Let’s talk about contraception

With the growing need of effective sex education in the country, the information available on contraceptives, their availability in the market and the correct contraceptive to use is scarce.

From safety to availability, contraception is an issue that the nation must look to tackle effectively.

There are different choices of contraceptive methods: Intrauterine Contraception, Hormonal Methods, Barrier Methods, Emergency Contraception, and Permanent Methods of Birth Control. So when it comes to choosing the right one for one, the guiding principles and contraceptive counseling might be an important contributor to the successful use of contraceptive methods.

In choosing contraception, dual protection from the simultaneous risk for HIV and other STDs also should be considered. On the other hand, there are hormonal contraceptives and Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but do not protect against STDs. And correct use of condoms reduces the risk of HIV infection and other STDs.

Dr Una Pant, Obstetrician in Star hospital, says, “There are many contraceptives available in the market but one must know the right one to get. It depends on their age, marital status, and also when to use it. It is important to know the right information as there are a lot of misconceptions within people saying that hormonal methods cause weight gain, or cause irregular menstruation. There are some who face the problem but not all.”

Talking about the contraception that is found in the market, Dr Pant, says, “For the right contraceptive to be used, one must know what they are looking for. Usually, when patients come up to me if they are a newly married couple, I suggest OTC birth control, as for the young couples rather than using i-pills as it has a lot of side effects including acute pregnancy. And the best option is condoms.”

But Pant says that many have yet to know the use of contraceptives and which one is right for them. “For the people who come up to me I give them the brief details on what to choose for their situation and their preferences. But this kind of information should be given to everyone from their schooling. We have yet to flourish in the sex education factor and talk about the contraceptives.”