On 11^th July, World Population Day – let’s talk about something that is entirely in contrast to the word “population”. Let’s talk about Contraception and Contraceptives that help in population control and Family Planning.

Figuring the right kind of contraceptive method – what works the best and what does not, is one of most imperative concern of every sexually active couple. Zeroing in on the method that suits both partners is very essential but can be tricky given the variety of birth control options now available. Knowing the various different contraception methods present is the first step to finding one that matches your lifestyle and beliefs.

Here are the main 5 contraception methods:-

Natural Method

The easiest of the lot but then the most deceivable and unreliable one too!

Periodic Abstinence: Also, called as Natural Family Planning, pregnancy can be avoided by having sex only during times of the menstrual cycle when the woman is “assumed” to be not fertile.

•  Advantages:

One can be pretty sure of preventing pregnancy if the days are calculated properly. They have no side effects and it’s free.

• Disadvantages:

           There can be mistakes while calculating the fertile days. Many women forget their dates or have irregular periods and this can result unwanted pregnancy.

Also, it is a myth that a woman cannot get pregnant during her periods.Withdrawal–This requires a large amount of trust and experience.

• What does it do?

In this method, the man removes his penis from the vagina, before ejaculating.

• Advantages:

1. It’s free.
2. No side effects.

• Disadvantages:

1. This method may be ineffective.
2. This is the most unreliable method as withdrawal at the right time needs great self-control and experience.
3. Also remember that pre-ejaculatory fluid DOES contain enough semen that can lead to pregnancy.

Barrier Method

Barrier Methods are those, which prevent the meeting of sperms with the ovum. These methods can also be used along with spermicide. Barrier contraceptive must be used each time you have sex as it not only helps in controlling unwanted pregnancy but also keeps Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) at bay.

Male condom is the most commonly used method.The semen is collected in the condom when the man ejaculates. They are worn on the erect penis before the start of intercourse.

• What does it do? This method keeps the sperm from entering the vagina.

• Advantages

1. When used consistently and correctly during intercourse, they are highly effective in preventing most sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. They are lubricated which makes the sexual intercourse more comfortable and pleasurable.
3. It’s less messy too.
4. A condom is readily available anywhere and at times stands to be a life-savior in times of emergencies.
5. When used properly, condoms have a 98% success rate! However, there are times they can fail.
6. It aids in controlling premature ejaculation.
7. Condoms of different types are available in the market today, that even help in enhancing pleasure and sexual experience.

• Disadvantages
• It can tear or get punctured if not handled properly.
• It cannot not be stored in a hot place else the latex can tear.
• Some men may feel that the condom dulls sensation.
• Though it seems to be an easy option of contraception, it calls for little effort for optimum success. Before the intercourse, the male partner needs to spend some time in wearing it the right way to avoid failure during the performance.

Female condoms help prevent pregnancy by covering the inside of the vagina.

• What does it do? : They collect the semen when a man ejaculates and keeps sperm from entering the vagina. It has flexible rings at each end. Just before intercourse, it is inserted deep into the vagina.

Advantages:

1. Female condoms are 79 – 95% effective if used correctly to prevent pregnancy.
2. Using a female condom is safe, simple, and convenient.
3. They can be purchased in drugstores and some supermarkets without prescriptions.
4. It can be inserted by a partner as part of sex play.
5. It can be used by people who are allergic to latex.
6. They do not have an effect on a woman’s natural hormones.
7. It may enhance sex play because the external ring may stimulate the clitoris during vaginal intercourse.
8. It stays in place whether or not a man maintains his erection.
9. Some of the outside female genitals (labia) are covered by the female condom, which reduces the risk of herpes and genital warts.

• Disadvantages:

1. It can cause irritation of the vagina, vulva or penis.
2. It can slip into the vagina during vaginal intercourse.
3. It may reduce the sensation during intercourse.
4. It can make a slight rustling noise during sex (try using water-based lubricant).
5. Be careful when removing the penis from the vagina, otherwise the condom might come off or tear.

Hormonal Methods

Hormonal methods are those, which regulate hormones in the female body (estrogen and progesterone) in order to prevent pregnancies.

Oral Contraceptive Pills

These are usually taken every day. Contraceptive pills are also of different kinds.

Vaginal Rings, shots, and patches every few weeks;

• Advantages:

1. They are very effective, but
2. Many women are often concerned with the risks of taking pills, but be assured that serious problems do not occur.
   1. The pill is 95 – 99% effective in preventing pregnancy if taken properly.
   2. The newlyweds enjoy sex more because they know they won’t get pregnant.

• Disadvantages:

1. May cause serious side effects.
2. It’s pretty common for people to be confused about how birth control pills work.
3. It does not protect the woman from the STDs or HIV.
   1. If you have trouble remembering to take your pill at the same time every day, progesterone-only pills might not be your best bet. They need to be taken at exactly the same time every day; if you’re more than three hours late, plan on using a backup method.

Emergency Pill

No matter how careful you are, sometimes accidents do happen. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) do come handy in such a scenario. The morning after pill is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception pills work by keeping a woman’s ovary from releasing an egg for longer than usual. Emergency contraception should not be used as a form of ongoing birth control because there are other forms of birth control that are a lot more effective and less expensive.

Copper T (IUD – Intra-Uterine Device)

Copper T is one of the most effective and long lasting forms of contraception for women that help in birth control without any adverse side-effects to watch out for. It is placed in the uterus of the woman to help her prevent unwanted pregnancy or plan a pregnancy accordingly.This option of contraceptive is often given to women after they deliver their baby and want to maintain a time gap before planning for the second baby.

For inserting a copper T, a trained doctor would implant the device into the uterus of a woman.

• Advantages

1. Copper T does not interfere with one’s sex life. Its 99% safe.
2. The effect of the device starts immediately and ensures protection for a longer period of time approx. from 5 – 7 years.
3. When one decides to have a baby, IUD can be removed by a Doctor. 
   

• Disadvantages

1. It does not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
2. Some women after the device is inserted, do complain about increased menstrual flow and spotting.
3. Some women have experienced backache and abdominal pain during periods.

However, in the majority of cases these side-effects disappear or become less with time.

Surgical Methods / Permanent Methods of Contraception

Permanent methods of sterilization is safe because it lasts forever. It allows the couple to enjoy sex without worrying about pregnancy at all.

Female sterilization (Hysterectomy): it should be considered only at a later stage in life or if you do not plan on having a biological child.

• What does it do? : It is conducted to close off the fallopian tubes, preventing the possibility of pregnancy.

Male sterilization (Vasectomy): this also should be considered only at a later stage in life or if you do not plan on having a biological child.

These are irreversible methods of contraception.

• What does it do? : This surgery is conducted to block the tube, through which sperm flow, preventing them from mixing with semen. One needs to check if any pre-existing medical condition could make this option non-viable.

• Advantages

1. It is a form of permanent contraception that is highly reliable and also safe.
2. It doesn’t affect the sexual life of a man even with though one has to undergo a medical procedure to achieve success.
3. Sterilization does not change your hormones in any way.
   

• Disadvantages

1. There could be a mild tenderness for two to three days after the operation.
2. There could be a mild ache and occasional swelling at the site of the operation on the testes.
3. The effect of the surgery doesn’t happen immediately. In fact, one has to resort to using condoms at least for first three months after the surgery.
4. Restoration of Vas Deferens after the surgery is difficult hence one need to be very sure before opting for this type of contraception.
5. This procedure does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

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