What is Contraception?

Contraception is used to stop pregnancy. There are many varieties of contraception -some are far more effective than others.

Contraception stops pregnancy
Some contraception protects against sexually transmissible infections (STIs)
There is an excellent diversity of contraception available
Some types of contraception work better than others
Some contraceptive methods are inappropriate for some women

What are the forms of birth control?

Your options in birth control:

Barrier methods: The available options for contraception include male and female condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges.
Short-acting hormonal methods: Examples of birth control include pills, the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), the skin patch (Xulane), and the contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera). They are classified under short-acting because one needs to remember using them daily, weekly or monthly.
Long-acting hormonal methods: Some options for long-term birth control include the copper IUD (ParaGard), hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Skyla, and Kyleena), and the contraceptive implant (Nexplanon). These methods can work for three to ten years after you put them in, depending on the type you choose, or until you decide to have them removed.
Sterilization: This is a permanent way to prevent pregnancy. For women, this method is called tubal ligation. For men, it is called a vasectomy.
Spermicide or vaginal gel: These are nonhormonal forms of birth control. Spermicide is a form of contraception that kills sperm or immobilizes it. Vaginal pH regulator gel (Phexxi) immobilizes sperm, so they can't swim to an egg to fertilize it. You insert these products into the vagina just before sex.
Fertility Awareness methods: There is a knowledge-based, non-evaluable emphasis upon knowing days during which you would possibly become pregnant-called fertile-determining that use basal body temperature and observing characteristics of the cervix' in order not to get pregnant during fertile phases; either avoidance on or off your fertile dates of sexual coition or contraception employing a diaphragm; there are barrier as well.

It's also helpful to know about emergency contraception — including the morning-after pill (Plan B One-Step, Aftera, ella, others) — which can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.

How do the various methods of birth control work?

Different types of birth control work in various ways. They may:

Stop sperm from reaching the egg
Inactivate or harm sperm
Stop an egg from being released each month.
Change the uterine lining so a fertilized egg can’t attach to it
Thicken cervical mucus so that sperm can't pass through easily

How effective is the method?

To be effective, a method of contraception must be used correctly and consistently. Methods that require less effort, like IUDs, contraceptive implants, and sterilization, generally lead to fewer pregnancies. On the other hand, methods that rely on tracking fertility or periodic abstinence tend to result in more pregnancies.

Is it reversible?

Your choice of contraception depends on your pregnancy plans. If you want to get pregnant soon, choose a method that is easy to stop or quickly reversible, like a short-term hormonal method or a barrier method. If you want to avoid pregnancy for a long time, consider a long-acting method like an IUD. If you are sure, you never want to be pregnant, you might prefer a permanent method like sterilization. Different birth control methods may be better for you at different points in your life.

Does it match your religious beliefs or cultural practices?

Some types of birth control may go against certain religious beliefs or cultural practices. Consider the risks and benefits of each birth control method considering your own beliefs.

Is it convenient and affordable?

Ideally, choose a form of birth control that is suitable to your lifestyle. To one, the most convenient birth control can be the least trouble causing, easy to use, or has no obnoxious side effects and does not impair the sexual experience. To another, this might be the one that requires no prescription. In your selection of a method of birth control, consider how flexible you are to plan or to stick to a strict medication schedule.

Some methods of contraception are very cheap, while others are very expensive. Seek the insurance coverage information, then determine your choice by adding up the cost.

What are the side effects of contraception?

Think about how much you can handle the possible side effects of different birth control methods. Some methods have more side effects, and some can be serious. It's important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and how it may affect your birth control choice.

Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?

The only form of contraception that guarantees safety from sexually transmitted infections is the use of male and female condoms. Except for if you're in a monogamous relationship with a person whom you have been tested together, always use a condom during sexual activity with another birth control method of your choice.

Does it offer other benefits?

Besides preventing pregnancy, some contraceptives also offer benefits, such as more predictable, lighter menstrual cycles or a reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections or even a reduction in the risk of some cancers. If these benefits are essential to you, they may affect your choice of birth control.

Is it acceptable to your sexual partner?

Your partner may have different birth control preferences than you. Discuss various birth control options together to find a method that works for both of you.

How do I choose contraception?

The best birth control method for you is one that is safe, comfortable, and easy for you to use regularly and correctly. Your choice of birth control may change throughout your life. It can be influenced by many factors, including your age, health history, and your reproductive goals, like how many children you want and when you want to get pregnant.

Relationship factors, such as marital status, number of sexual partners, frequency of sex and sexual partner preferences

Religious beliefs

Different types of birth control work in various ways. It's important to consider how effective each method is at preventing pregnancy, what side effects they might have, their costs, and whether they also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Understanding your options is part of finding the right birth control for you. Equally important is being honest about yourself and your relationships when making this decision.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Contraception Advice in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Hospital offers safe, reliable, and personalized contraception Advice in Lucknow, India to support women in planning their families with confidence. Our experienced gynecologists provide expert guidance on a wide range of birth control options, including oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injectable methods, implants, and emergency contraception. Each woman receives counseling based on her health needs, lifestyle, and future plans, ensuring informed decision-making and effective, long-term reproductive health management.