Contraceptives for Newlyweds
Family planning is an important topic all couples should seriously discuss about. Newlyweds need to select a suitable method of contraception and decide when and how many children to have. It is highly recommended that couples explore thier choice of family planning in detail with a counsellor/doctor. If you would like more inforamation on where to obtain such services, please call Meri Saathi Free Helpline on 16600119756 (ntc) or 9801119756 (ncell).
Contraception methods are short-acting or long-acting. Short acting methods include barrier methods such as condoms, or methods such as the pill which require taking a daily tablet.
Long-acting reversible methods (LARCs) include implants or injections which last for several months to years. Long acting reversible contraceptives are the most reliable if you wish to avoid an unintended pregnancy, but may want children at some point in the future. They have the advantage that, once in place, you don't need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex. However it is important to note that only condoms can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Long acting non-reversible methods are female sterilization or vasectomy (male sterilization).
Short acting contraceptives
Male condoms
Male condoms are made from very thin latex (rubber), polyisoprene or polyurethane, and are designed to stop a man's semen from entering his partner's body. When condoms are used correctly during vaginal sex, they help to protect against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). When used correctly during anal and oral sex, they help to protect against STIs. Condoms are the only contraception that protect against both pregnancy and STIs.
Male condom advantages:
•You only need to use them during sex.
•They help to protect both partners from some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
•There are no serious side-effects from using condoms.
•Male condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
•Male condoms are easily available.
Oral Contraceptive pill
The oral contraceptive pill works by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation). It thickens cervical mucus so that it is harder for a sperm to reach the womb and thins the lining of the womb.
Typical use failure rate is up to 9% (up to 9 women in 100 will have an unplanned pregnancy in the first year of use). Most combined oral contraceptives are taken every day for 21 days followed by a 7 day break.
Oral Contraceptive pill advantages:
The pill can sometimes be used to treat period pain, heavy periods, premenstrual syndrome, acne and endometriosis.
Long-acting reversible contraceptives
Contraceptive injection
The contraceptive injection, or Depo-Provera, is an injection which contains the hormone progesterone that stops ovulation (release of an egg) and also thickens the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus.
The injection is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (or LARC) and these kinds of contraceptives are recommended as they are over 99% effective - they've been shown to be 20 times more effective than short-term contraceptive methods such as the pill.
Injection advantages
•It lasts for 12 weeks/ 3 months.
•It can help with heavy periods.
The contraceptive implant is a small flexible rod (4 cms in length) that is put into the upper arm. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen. The implant stops ovulation (the release of an egg) and thickens the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to get into the uterus.
The contraceptive implant is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (or LARC). These types of contraception are recommended, as they are over 99% effective - they've been shown to be 20 times more effective than the pill. Long-acting methods of contraception all have the advantage that, once in place, you don't need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex.
Implant advantages
•The implant lasts 5 years, but can be removed earlier.
•Fertility returns rapidly after it's removed.
IUD - copper T
The IUD or copper T is a small plastic and copper device that is fitted into the uterus through the cervix using a simple procedure that takes a few minutes. It stops sperm meeting an egg or it may stop an egg implanting in the uterus.
IUD advantages
•It can last up to 12 years.
•Useful for women who want to use a method that is hormone-free.
•Works as soon as it's put in.
•Fertility returns immediately after it's removed.
The contraceptive IUD-copper T is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (or LARC). These types of contraception are recommended, as they are over 99% effective - they've been shown to be 20 times more effective than the pill. Long-acting methods of contraception all have the advantage that, once in place, you don't need to think about them until they need replacing and none of them interrupt sex.
Long acting non-reversible contraceptive methods
Female sterilization
Female sterilization is the most popular form of contraception in the world. It is a safe and effective method of contraception for women who have completed their families or for those who do not wish to have children. Sterilization works by sealing the fallopian tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This prevents the egg and sperm meeting, so pregnancy can't occur. The eggs are just reabsorbed by the body.
Female sterilization is over 99% effective. Only about 1 in 200 women will still become pregnant after having sterilization. It will not bring on early menopause as it does not affect the hormones in the body. You will continue to have periods.
Sterilization advantages
•It is a permanent, non-hormonal solution.
Vasectomy (Male sterilization)
Vasectomy is the common name for male sterilization. It's a popular method of family planning chosen by millions of men worldwide. It's safe, effective and offers a permanent solution to contraceptive needs.
Vasectomy is a simple procedure where a surgeon seals the sperm-carrying tubes (called vas deferens) to prevent sperm entering the fluid which a man ejaculates. It takes about 15 minutes, and is one of the most effective methods of contraception that exists - the failure rate is approximately 1 man in 2000. After a vasectomy the testicles will continue to produce sperm as normal, but the sperm cannot enter the tubes and is simply absorbed into the body. You will still form an ejaculate after a vasectomy, but it will not contain sperm.
Vasectomy advantages
•Vasectomy is a permanent solution.
Having a vasectomy has no effect on your hormones, orgasm or ejaculation so there's no reason why a vasectomy should affect your sex life.
If you'd like to know more about the available contraceptive methods, please call Meri Saathi Free Helpline's trained and skilled counselors on 16600119756 (ntc) or 9801119756 (ncell). You can call them every Sunday 9:30am-5:30 pm and from Monday to Friday 9:30am -7:00 pm.
Emergency pill
If you've had unprotected sex or think your contraception hasn't worked properly, you could become pregnant. There are two kinds of emergency contraception available to reduce the risk of an unplanned pregnancy - the emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes known as the 'morning after pill') and the IUD.
You should take emergency contraception as soon as possible after unprotected sex to prevent getting pregnant, as it only works up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If you've had unprotected sex more than 5 days ago, and/or you are late for your period, you will need to take a pregnancy test.
The emergency contraception pill however should only use these methods in an emergency e.g. if a condom split and not as a regular form of contraception.
If you'd like to know more, please call Meri Saathi Free Helpline's trained and skilled counselors on 16600119756 (ntc) or 9801119756 (ncell). You can call them every Sunday 9:30am-5:30 pm and from Monday to Friday 9:30am -7:00 pm.