Contraceptives to dodge pregnancy: Do you know which one to choose?

New Delhi: Choosing the right contraceptive method is a personal decision that depends on many factors, including your health, lifestyle, family planning goals, and concerns about side effects or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With a wide range of options available today, understanding each method’s pros and cons can help you make an informed choice. It’s always best to consult a doctor or nurse to discuss what works best for you at any given stage in your life.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Yashica Gudesar, Director and Unit Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Max Hospital, Dwarka, explained which contraceptive is best and why.

Barrier Methods

Condoms are the only contraceptive method to dodge STIs and pregnancy. They are affordable, easily accessible, and available over the counter. However, for maximum protection, one must know how to wear it properly. Other barrier methods include the diaphragm or cervical cap, which are inserted into the vagina before intercourse to block sperm from reaching the uterus. These need proper fitting by an expert and also a prescription. They contain chemicals known as spermicides that kill sperm.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal contraceptives are popular for their high effectiveness when used correctly. These include:

Pills: Taken daily, birth control pills are convenient but require consistency. Some women may experience side effects such as mood changes, irregular bleeding, or weight gain.
Patches: Worn on the skin and replaced weekly, patches deliver hormones similar to pills with less frequent dosing.
Injections: Administered every 2–3 months, injectable contraception is discreet and long-lasting but may cause a delayed return to fertility after discontinuation.
Vaginal Ring: Inserted into the vagina and replaced monthly, this method provides steady hormone release and is comparable to pills in effectiveness and side effects.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARC)

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance and highly effective method, LARCs might be ideal. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are small devices inserted into the uterus by a doctor. Depending on the type—hormonal or copper—IUDs can prevent pregnancy for 3 to 10 years. Implants are small rods placed under the skin of the upper arm, releasing hormones that prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Both methods offer convenience and a quick return to fertility once removed, though they may not be suitable for those planning to conceive soon.

Permanent Methods

For those who are certain they do not want children in the future, sterilisation is an option. Tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men are surgical procedures that permanently prevent pregnancy. While highly effective, these methods should be considered irreversible.

Fertility Awareness Methods

Natural methods like the calendar method, basal body temperature (BBT), and cervical mucus monitoring rely on tracking ovulation to avoid pregnancy. These require daily attention, education, and discipline, and are generally less reliable than medical methods.

Choosing the Right Method

When deciding on a contraceptive method, consider the following:

Effectiveness: LARCs and sterilisation have the highest success rates.
Family Planning Timeline: If you plan to have children soon, short-term methods may be more suitable.
Side Effects: Some hormonal methods may cause mood swings, weight changes, or irregular periods.
Ease of Use: Daily methods require discipline, while long-acting ones offer more convenience.
STI Protection: Only condoms protect against infections.

No one method is best for everyone. The key is to find what fits your needs, and those may change over time. Speak with a healthcare professional to explore your options and make the best choice for your health and lifestyle. Medicine Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare