Contraception: What, Why & How
Contraception refers to the methods and devices used to prevent pregnancy. Also called “anti-conception” or “birth control”, these measures can be utilised by both women and men. When it comes good sexual health, contraception and family planning are important subjects that people need to be aware of. There are many options available across the country, each targeted differently for one’s reproductive and fertility needs.
Options For Women
There exists a wide range of contraceptive options for sexually active women who wish to avoid conceiving. A simple, basic attempt at birth control involves strictly following an ovulation chart. This is when a woman keeps track of her ovulation cycle and only engages in sexual intercourse during the low fertility cycles. However, this method is often unreliable for women whose ovulation cycle cannot be accurately predicted or who experience irregular periods. Ovulation kits are one way to double check whether one is ovulating or not. If the testing strip is revealed as “negative”, it is relatively safer to have sexual intercourse and avoid fertilisation.
Women also have access to devices that can provide a more long-term solutions to birth control. The first of these are categorised as caps or coverings. Laparoscopically inserted
apparatus such as diaphragms and cervical caps act as a barrier and prevent sperm cells from passing into the body. However, these blockage-based tools tend to have a high failure rate — a 20% chance of conceiving.
Similar such contraceptive means include intra-uterine devices or IUDs. Also commonly known as Copper-T, IUDs can be inserted into the uterus to prevent the sperm from entering. These devices can last up to three to four years. However, women have been known to react differently to the device overtime, with some experience negative side effects.
Another form of birth control that is commonly found across India are oral contraceptive pills. Prescribed for period 21 or 24 days, these hormonal pills reduce ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm cells from entering, and thin the uterine lining to lower the chances of a fertilised egg from attaching. The side effects of the pill include headaches, weight gain, water retention, and a brief period of hormonal imbalance. Often times, women don’t experience severe symptoms from taking the pill. Additionally, many also find a higher rate of success with preventing pregnancies. The only major downside to being on the daily contraceptive pill is that it cannot be missed even for a day. In such a case, the entire month would be considered “unprotected”.
It is important to note that oral contraception and insertion devices aren’t always suitable for women – especially those who have recently given birth. In such circumstances, progesterone injections or Depo-Provera is better suggested. The shot is to be taken every 3 months and is considered a safe form of birth control for new and lactating mothers. The only primary side-effects of Depo-Provera are weight gain and discomfort from the absence of menstruation.
For women who are confident about not wanting more children, there are far more permanent solutions to contraception. Tuber-libation is a surgically managed form of birth control, that involves cutting the fallopian tubes down the middle and acts as a lifelong sterilisation method. However, the procedure can be complicated and is to be conducted only after careful consultations with an appropriate health professional.
Options For Men
Birth control is a responsibility that stands equally with sexually active men. While the methods and procedures may differ, men also have available to them a wide range of contraception methods and devices. The most common form of this is the condom. Easily procurable at any local pharmacy, these latex barriers prevent sperm from entering the female body during ejaculation. But despite its widespread availability, condoms tend to have a high rate of failure due to cases of the material rupturing. 25% of most unwanted pregnancies result from condoms breaking.
Other short term means of birth control include using foams, gels, and creams that are spermicidal in nature — i.e., materials that kill sperm cells. They are meant to be used thirty minutes prior to having sexual intercourse. However, these spermicidal creams can be harmful in the long-run and tend to have a 29% chance of accidental conception.
For men seeking permanent contraceptive mediums, reproductive and sexual health professionals recommend vasectomies. This sterilisation measure is not only reversible, but offers a long-term solution to birth control as well. The surgery consists cutting and sealing the patient’s sperm ducts to prevent sperm cells from traveling into the uterus. In comparison to tuber-libations, vasectomies are farsimpler and take only a matter of 2-3 hours. Not only does it provide a comfortable solution for men, but it has an incredibly high rate of success with avoiding fertilisation.
