Gaps in modern contraceptive use and practice of safe sex in Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Contraception is the prevention of conception that is pregnancy. On an individual basis, it is important to ensure that all pregnancies are wanted or intended. 71% and 74% of women and men know the role condoms plays in safe sex. Safe sex prevents STIs such as; HIV, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Genital Herpes simplex virus, Human Papilloma virus (HPV), anogenital warts, Molluscum contagiosum, viral hepatitis, chancroid, amongst others. Furthermore, national contraceptive of prevalence of 12% does not get the work done. Of important not is the fact that there was only a 2% increase in a 5-year period, between 2013 and 2018. This was accompanied by a 0.2% increase in unwanted pregnancies. Hence, an obvious increase in the unmet need for contraceptives. AIM: The objective of this article is to highlight the commonly faced short comings to the (proper) use of Modern contraceptives and practice of safe sex in Nigeria. Discussion: The points under which the above objectives will be discussed have been summarized into an 11-points acronym; Contracept. C- Condoms O- Oral Sex N- Nonavailability and Inaccessibility T- Tribes and Cultures R- Religion and Myths A- Abuse C- Clinical Counsellings E- Education P- Parternal Opinions T- Transactional Sex S- Side Effects Conclusion: The population load, religious and cultural diversity, illiteracy burden and quality of health care disparity in Nigeria leaves a lot of gaps to be filled in attaining a nationwide alacrity to regular and appropriate modern contraceptive use and practice of safe sex in Nigeria. Nigeria being a very sentimental nation as regards reproductive health talks and practices is witnessing an increase in its sexually active population and with it, related pathologies and unwanted pregnancies. Appropriate utilization of modern contraceptives is primal to the eradication of unsafe abortions and their complications in Nigeria.