FAQ- Birth Control

•  To choose the birth control option which will be the most effective.

•  To keep in mind any medical problems that may affect the choice of birth control methods.

•  How often you have sex .

•  Your comfort level with using the method.

•  To use the birth control option which is easiest to use and economical.

•  To get your partner to support your decision of birth control.

•  Do you want more children in the future?

•  Choose a method, which will protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV?

However, NO birth control method is fool proof. But you can greatly increase a method's success rate by using it correctly all of the time. The only way to be sure you never get pregnant is to not have sex (abstinence).

• The Shot- Depo Provera: A shot (hormonal injection of Depo Provera) is given every three months to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. It also changes the lining of the uterus (womb).Safe and effective and simple to use.
• Oral Contraceptive pills: Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin. Others are progestin-only. Pills contain hormones that work in different ways. Combination Pills prevent release of egg , also, thicken cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining egg and rarely, prevent fertilized egg from implanting in uterus Whereas Progestin-Only Pills usually, thicken cervical mucus to keep sperm from joining egg , less often, prevent release of egg and rarely, prevent fertilized egg from implanting in uterus. Pill must be taken at about the same time every day to be effective against pregnancy. Possible side effects include weight gain, headaches, and mood changes. Click at Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Othro , Tri-Phasil and Nordette 28 to know more about Oral Pills.
• IUD : A small thin, flexible T-shaped device is inserted inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. A small string attached to the device protrudes from the cervix and the woman can feel the string inside her vagina. This is to ensure the device is in place. This method is safe, effective, and simple to use and is effective for eight or more years. A doctor can remove it whenever you want to become pregnant.
• Cervical cup/ Diaphragm: A doctor fits a small rubber cup inside vagina and over the cervix (opening) of the uterus (womb). It is best used with spermicides. It can be put into place two hours before lovemaking and should be used only during intercourse.
• Spermicide : It is in the form of contraceptive foam, cream, jelly, film, or suppository - deep into your vagina shortly before intercourse to immobilize sperm and keep them from joining egg. Spermicide dissolves in vagina.
• Withdrawal- It is a method in which the man pulls his penis out of the vagina before he ejaculates (comes) to keep sperm from joining egg. It is not recommended because many young men lack the experience and self-control to pull out in time, some men cannot tell when they are going to ejaculate, some men ejaculate very quickly, before they realize it and before ejaculation, almost all penises leak fluid - pre-ejaculate - that may contain sperm and cause pregnancy.
• Emergency Contraception (EC) ... It is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected vaginal intercourse.It is provided in two ways: Emergency IUD insertion within seven days of unprotected intercourse is 99.9% effective . Emergency contraception pills - can reduce the risk of pregnancy if started within 120 hours of unprotected sex. They work best when taken within 72 hours - during this time they can reduce the risk of pregnancy from 75 to 89% .
• Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) -In this method a professional teaches a woman how to chart her menstrual cycle and to detect certain physical signs (daily basal body temperature , daily texture of cervical mucus and occurrence of menstrual cycles) This helps a woman to predict fertility or "unsafe" days. She must abstain from intercourse (periodic abstinence) or use condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, shield, or spermicide during the nine or more "unsafe" days of her cycle (FAMs) .
• Hormonal Patch ( Ortho - Evra) : A thin plastic patch is paced on the skin of buttocks, stomach, upper outer arm, or upper torso once a week for three weeks in a row. A new patch is used each week. The Patch protects against pregnancy by releasing estrogen and progestin that prevent pregnancy .
• Continuous Abstinence -This means not having sexual intercourse at any time. It is the only sure way to prevent pregnancy. This method is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• The Male Condom - Condoms are called barrier methods of birth control because they put up a block, or barrier, which keeps the sperm from reaching the egg. Only latex or polyurethane (because some people are allergic to latex) condoms are proven to help protect against STDs, including HIV. Male condoms are 86 to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms can only be used once.
• Surgical Sterilization (Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy) - These surgical methods are meant for people who want a permanent method of birth control. In other words, they never want to have a child or they do not want more children. Tubal ligation or "tying tubes" is done on the woman to stop eggs from going down to her uterus where they can be fertilized. The man has a vasectomy to keep sperm from going to his penis, so his ejaculate never has any sperm in it. They are 99 to 99.5% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The male latex condom is the only birth control method that is proven to help protect you from HIV and other STDs. If you are allergic to latex, there are condoms made of polyurethane that you can use.

It is very important to use a condom correctly and consistently - which means every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you do not know how to use a condom, talk with your health care provider. The biggest reason condoms fail is due to incorrect use. Male condoms can only be used once.

Are Birth Control methods available without a doctor's prescription ?
Some types of birth control are available without a doctor's prescription. They have no side effects for most people. But some people may be allergic to them and get rashes if they use them.

Male Condoms
You can buy condoms without a prescription at drugstores, supermarkets, and many other places. To use, put the condom on the erect penis before having sex. Use each condom only once. Most condoms are made from latex rubber. Others are made from lamb intestines and are often called lambskins. Some condoms are made from polyurethane. Latex condoms are best at preventing pregnancy and they also protect best against AIDS, herpes, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms shouldn't be used with Vaseline or other brands of petroleum jelly, lotions, or oils. But they can be used with lubricants that don't have oil, such as K-Y jelly.

Female Condom
Female Condom is made of polyurethane. You can buy female condoms at drugstores without a prescription. To use, insert the condom into the vagina right before sex and use each only once. Don't use it at the same time as a male condom. If you have a choice, it's better for the man to use a latex condom because it's better than the female condom at preventing pregnancy and protecting you against STDs.

Spermicide
Spermicides are available without a prescription in drugstores and some other stores. They contain a chemical that kills sperm. Spermicides are sold in several forms including foam, cream and jelly.To use, put the spermicide into the vagina at least 10 minutes before having sex. One dose of spermicide usually works for one hour, but you must use another dose every time you have intercourse even if less than an hour has passed. You should not douche or rinse your vagina for at least 6 to 8 hours after having sex.

Do pills lead to weight gain?
Studies conducted do not show that pills can cause weight gain. But one side effect of some birth control pills however, is to increase your appetite, especially in the first few months you take them.

Does the Pill affect fertility?
No, the pill does not adversely affect fertility once you stop taking it. However, delaying childbirth by using the pill or any other birth
control method can decrease fertility.

Is it safe to take pills for a long period?
Yes. You can safely take the pill for years without interruption.