BY AASTHA NIRMAL

Sometimes, we women find ourselves in the difficult situation of terminating the pregnancy. It is perfectly natural and fair to terminate the pregnancy. A mother needs to let the baby grow with an accepting mind and a healthy body. This is crucial for the newborn as well as the mother-to-be. 

Apart from barrier methods such as condoms, there are several contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy. 

Let’s discuss some of them.

Birth Control Pill

The option of birth control pills is an effective one provided you take them according to your doctor’s consultation and under their supervision. These pills are easily available and inexpensive. 

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

There are two types of contraceptive pills available in the market, Emergency Contraceptive Pill and Regular Oral Contraceptive Pill. 

Emergency Contraceptive Pill is also called “Morning-after pill” or “Plan B pill”. Here’s the catch, you don’t have to wait for the next morning to take this pill. Because it’s not a regular contraceptive pill, it only works as a backup. The tablet is supposed to be consumed within 72 hours of Unprotected Intercourse. The earlier you take it, the better it is. 

Things to keep in mind:

• The pill is to be taken after a proper meal.
• In case of vomiting within 2 hours of consuming the tablet, you need to take the pill again. It is advised to take an anti vomit tablet, wait for half an hour, then take the contraceptive pill again.
• Taking one tablet is sufficient, in case of no vomiting. You don’t need to seal the deal by taking more unnecessarily. 
• It is not to be used as a regular contraceptive pill after every intercourse.

Regular Contraceptive Pill

These pills contain two kinds of hormones, estrogen and progesterone. They prevent ovulation. Because of these pills, the cervical mucus thickens, preventing the sperm from entering the uterus. 

What is the right way to use these pills?

The packet contains 21 tablets. The first pill needs to be taken on the first day of your period. Continue taking the pills every day after that. In case of vomiting within 2 hours after the consumption, take another pill. You will find days printed at the back of the packet. Suppose your period starts on a Wednesday, you will take the tablet labelled as Wednesday. Now you have to follow the arrows for the next 21 days till the packet is over. After this, you need to take a pill-free gap for 7 days. 

The best part is you regain fertility once you stop taking the pill. 

Remember- 21 days on, 7 days off!

Contraceptive Ring

The contraceptive ring is inserted into the vagina. It stays there for 21 days. The next 7 days are a ring-free period. Women dealing with morning sickness or who can’t take tablets can use this method. 

Contraceptive Patch

The patch is an external method of contraception. It is put on your skin (preferably arm). The drug is absorbed by the skin. You have to put the patch on the first day of your period. Each patch lasts for one week. Then repeat it for two more weeks, 21 days in total. The last week or the remaining 7 days are patch free. You can start the patch method again when the next cycle starts. 

Implanon Device

An Implanon device is like a small rod that can be put under your skin. Once placed, it works for three years. You can get this rod removed whenever you want to plan your pregnancy. It’s also a simple OPD procedure. The return of fertility is immediate with this method. 

Intrauterine Device

There’s a small device called a marina that is inserted into the uterus. It stays in place and lasts for 5 years. It’s a one-time method that unchains you from keeping a track of your cycle or medicines. The best part is that it is a simple OPD procedure. It is an efficient method suggested for women who complete their first pregnancy and need an interval to plan their next.

Injectable Contraceptives

The injectable contraceptives are as the name suggests injections, which are supposed to be taken once every three months. This method has a disadvantage for some women. It decreases bone mineral density. 

You need to consult your doctor and get yourself tested before going through any of these contraceptive methods.