Contraception

Empowering Women's Health

Contraceptive Measures

Every pregnancy should be a wanted pregnancy and therefore it should be a planned pregnancy.

It is imperative then to ensure the use of a contraceptive that suits the need of the couple.

In present times there is a wide range of options available in the basket of contraceptives. There are temporary methods i.e. reversible and permanent methods i.e. irreversible. Permanent methods are used when childbearing is no longer desired. Tubal sterilization and vasectomy are the choices available.

Amongst the temporary methods, the choices vary on various factors. Barrier methods such as male and female condoms are popular. The male condom is widely promoted not only to prevent pregnancy but also to prevent STD and HIV. It is the single contraceptive that serves this dual purpose.

The combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP) have been around for decades and they have undergone numerous developments. From standard dose pills, we have moved to the ultra low dose pills, which have minimal or negligible side effects. The COCP has many benefits over and above providing contraception.

Emergency contraception

Emergency contraception — also called postcoital contraception — is a method of birth control that may be used by women who have had unprotected sex (by choice or as in rape) or used a birth control method that failed, eg. the condom tore or slipped off during sex.
Emergency Contraception prevents pregnancy by interfering with ovulation. It does not cause an abortion and cannot protect from sexually transmitted infections .

They are changes in the menstrual cycle

Prevention Of Malignancies

(Endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer)
Other benefits such as the reduction in (Ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, benign breast disease, acne).
The use of COCP has been clouded with many myths. These myths can be addressed during a consultation and we can help you to choose a pill appropriate to your needs For women who cannot take estrogen-containing pills can use progesterone-only pills. They are particularly useful in women who are breast-feeding.

There are 2 types of emergency contraception:

There are 3 types of emergency contraception pills:

Levonorgestrel containing pills. These are most popular, effective and easily available.
Combined oral contraceptive pills – multiple tablets are required and have less efficacy and more side effects especially nausea due to high doses of estrogen.
Ulipristal containing pills. –is not yet available in India. It is just one tablet within 120 hours of unprotected sex.

Injectable contraceptives are effective methods requiring an injection only once in three months or two months depending on the preparation used. They are appropriate when long-term contraception is required.

Emergency contraceptive pills are not an alternative to regular contraception but an emergency measure, which can prevent an unwanted pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. They are safe effective and available over the counter. The common one available is marketed as two tablets each containing 75 mcg of Levonorgestrel. The first tablet is taken within 72 hrs of unprotected intercourse and the second one is taken after 12 hours of the first tablet. Pill 72 is now a single dose tablet to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex but within 72 hours.

Intrauterine devices are ideal for spacing and when long-term contraception is required. We have the copper-containing and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. They are easily inserted in the outpatient clinic and there is no need for any anesthesia. They are effective immediately from the time of insertion. They are effective for as long as 5 to 10 years and once removed, fertility returns at once.

The contraceptive vaginal ring and the contraceptive patch are not yet available in the Indian market.

In present times couples have a wide array of choices for contraceptives and one can always find one to meet their needs. Abortion should not be used as a method of contraception.

However, every method has a failure rate and if a pregnancy does occur, and is not planned or wanted, seek an appointment with Dr. Sangeeta as early as you can because the earlier an abortion is done, safer it is.

Learn More about Contraception

Birth Control Options Post-Delivery

The post-partum period (weeks after delivery) is a very special period. The new mother wants to give all her attention ....

Learn More

abstract-sexual-health-composition-with-condom

Condoms

Condoms are effective barriers for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, promoting safer sex and protecting sexual health. Easy to use!...

Learn More

Contraceptive Pills

Contraceptive pills are hormonal medications taken daily to prevent ovulation, regulate menstrual cycles, and reduce menstrual symptoms...

Learn More

Emergency Contraception Methods

Emergency Contraception Methods can be used to prevent pregnancy if one had sex without using birth control...

Learn More

IUD

An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small, T-shaped device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It offers long-term, reversible contraception...

Learn More

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring

The vaginal contraceptive ring is a flexible, hormonal device inserted into the vagina. It releases hormones to prevent ovulation and is used monthly...

Learn More

Book Appointment