Dr. Ulhas Pote

Contraception Advice

Description
Faq's

What is contraception?

Contraception aims to prevent pregnancy.

A woman can get pregnant if a man's sperm reaches one of her eggs (ova).
Contraception tries to stop this happening by keeping the egg and sperm apart, or by stopping egg production, or by stopping the combined sperm and egg (fertilised egg) attaching to the lining of the womb.
Contraception is free for most people in the india. With 15 methods to choose from, you can find one that suits you best.
Barrier methods such as condoms are a form of contraception that help to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. You should use condoms to protect both your sexual health and that of your partner, no matter what the other contraception you're using to prevent pregnancy.

The 15 methods of contraception :

Don't be put off if the first type you use isn't quite right – you can try another. Read about the different methods of contraception:

Caps
Combined pill
Condoms (female)
Condoms (male)
Contraceptive implant
Contraceptive injection
Contraceptive patch
Diaphragms
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Intrauterine system (IUS)
Natural family planning
Progestogen-only pill
Vaginal ring

There are two permanent methods of contraception:

Female sterilisation
Male sterilisation (vasectomy)

Where to get contraception?

Contraceptive services are free and confidential. This includes services for people under 16, as long as they're mature enough to understand the information and decisions involved – there are strict guidelines for healthcare professionals who work with people under 16.

You can get contraception for free from:

Most GP surgeries (talk to your GP or practice nurse)
Community contraception clinics
Some genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
Sexual health clinics (these offer contraceptive and STI testing services)
Some young people's services

How can I choose a method of contraception?

The choice of birth control depends on many factors. Before deciding on a method of birth control you should consider your overall health, age, frequency of sexual activity, number of sexual partners, desire to have children in the future, and family history of certain diseases. Individuals should consult their health care provider to discuss which method of birth control is best for them based on the above criteria. It is also important to discuss birth control methods with your sexual partner..

What are the health risks and side effects associated with contraception?

Different forms of contraception carry different health risks and side effects, and some of them are serious. It is important to talk to a health care provider to determine your specific health risks and which method of contraception is right for you. The HHS Office on Women's Health website maintains information about the possible side effects of each type of contraception.

Combined hormonal birth control methods can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood clots. The risk of these conditions is higher in pregnancy than with any currently marketed birth control methods, so women need to weigh the benefit of protection from pregnancy with the risk of any specific birth control method. Women are at higher risk for these outcomes if they are more than 35 years old and smoke tobacco or if they have histories of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer. They may be advised not to use combined hormonal methods of birth control.

It is important to monitor any side effects and consult your health care provider if you experience discomfort.

What are the health benefits associated with contraception?

Contraception is most often used to help prevent pregnancy. It can be helpful for women who do not wish to become pregnant and who are at higher risk for health problems associated with pregnancy. These can include an increased risk for high blood pressure, blood clots, gestational diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The risks of these conditions are higher in women who are obese, are older than 35, or who smoke tobacco. For women with high risk factors who need to avoid pregnancy, IUDs and implants may be the most effective methods.

Progestin-releasing IUDs may also reduce or prevent bleeding problems. Other health benefits for certain methods include reducing acne, treating anemia associated with excessive bleeding, and reducing the risk of endometrial, ovarian, or colon cancer. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the methods as well as the risk associated with pregnancy with your health care provider.

Is contraception used for things other than preventing pregnancy?

If you want to become pregnant, talk to your health care provider about stopping your birth control.

When taking oral contraceptives, ovulation can be restarted by stopping taking the pill. It is possible to become pregnant during the next menstrual cycle after stopping the pill, but it may take 1 or 2 months before you return to the previous timing of your cycle.2 If you are using a contraceptive patch or vaginal ring, removing the device stops the delivery of hormones, and the results are similar to stopping oral contraception. Recovery of fertility after injections of Depo-Provera® may take longer, up to 10 months in some cases.

IUDs must be removed by a health care professional. After removal, pregnancy is possible at any time.

An implanted rod must also be removed by a health care provider. The implant is removed through a small cut in your arm, and pregnancy is possible any time after the implant is removed.

Is contraception used for things other than preventing pregnancy?

Yes. Use of oral contraceptives can also reduce severe menstrual cramps, make menstrual bleeding lighter, and clear up acne. There is also evidence that use of the pill can reduce the risk of endometrial,ovarian, and colon cancer, reduce the occurrence of cysts in the breasts and ovaries, protect against iron deficiency anemia, and improve bone density.2 The hormonal IUD can also reduce severe menstrual cramps and make menstrual bleeding lighter.

Oral contraception can also be used treat other gynecological disorders, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. The pill may also offer some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility if left untreated.