TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE
Contraceptives is another word “the one that should not be named”, not spoken openly and clearly about, so there are many grapevines about if it’s good, bad or ugly. Let’s first understand why we need these, what are the available options and when and how it can be used.

Contraceptives is a birth control method, which allows you to enjoy sex without getting worried about conceiving or getting pregnant. It gives people the freedom to decide when they really want the baby and it’s not accidental conception. Contraception methods varies based on how it works. There are basic 4 types of contraceptive methods that are widely used

1. Barrier Method- Using Condoms or Cervical caps

2. Hormonal Methods-like Pills and injections

3. Intrauterine Devices-Like CopperT

4. Sterilization
The Pills:

There are some “morning after pills” available in the market since last couple of years they are known as Emergency contraception. They are not recommended widely as they have strong steroids and might interfere with your hormonal system.

Since Many decades women are more familiar with Contraceptive pills, even when we were young we have seen the”Mala-D” advertisement on television and I am sure most of you like me must have got scolded by mums for singing “ghungat ki add se…. rishta hai MalaD se dilbar ka”.. But we were so young to understand what is that used for, and no one told us clearly what they are. Anyways let’s get back to the topic.

These contraceptive pills have man-made estrogen and progestin hormones. These hormones work to inhibit the body’s natural cyclical hormones to prevent pregnancy. The hormonal contraceptive usually stops the body from ovulating. These pills are taken every day before having physical relation. Apart from birth control these pills can help in irregular periods, cramps, acne, PCOS, endometriosis, and other conditions. With Typical use, Birth control pills ate 91% effective.

These pills have certain side effects or disadvantages like cost, regular visit to gynecologist to renew prescription, remembering every day to pop up the pill and some more serious side effects like nausea, increased appetite, headaches or breast tenderness.

Doctor might not suggest you to take birth control pills if you have problems or history of uncontrolled diabetes, lupus, heart attack, migraine or blood clotting disorder.
The birth control shot

Few women opt for the birth control shot, it is a form of progesterone, a female hormone that prevents release of the egg from ovary, in short ovulation. This injection generally prevents unplanned pregnancy for three months at a time.

It works on the same principle as the birth control pill, these shorts are generally 99% effective. And just like birth control pills, shots also doesn’t protect against STD.

Women can get back to normal fertility cycle, after 10 months from the last shot.

The side effects of the birth control shot can include headache, weight gain, change in appetite and mood, irregular periods for initial 6-12 months after first injection. ETC.

You should not go for shots if you have or had breast cancer or bone fragility.
Sterilization:

Sterilization is a permanent and medicinal way to prevent pregnancy. Commonly called “family planning operations”. This can be done for male and female both, but in Indian society more females opt for this. Tubal Sterilization is a laparoscopic surgical procedure which is administered under general anesthesia.

The Fallopian tubes, which allow the sperm to fertilize the ovum and would carry the fertilized ovum to the uterus, are closed.

This is a difficult to reverse if you change your mind, and it does not protect against STDs. It is a widely used contraceptive method, only 1 in 1000 women face problems like infection, internal bleeding etc.
 
Intrauterine Derives:

The most common one is Copper T, I always wondered how a small piece of copper can stop getting pregnant. If you also ever wondered for a right answer here is one for you. It is a “T” shaped plastic piece which has copper wire wrapped on it. The size of the “T” needs to be chosen carefully by the doctor, as it needs to fit well and stay for years to come. Copper T has a proven track record of 99% success since past 5 decades.

When inserted the ends of the “T” are folded and locked inside. How it works is copper ions change the biochemistry around the uterus, and increase the cervical mucus. These copper Ions contains liquid which is toxic to the sperm.

Though it does not directly safeguard the lady from STD’s or sexually transmitted diseases, some people might face problems like dislocation of copper T, internal abdomen bleeding, cuts or pricks in uterus. Honestly this happens like 1 in 800 cases.
Barrier Methods:


This is also one of the widely used way, popularly known as condoms.

Condoms can be for male as well as females, female condoms are tedious to use and provide less protection against STD/ STI’s.

Male condoms is more popular, is easy to use and prevents unwanted pregnancy using a barrier method. It stops the Sperm as well as infection to get transmitted between sexual partners. It is made of Latex/ Rubber. These condoms need to be lubricated well, as the chances of breaking of condom during intercourse gets reduced.
Hope I’m able to clear your confusion, please use contraceptives as per guidance from Doctor, trust and acknowledge your bodies’ signals. Being a mother should be by choice rather than accident. Be the Boss!!! Take Charge of your life