MOTHERS' HELPLINE:Family Planning Q&A

with Gynecologist Dr Martha Kuruga

Q. What other natural ways of family planning can be invested apart from withdrawal? I have heard Spanish men use lemon!

A. Another natural way besides withdrawal is predictable cycle, better referred to as safe days. As much as this is achievable, one most have been monitored for at least six months to show characteristics of a regular cycle. The gynecologist will assist you to calculate the days; therefore it is necessary to visit one.We do not advocate for putting things in your vagina, especially not lemon.Even vaginal washes should be used externally.

Q. Had tubal ligation done 4 years ago, now whenever I’m on my days i experience pain on the left side of my abdomen, could it be related to TL coz before i never used to feel any pain.

A. The tubal ligation might or might not be a cause of the pain. There are various causes of pelvic pain, avoid over the counter drugs and visit the gynecologist, once tests are done appropriate answers and recommendations will be made.

Q. I was on depo from 2007 to 2011. Now this is the fourth year i want to get pg and it is not happening

A. Four years is a long time to be on a family planning method including Depo. It can delay your return to fertility but it takes not less than 8 months. If it has been longer then that is grounds for further evaluation, particularly to check your tubal factor.

Q. Which family planning method is the best? I have been on daily pills but I stopped since I started gaining a lot of weight

A. Family planning is individualized, that is because different family planning methods react differently in different people. Non hormonal family planning methods like the coil are known to prevent hormonal issues like mood swings and weight gain. However, note that even those non hormonal methods have their own side effects in different individuals, some may bleed in between their cycle. The best thing is to visit my clinic at the Karen Hospital I will help; I will correct the method and not necessarily do away with it

Q. Explain the relationship between family planning and low libido

A. This one is simple. The hormones in contraceptives influence the sex drive.It could be either way, in different people, as contraceptive react differently in each individual.

Q. After using depo and missing periods for some time, what should one do to restore periods and fertility to get pregnant

A. The effect of Depo Provera can last longer after it has been withdrawn. It is important to visit the gynecologist to advice you. We, at most times, give medication for two reasons; to regain your normal menstrual cycle and the other to produce ovulation. It can take almost 8 months to wear off the effect of Depo.

Q. Is it possible to get pregnant and a safe pregnancy for that matter 1year after ectopic pregnancy?

A. Yes it is!

Q. Why do I still get painful periods after having two children

A. There is no relationship between child birth and menses therefore see a gynecologist for that issue. Regardless of the number of children you have, it will have no effect on your period apins

Q. Best permanent Family Planning method

A. The only permanent method of Family Planning is Tubal Ligation or having no sex, which is almost impossible.

Q. Why are some women barren?

A. There could be many causes of infertility; it could have been an issue that has been acquired from her youth, or a problem of the reproductive system. There are various issues that could lead to this and it is important to visit a gynecologist for clarification

*Dr Kuruga is a resident Obs/Gynae at The Karen Hospital is set to have a Gynae Camp in April at the Hospital. Test cost will be subsidized. Test include, mammogram, pap smear,CA125,CA19-9(Cancer screening tests)