Contraception (commonly known as birth control) is a method of preventing pregnancy. There are different types of contraceptions are available but are only effective when used correctly. If you are sexually active and do not want to have a baby, you should definitely take the time to learn about each contraceptive method and how to use it. Because you can get pregnant any time you have unprotected sex.
What is the most common contraceptive?
There are different types of contraceptives available. So, before deciding on a method, talk to your partner and your doctor about birth control. Make sure that you are familiar with how to use the birth control method that you go for.
1. Barrier method of birth control –
This method prevents sperm from entering your uterus. You can use the barrier method every time you have sex. There are basically two types of condoms – male condoms and female condoms.
- Male condoms – It is a thin covering made up of latex, plastic, or lambskin placed on an erect penis. This covering prevents the entry of semen inside your vagina. They tend to tear or rip easily, making them less effective compared to other birth control options available. A condom can be rolled over an erect penis before having sex. Do not forget to use a new condom every time you have sex. They are available at most drug and grocery stores without a prescription. They are around 85% effective if worn before intercourse and do not rip, and are the best solution for protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even though they do not guarantee 100% protection.
- Female condoms – It is a lubricated plastic tube with a flexible ring at each end. The plastic tube is closed at one end. Insert the condom into your vagina in a way that the closed end of the plastic tube covers your cervix; the other end slightly covers your labia (the lips on the outside of your vagina) before beginning sexual activity.
The condom prevents sperm from entering your uterus. After sex, you quickly remove the condom. Despite using a female condom, about 21% of people get pregnant each year. Female condoms provide some protection against STIs, while male condoms provide the best protection.1 Are you worried about what birth control to use? You can consult a friendly gynaecologist @ 59/- only on the Pinky Promise app!
2. Hormonal methods of birth control –
This method of birth control releases hormones to prevent ovulation or to change the conditions in your uterus and cervix. Hormonal contraception mainly includes two types of contraceptive pills aka birth control pills.
Birth control pills are a kind of medication that contain hormones. They are sold in packs, and you take one pill every day. If you take these pills on time, it is safe, inexpensive, and effective. Apart from preventing pregnancy, the pill has many additional health benefits. The pill is quite effective at preventing pregnancy, but it does not protect from STIs.
They are mainly two types of oral contraceptives, which are:
- Combination pills (combined oral contraceptives, or COCs) – which have both estrogen and progestin (the most commonly used birth control pill).
- Progestin-only pills (aka POPs or mini-pills) – these pills only have progestin.
Birth control pills work by stopping sperm from reaching the egg. The process of sperm joining with an egg is called fertilisation. The hormones present in the pill can prevent the process of ovulation. If there is no ovulation, there will be no egg for the sperm to fertilise, which prevents pregnancy. The hormones in the pill help thicken the cervical mucus. This thicker cervical mucus acts like a sticky security guard and prevents sperm from swimming towards an egg. 2
3. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) –
Long-acting reversible conception (LARC) is a type of birth control that can prevent pregnancy for a long period of time. LARCs offer protection for three to ten years (or more), depending on the brand. If you decide to become pregnant, your doctor can remove the device. They are available in two varieties:
- IUD (Intrauterine device) – It is a small, T-shaped plastic device that your doctor inserts into your uterus. IUDs are available in two types copper and hormonal.
- Implants – It is a matchstick-sized plastic rod that your doctor inserts into the inner area of your upper arm.
If you want the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, you should use an IUD or implant.
LARCs, unlike other kinds of birth control, do not require ongoing maintenance. If you know you are likely to forget to take your birth control pill, LARCs may be the best choice for you. They are safe, effective, low maintenance and cost-effective. But you have to remember that they do not protect you from STIs.
You should not get an IUD or implant if :
- You’re 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 an STI.
Discuss your symptoms with your doctor before using an IUD or implant.
LARCs tend to cause changes in the uterus that generate a toxic environment for sperm. They prevent sperm from going from your uterus to your fallopian tubes, where they could potentially fertilise an egg. Contraceptive implants might also interrupt your menstrual cycle. They could have some side effects which can affect your menstrual cycle, so you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor. 3 Are you worried about what birth control to use? You can consult a friendly gynaecologist @ 59/- only on the Pinky Promise app!
4. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs)-
An emergency contraceptive pill (often known as the morning-after pill) is used during an emergency. Women who have had unprotected sex or whose birth control method has failed can use emergency contraception to avoid becoming pregnant. It should be used as a backup form of birth control rather than as the primary method. In India, over-the-counter medications such as levonorgestrel are available without a prescription. A pregnancy that has already begun cannot be terminated with contraceptive pills. They work by delaying or stopping ovulation, which prevents fertilisation and results in no pregnancy.
Emergency contraceptive pills may be useful in the following situations:
- If you had sex without using any type of birth control.
- The birth control method has failed (a broken condom, forgotten birth control pill or missed dose of birth control shot).
- If you have had non-consensual sex.
The emergency contraceptive pills are effective for up to three days or 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, the sooner you use the emergency contraceptive pill, the more likely you are to avoid pregnancy. Despite the name morning-after pill, these pills do not have to be taken the next day. You may experience common side effects like – nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, stomach cramps, sore or tender breasts and decreased sexual drive while using this method of contraception.4
What are the 2 permanent contraceptives?
Sterilisation is a permanent birth control method which can not be reversible. Almost anyone can be sterilised, but it should only be considered for people who do not wish to have any more children or do not wish to have any children at all. It is difficult to reverse sterilisation once it has happened, so consider all options before making your decision. Sterilisation is mainly of two types, which are:
- Female sterilisation or tubal ligation – It is a surgical procedure that can permanently prevent pregnancy. In this procedure, the fallopian tubes are blocked or sealed which prevents the eggs from reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised. It prevents eggs from travelling down the fallopian tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus). It means that an egg cannot meet sperm – no fertilisation occurs. Your body will release eggs as usual, but they will be absorbed naturally into the body.
- Male sterilisation or vasectomy – A vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a surgical treatment used to permanently prevent pregnancy by cutting or sealing the tubes that contain sperm. It works by stopping sperm from getting into the semen (the ejaculation fluid). The tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut, blocked, or sealed with the help of heat. It means that when a man ejaculates, the semen has no sperm and cannot be fertilised by an egg.5 6
What are the safest contraceptives?
Birth control is only effective when used correctly and consistently. Few types of contraceptive methods are more convenient and do not require much maintenance are usually the most effective. These methods include birth control implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilisation. Fertility awareness and pulling out are the least effective method of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
It is usually recommended to double up on birth control, such as a condom and a birth control pill. That’s because you’re protecting against STIs while also using a barrier method and taking hormonal birth control.7
If you are worried about the right birth control option for yourself, consult a gynaecologist on the Pinky Promise app @ ₹59/- only! You can also check out our gynaecologist-verified chatbot to understand more about your reproductive health symptoms and connect with thousands of women on our anonymous community support chat rooms. So what are you waiting for? Download the Pinky Promise App now!
