectiveness.

Hormonal contraception can have side effects, which may vary depending on the individual and the specific method used. Common side effects include changes in menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, mood swings, and nausea. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential side effects and find the best option for you.

Most forms of contraception do not provide protection against STIs. Condoms, both male and female, are the only method that can offer some protection against STIs. It’s recommended to use condoms in addition to other methods for dual protection against pregnancy and STIs.

Fertility can return quickly after stopping certain forms of contraception, such as hormonal methods. However, the timing of fertility restoration varies among individuals and methods. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on when you can expect to regain fertility after stopping contraception.

Choosing the right contraception method depends on various factors, including your overall health, lifestyle, preferences, and future family planning goals. Discussing your options with a healthcare professional can help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.

Yes, it is generally possible to switch between different contraception methods. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted protection against pregnancy.

Choosing the right contraception method depends on various factors, including your overall health, lifestyle, preferences, and future family planning goals. Discussing your options with a healthcare professional can help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.

If you miss a dose of your contraceptive pill, it’s important to follow the specific instructions provided with your pill pack. Refer to the package insert or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Yes, there are non-hormonal contraception options available, such as barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, or cervical caps.

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Emergency contraception — sometimes called the “morning after pill” — can help prevent pregnancy if you’ve had unprotected sex or your birth control method didn’t work (like a condom breaking). It’s most effective the sooner you take it, so don’t wait!

There are various types of contraception, including hormonal methods like birth control pills, patches, injections, and implants; barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms; intrauterine devices (IUDs); fertility awareness methods; and permanent methods like sterilization.

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They’re small, flexible rods (usually just one or two) that a healthcare provider inserts under the skin of your upper arm. You won’t see them, but you might be able to feel them — like a tiny matchstick under your skin.

The implant slowly releases a hormone called progestogen. This stops your body from releasing eggs and thickens the mucus in your cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to get through.

Yep — it can. A lot of people notice that their periods become lighter or less painful. Some might have irregular bleeding at first, but that usually settles down after a few months.

Not really! You’ll get a numbing injection first, so you shouldn’t feel pain — just a quick pinch. It’s a fast procedure, and you might have a little soreness or bruising afterwards.

Nope! It’s tucked just under your skin on the inside of your upper arm. Someone might feel it if they touch your arm, but it’s not something people would notice just by looking.

It’s best to get it within 7 days after your period starts or right after an abortion, just to be sure you’re not already pregnant. If it’s inserted at another time, you’ll need to use backup protection (like condoms) for the next 7 days.

The implant has a limited supply of hormones — usually lasting 3 to 5 years depending on the brand. Once the hormones run out, it needs to be swapped for a new one to keep working.

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Same as the implant — it’s best to get it within 7 days of your period starting, or right after an abortion, to be sure you’re not already pregnant. If you get it at a different time, just use backup contraception for a week.

It can! Many people find their periods become lighter and less painful. Some spotting or irregular bleeding might happen at first, but that usually gets better after a few months.

Nope! The IUD sits inside your uterus — it’s way up there, out of reach. The only part that might be felt is the soft string that helps your doctor remove it later, but most people don’t even notice that.

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It’s a shot that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy — simple as that! Depending on the type, it lasts 1 to 3 months.

Yes — a healthcare provider gives you the shot. You can usually get it at a clinic or family planning center.

The injection wears off after about 4–12 weeks, depending on the type. If you’re late for your next shot, you might not be protected — so it’s important to stay on schedule or use condoms as backup.

As long as you’re happy with it and it suits your body, you can keep using it. Just check in with your healthcare provider regularly to make sure it’s still the best option for you.

No way. Your fertility might take a little time to come back after stopping the injection — sometimes up to a year — but it does return. Everyone’s body is a bit different, but using injections won’t affect your ability to have kids in the future.

Periods and fertility may take up to a year to return after stopping injections, depending on the type of injectable, and this may vary from woman to woman.

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It’s a small patch you stick on your skin that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. Super easy and super effective — just stick it on and go!

If it comes off for less than 24 hours, just stick a new one on right away and you’re good. If it’s been more than a day, pop on a new patch and use backup protection (like condoms) for a week, just to be safe.

Yep! It’s designed to stick even when you’re getting wet — whether you’re showering, swimming, or sweating it out in the gym.

Nope! You can switch it up. Great places include your butt, stomach, back, or upper arm — just avoid your breasts, and stick it to clean, dry skin.

You won’t feel anything, but that’s normal! The patch works silently in the background — just make sure you change it once a week for three weeks, then take a one-week break before starting again.

They can, so it’s best to avoid putting lotions, oils, or powders near your patch. They might make it slip off or stop it from sticking properly.

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