Birth control was once seen as a symbol of freedom and empowerment for women. But in recent years, many young girls are raising concerns about how it affects their health, emotions, and overall well-being.
Globally, contraceptive use is rising. The World Health Organization reported that about 874 million women used modern contraceptives between 2021 and 2022. The United Nations estimates that 1.1 billion women now need family planning, using methods like pills, injections, implants, IUDs, and condoms.
Yet with more information online, many young women are sharing different experiences. Some talk about mood swings, weight gain, headaches, irregular periods, and other side effects that were not fully explained to them.
Isatou Badjie, 23, said her experience with hormonal pills changed her daily life. “At first I thought it was stress. But I started having severe mood swings, headaches and irregular periods. The pharmacist told me it was the pills. I stopped because it was affecting my health and emotions,” she said.
Health workers said side effects are real and vary from person to person. Dr Ebou Gaye of Kanifing General Hospital noted that some women experience heavy bleeding, dizziness, depression, and body pain. “When patients complain, we advise them to come back immediately. Not every method works for everyone,” he said.
Gynecologist Modou Marong added that most contraceptives are safe when prescribed correctly. He stressed the need for proper screening, counseling, and follow-up before and during use. “What works for one woman may not work for another,” he said.
Birth control has existed for centuries and today helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and manage health conditions. But the debate continues between empowerment, cultural values, and health concerns.
Today, birth control is widely used around the world for several reasons. Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, some methods also help manage health conditions such as painful menstruation, hormonal imbalance, and acne. Governments, health organizations, and advocacy groups often promote family planning as a way to improve maternal health and economic stability.
Experts agree: the key is informed choice. Girls and women deserve full information and medical support so decisions about their bodies protect both health and well-being.
