Which contraceptive method is best

 There are a variety of decisions that we make on a daily basis. They can be anything starting from the basic ones like what breakfast to have or what clothes to wear, then comes the significant ones like what precautions to take when having sex, which contraceptive method to use, etc.

 The information available on different methods of contraception on the internet can be overwhelming. 

But this guide will help you to focus on the significant information and make an informed decision as to which method of contraception is best for you.1

What does “the best method of contraception” mean?

There are a variety of birth control options available in India, but the best birth control is the one that fits into your lifestyle and prevents pregnancy in the most effective way possible. The most effective method of birth control is a male condom used in conjunction with another kind of birth control. What is “best” in terms of birth control varies from person to person. What functions well for one individual might not function well for another. Additionally, your preferences could change over time depending on the situation.2

What are the common methods of contraception?

1. Condoms

A condom is a small, fitting tube made of latex which is either placed within the vagina (female condoms) or over the penis during sex (male condoms). They build a barrier that prevents bodily fluids like semen from entering the mouth, rectum, or vagina.

A condom is a barrier method which can sometimes be referred to as a ‘rubber’. However, condoms serve the same function no matter what name you give them. They protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and pregnancy. They’re also affordable, simple to obtain, and easy to use, making them an effective birth control option.

Male condoms are around 98 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. Consequently, 2 out of every 100 women whose partners consistently use condoms appropriately will become pregnant in a year. However, the percentage rises to 18 out of every 100 women as their partners don’t always use condoms properly.

When used correctly, female condoms have an effectiveness rate of roughly 95%. However, if you don’t use them correctly, they only work 79% of the time.

When you use a condom every time you have sex, you also significantly reduce the possibility to transmit an STI from one person to the other.3

2. Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs)

Oral contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progestin are commonly referred to as Combined oral contraceptive pills or “the pill”. Combined oral contraceptive pills prevent the release of eggs from your ovaries. They also alter the cervical mucus and the uterine lining (endometrium) to prevent sperm from fusing with the egg.

Different kinds of combined oral contraceptive pills use different amounts of progestin and estrogen. Continuous-dosing or extended-cycle pills allow you to lessen the number of periods you have each year. Talk to your doctor if you want to take a combined oral contraceptive pill so that they can advise you the pill that suits you the best.4

3. Progestin-only pills (POPs) or mini pill

The mini pill, commonly known as the progestin-only pill, is a form of birth control pill. It contains progestin, a generic form of the hormone progesterone that your body naturally produces. In comparison to combination birth control pills, the mini pill does not include estrogen. The progestin dose in a mini pill is lower than the progestin dose in a combined birth control pill.

The mini pill works in a number of ways to prevent pregnancy. It thickens the cervical mucus and because of this, the sperm has a difficult time reaching the egg. In addition, it thins the lining of the uterus. By doing this, the fertilised egg is prevented from implanting itself. The mini pill can occasionally prevent ovulation as well. You must take the mini pill at the same time each day to ensure maximum efficiency.5

4. Intrauterine Device (IUD)

An IUD is a small device shaped like a “T” and is placed inside your uterus. It is regarded as a non hormonal method of contraception also known as copper-T. An inflammatory reaction is caused by coiling copper wire around the device that is toxic to sperm and eggs. The copper wire on the IUD stops pregnancy by preventing sperm from reaching and fertilising the egg. Long-term birth control is possible with an intrauterine device (IUD). After insertion, an IUD can prevent pregnancies for up to ten years.6

Which method of preventing pregnancy is most effective?

The best way to prevent pregnancy if you intend to have vaginal sex is to combine a highly effective birth control method (such as an IUD or implant) with a condom.

The efficiency of various birth control methods varies. The most reliable and practical birth control options are implants and IUDs, which also happen to be the most effective at preventing pregnancy.

Other hormonal contraceptive methods, such as combination birth control pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) or progestin-only pills (containing only progestin), ring, patch, or shot, are as effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. Because humans are not flawless and tend to forget things, these procedures are more likely to fail than implants or IUDs.

It is important that you use your birth control properly. This means that your risk of getting pregnant would be very high if you forget to take your pill, change your ring, and get your shot when scheduled. Therefore, the best birth control technique for you is the one you’ll consistently use correctly.

Here’s an added bonus!

Regardless of the technique you choose, using a condom and birth control at the same time increases your ability to prevent pregnancy.7 If you have any questions about birth control, you can use the Pinky Promise App, which has a gynaecologist-verified chatbot and allows you to communicate anonymously on the chatrooms for free!