Contraception is the intentional prevention of conception through the use of various devices, sexual practices, chemicals, drugs or surgical procedures. An effective contraception allows a physical relationship without fear of an unwanted pregnancy and ensures freedom to have children when desired. The aim is to achieve contraception in maximum comfort and privacy, with minimum cost and side effects. Some methods, like male and female condoms, also provide twin advantage of protection from sexually transmitted diseases.

Contraceptive methods have a range of benefits other than their primary purpose of pregnancy prevention. Contraception reduces pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of developing certain reproductive cancers, and can be used to treat many menstrual related symptoms and disorders. 

Methods of contraception;

Traditional Methods

Coitus Interruptus or Withdrawal

Involves withdrawal of penis from the vagina just before ejaculation, thus preventing semen from entering the woman. This is perhaps the oldest contraceptive method known to man, but it depends on the cooperation of the male partner. This is not a reliable method and may fail if semen escapes before ejaculation or is left on external sex organs.

Dating (fertile) Method

This method requires predicting ovulation, the period when the woman is most fertile, by recording the menstrual pattern, or body temperature, or changes in cervical mucus, or a combination of these (symptom-thermal method). Intercourse is avoided on fertile days.

 It cannot be used by women who have irregular periods, or after childbirth, or during menopausal years. Intercourse is limited to some days of the month only. The method requires careful record keeping for calculating the safe period.

FOR MEN;

  • Condoms
  • Vasectomy
  • Sexual Abstinence
  • Coitus interruptus

FOR WOMEN;

  • Birth control pill
  • Intra uterine Device (IUD – Copper T)
  • Tubectomy
  • Injection method
  • Female condoms
  • Vaginal Ring
  • Hormone patch

The choice of birth control should depend on several factors. These include general health, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners and desire to have children in the future. To make proper decision better to consult family doctor or Gynecologist or Sexologist can help you select the best form of birth control for you.