A rising number of women and young girls in Uasin Gishu county use family planning methods daily. This is a healthy and moral birth control method and can be effective if applied professionally.
However, there is a fear that a huge number of women and girls who use the family planning methods in Eldoret town and its environs obtain the services from unqualified medical personnel.
The family planning methods are many and every woman has a suitable method for her depending on her health and other reproductive health factors.
Sheila, a third-year Education student at Moi University admitted to using oral pills almost daily to avoid getting pregnant.
"Every time I have unprotected sex, I go and buy the pill to swallow so as to avoid pregnancy, although sometimes I get adverse effects," she lamented.
This has raised concerns on the need of women to be empowered on the family planning methods, how to use, when to use and where to obtain them from.
"Reproductive health is sensitive and women should always seek medical guidance from qualified medical personnel before applying any family planning method to their bodies," advises Gilbert Obara, a reproductive health specialist based in Eldoret.
Another lady who sought anonymity revealed how she had used a coil she obtained from an unknown medical practitioner and it almost costed her life.
With the possible risks that come with some of the family planning methods, women should always avoid taking risks and always seek medical guidance from recognized practitioners concerning their reproductive health.
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