Contraception (sometimes known as birth control) is a means of preventing pregnancy. There are several contraception types available in the market, but they are only effective when used correctly and efficiently. You should take the time to learn about each contraceptive method and how to use it if you are sexually active and do not want to become pregnant. Consider that whenever you have unprotected sex, you could become pregnant.

What is the most common contraceptive?

There are numerous types of contraceptives on the market. Therefore, discuss birth control with your partner and doctor before choosing a method. Be sure to be knowledgeable about how to use the birth control method you decide on.

  1. Barrier method of birth control –

This procedure keeps sperm from reaching your uterus. You can use the barrier approach whenever you have sex. Condoms come in two main varieties: male condoms and female condoms. 

  • Male condoms – It is a thin covering that is placed over an erect penis and composed of latex, plastic, or lambskin. This covering stops semen from entering your vagina. They tend to rip or tear easily, which reduces their effectiveness in comparison to other birth control methods. 

Before having sex, one can roll a condom over an erect penis. Remember to wear a fresh condom each time you engage in sexual activity. They are available without a prescription at most drug and supermarket stores. Although they do not provide 100% protection, they are the best option to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because they are around 85% effective if worn prior to intercourse and do not rupture.

  • Female condoms – It is a lubricated plastic tube having a flexible ring at each end. One end of the plastic tube is sealed off. Before engaging in sexual activity, place the condom into your vagina so that the closed end of the plastic tube covers your cervix and the other end just barely touches your labia (the lips on the outside of your vagina).

Sperm cannot get into your uterus because of the condom. You swiftly remove the condom after sexual contact. Every year, roughly 21% of people become pregnant despite wearing a female condom. While male condoms offer the best protection against STIs, female condoms do offer some protection.1 Are you worried about what birth control to use? You can consult a friendly gynaecologist @ 59/- only on the Pinky Promise app!

  1. Hormonal methods of birth control – 

This form of birth control releases hormones to stop ovulation or alter the environment in your uterus and cervix. Two primary forms of birth control pills are used as hormonal contraception. 

Birth control pills are a type of medication that contains hormones. You take one pill per day; they come in packs. It is safe, inexpensive, and efficient if you take these medications according to schedule. The pill has numerous additional health advantages in addition to avoiding pregnancy. The pill works well at preventing pregnancy, but it offers no STI protection.

There are primarily two categories of oral contraceptives: 

  • Combination pills (also known as COCs or combined oral contraceptives)

Combination pills, the most used type of birth control, include both progestin and oestrogen.

  • POPs or mini-pills, often known as progestin-only pills

Progestin-only pills have only progestin

Birth control pills function by preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Fertilisation is the term used to describe the union of a sperm and an egg. The hormones in the pill have the potential to stop ovulation. Pregnancy cannot occur without ovulation since there is no egg for the sperm to fertilise. The cervical mucus is thickened by the hormones in the pill. Sperm cannot swim towards an egg because of the thicker cervical mucus, which functions as a sticky security guard. 2

  1. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) – 

Long-acting reversible conception (LARC) is a method of birth control that can keep women from getting pregnant for a very long time. Depending on the brand, LARCs protect for three to ten years (or more). Your doctor can remove the device if you wish to get pregnant. They come in two different types:

  • IUD (Intrauterine device) – Your doctor will implant a tiny T-shaped piece of plastic into your uterus. IUDs come in two varieties: copper and hormonal. 
  • Implants – Your doctor will place a plastic rod about the size of a matchstick into the inside part of your upper arm.

Use an IUD or implant for the best chance of successfully preventing conception. 

Contrary to other birth control methods, LARCs don’t need to be maintained constantly. LARCs may be the ideal option for you if you are aware that you frequently fail to take your birth control pill. They are cost-efficient, safe, and require little upkeep. However, you must keep in mind that they do not shield you from STIs. 

Getting an IUD or implant is not advisable if you:

  • You are pregnant.
  • You have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
  • You have cervical or uterine cancer
  • You have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or are at a high risk of getting one

Before using an IUD or implant, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. 

LARCs frequently alter the uterus, creating an unfavourable environment for sperm. They block the passage of sperm from the uterus to the fallopian tubes, where they may otherwise fertilise an egg. Your menstrual cycle may also be irregular due to contraceptive implants. You should discuss your symptoms with a doctor as they may have some adverse effects that could influence your menstrual cycle. 3 Are you worried about what birth control to use? You can consult a friendly gynaecologist @ 59/- only on the Pinky Promise app!

  1. Emergency contraception – 

An emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes known as the morning-after pill) can be used during an emergency. Emergency contraception can help women who have engaged in unprotected sex or whose birth control method has failed to prevent pregnancy. It should not be used as the main method of birth control but rather as a fallback. Levonorgestrel and other generic medicines are accessible in India without a prescription. Contraception pills cannot be used to end a pregnancy that has already begun. They function by preventing or delaying ovulation, which stops fertilisation and prevents conception. 

In the following circumstances, the emergency contraceptive pill may be beneficial:

  • If you engaged in sexual activity without utilising any form of birth control
  • The birth control method has been unsuccessful (broken condom, forgotten pill, or missed shot dose)
  • If you have had non-consensual sex

The effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills lasts up to three days or 72 hours following unprotected sex. However, your chances of avoiding pregnancy increase the earlier you start using the emergency contraceptive pill. These pills do not necessarily need to be taken the next day, despite their term “morning after pill.” While using this method of contraception, you may encounter common side effects such – nausea, diarrhea, exhaustion, headache, stomach cramps, sore or tender breasts, and reduced sexual drive.4

What are the 2 permanent contraceptives?

Sterilisation is a non-reversible, long-term form of birth control. Although almost everybody can be sterilised, it should only be an option for those who don’t want to have any more kids or any kids at all. Once sterilisation has occurred, it is challenging to undo, so think carefully before choosing. There are primarily two forms of sterilisation:

  • Female sterilisation or tubal ligation – A surgical technique may prevent pregnancies forever. The fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed during this treatment, preventing the eggs from contacting the sperm and resulting in fertilisation. It blocks the fallopian tubes, which join the ovaries and uterus, from receiving eggs. It indicates that an egg and sperm cannot combine, preventing fertilisation. As usual, your body will release eggs; however, they will naturally be absorbed by the body.

  • Male sterilisation or vasectomy – A vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a surgical procedure that permanently prevents conception by severing or sealing the sperm-containing tubes. It functions by preventing sperm from entering the semen (the fluid produced during ejaculation). Heat is used to cut, obstruct, or seal the tubes that deliver sperm from the testicles to the penis. It means that the semen produced by a man’s ejaculation lacks sperm and cannot be fertilised by an egg. 5 6

What are the safest contraceptives? 

Birth control is only effective when used appropriately and consistently. The most convenient and low-maintenance forms of contraception are typically also the most successful. These methods of birth control include sterilisation, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and implants for birth control. The least effective birth control to avoid conception is fertility awareness and pulling out.

Usually, it’s advisable to use two forms of birth control, like a condom and a birth control pill. That’s because you’re using a barrier method, hormonal birth control, and protecting yourself against STIs.