World Contraception Day - 26th September 2023
Purpose of Celebrating World Contraception Day
September
26th has been pronounced as World Contraception Day to increase the awareness among
couples about different contraceptives methods available. Birth control plays
an important role in avoiding unwanted pregnancies & improving spacing
between pregnancies to have a healthy mother & baby. As per statistics,
only 40% of women of reproductive age in our country use effective contraceptive
methods despite having access to family planning clinics. This emphasises the
importance of increasing awareness among both men & women.
‘Contraception
is not just women's responsibility’.
There
are different types of contraceptive methods available, which can be roughly
divided into temporary methods, permanent methods & emergency contraception.
Temporary
methods can be used as long as birth control is needed & stopped when
planning pregnancy, fertility returns back in days to months depending on what
method was being used.Dr Sri Harika Bonam
They
include:-
1)
Natural methods without any medications, by knowing cycle length, noting the
change in vaginal discharge consistency, noting the change in body temperature etc…
But the failure rate is very high if not careful.
2)
Barrier methods include male & female condoms & others like vaginal
sponge, diaphragm etc. A very important advantage of the barrier method is that it
prevents sexually transmitted infections, but the failure rates are high.
3)
Pills or certain injections which include hormones to be taken on a daily basis.
They are very effective
but contraindicated in some women like history
hypertension, blood clots, stroke etc.
4)
Devices like intrauterine copper T or hormonal devices in uterus or inner arm
which are very effective and long acting are the best.
Permanent
methods include tubectomy in women & vasectomy in men. Vasectomy is safest,
best & preferred method with less risks compared to tubectomy at any given time.
Tubectomy on other hand requires anaesthesia & can be done as an open
method or as a keyhole surgery.
Emergency
contraception is now being widely available as over the counter pill and is
called morning after pill, should be used as a backup method or in case a
condom accidents. This includes hormonal pill or intrauterine device that can
be taken within 72hrs of unprotected sexual intercourse to avoid pregnancy. But
it is always important to follow up with a urine pregnancy test after 3 weeks
& start long-acting methods as soon as possible.
With
increasing westernisation, premarital sexual intercourse, multiple sexual
partners it is very important to know methods to prevent sexually shared infections.
‘Double Dutch’ method is using a condom along with hormonal method, together
protects from pregnancy as well as sexually shared infections.
‘It’s
never too late to start something new’.
To
conclude, using no birth control method risks oneself’s & partners
physical, mental & social wellbeing. Be smart & start the method of
your choice & that suites you by getting in touch with Contraception Clinic
& experts.
By Dr Sri Harika Bonam
Consultant Obstetrician & Gyneacologist
& Lap Surgeon,
Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital,
Jubilee Hills.
(This is not medical advice under any circumstances. These are the personal views of the author.)