6 Contraceptive Methods To Enjoy Sex Without Worrying About Pregnancy
Perhaps, you are here with specific questions surrounding the available contraception options in India.
Are non-hormonal contraception alternatives safer than hormonal ones? Are there any side effects of contraceptive Injections? Are morning pills the same as birth control pills? No worries, this blog will answer them all.
Let’s discuss frequently highlighted concerns about six of the most popular contraceptive methods available in India.
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1. Diaphragm
Perhaps, this is the most underused contraceptive method in India. A diaphragm is a soft, silicone cap that appears like a dome. It works as a barrier between the woman’s egg and male sperm. Diaphragms are available at selected pharmacies and online shopping portals in India.
Is placing a diaphragm inside the vagina an easy procedure? For how much time can I let it remain inside?
Placing a diaphragm inside the vagina is easy, and practice can make you perfect. You need to keep it in place for six hours after sex. But, removal within 24 hours is crucial.
Are diaphragms reusable?
Yes, you can clean it and reuse it. A single piece can last for up to two years if cleaned per the manufacturer’s instructions.
What are the cons of using diaphragms?
The most crucial point is that diaphragm can benefit only if you wear it correctly. Plus, it does not protect you against STDs. Therefore, it is not as effective as a condom.
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2. Contraceptive Injections
Contraceptive Injections have been available in India since 1993. However, they have reached a popularity milestone only recently. The intramuscular hormonal contraceptive technique is more effective than pills, condoms, or diaphragms.
Also referred to as depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, the injection stops the ovaries from releasing an egg. A single dose can help you avoid pregnancy for three months. It is injected into the upper arms or the buttocks.
Can contraceptive injections result in side effects?
Yes, there are specific side effects. For example, users often note irregularity in menstrual bleeding patterns. Other issues like depression, weight gain, breast tenderness, and bleeding are also common. Most importantly, if you plan to have a baby, you need to wait nine months after the last injection. Therefore, your gynecologist will administer the same after completing proper medical screening.
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3. Pills
Also referred to as “the pill,” it is the most preferred type of contraception by women worldwide. One pill a day can let you enjoy that extraordinary feeling of pleasure.
As you are probably aware, birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. They prevent ovulation.
Birth control pills, with slightly different formulas, are manufactured and sold by many brands. Your physician can prescribe the best option depending on your medical history.
Pills also positively affect acne and provide relief during painful periods. However, they are not recommended for individuals who are allergic to estrogen-containing contraception. And no, they do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
Which are the key differences between birth control pills and the “Morning After” pill?
The latter ones are also known as emergency contraception pills. However, they are meant to be consumed only if somehow you end up having unprotected sex.
Morning pills also work by preventing ovulation with levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. So, they do help in preventing unplanned pregnancy. But, don’t substitute them with birth control medication for daily use. Morning pills can prove effective if you take them within three to five days after having unprotected sex.
Which are the known reactions of morning pills?
They can result in a delayed period, vomiting, nausea, and other side effects.
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4. IUD- intrauterine device
IUD or intrauterine device is a T-shaped unit made of copper and plastic that fits inside the uterus. There are two variants of these devices, hormonal IUD and copper IUD. The method is 99 percent effective when it comes to avoiding pregnancy. It’s placed only by a trained healthcare professional and can remain in place for ten years. But unfortunately, the method does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.
Can IUD strings hurt my partner’s penis?
IUD’s strings are thin and won’t hurt your vagina or partner’s penis. However, they might move out of place during periods in some cases. Therefore, ensuring the device is in the right spot remains crucial.
Is it necessary to visit a healthcare facility to place an intrauterine device?
Only a trained medical professional can insert or remove the same with special apparatus. So, you may have to visit your gynecologist even if you feel the strings have changed their position.
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5. The Withdrawal Method
Pulling out the penis before Cumming (ejaculating) in the vagina sounds simple. And yes, there is no question of pregnancy if the semen does not enter the vagina. Hold on! There’s more to this!
Guys might not be as pro as they claim regarding the withdrawal method. Several studies have highlighted that women end up with unplanned pregnancies because of the same. So, think twice if your guy tries to convince you about his ability to pull out on time while having unprotected vaginal sex.
Does pre-cum released from the penis contain sperm?
The clear liquid leaks from the penis well before ejaculation. It may contain sperm. And unfortunately, there’s no way to control its release. Put simply, the withdrawal method remains highly unsafe due to the pre-cum.
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6. Female Condoms
Condoms are probably the safest way to enjoy sex and avoid unwanted pregnancy. Rubber also protects you from sexually transmitted diseases and infections. Condoms are made from various materials, but latex ones are the most popular.
Male condoms do not need much of an introduction. However, the use of female ones is on the rise. They are worn in the vagina to prevent sperm from entering the womb.
Female condoms are easy to wear and remove. They get pushed into the vagina at times, but you can easily remove them. Female condoms are not an option if you dislike touching the genital area.
Can indulging in unprotected sex during your period lead to pregnancy?
Yes, studies have pointed out that the activity does offer relief from menstrual cramps. But remember, as per several studies, you can still get pregnant.
Besides, the experience can be a bit messy. Therefore, you should focus on your health and hygiene during your period. Products like Wonderize Period Panty help with added protection and hygiene at all times.
If you notice you have skipped your period for more than three months, it’s always better to visit a gynecologist.
Overall, it won’t be wrong to conclude that condoms enjoy an upper hand over other birth control measure
