Tips On Choosing The Right Contraceptives
September 26th is always observed as World Contraception Day to spread awareness about methods of contraception and safe sex practices. Practising safe sex is one of the most essential steps towards maintaining public health.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right contraception:
Efficacy of the method: Different methods of contraception offer different levels of efficacy. While some methods such as IUDs, pills, and vaginal rings may have up to 99 per cent efficacy rate, other methods such as male condoms, female condoms, and diaphragms may only have an efficacy rate of 97 per cent or below. Make sure you talk to your doctor and choose a method with maximum efficacy for desirable results.
Comfort: Certain contraceptives such as diaphragms, vaginal condoms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) can be rather invasive in nature causing some level of discomfort among individuals. Furthermore, certain contraceptives cause changes to the body such as altered menstrual cycle or weight gain, which may be uncomfortable to some people. Choosing a method that is suitable for you in terms of comfort is important to ensure safe sex practice with uncompromised pleasure and satisfaction.
Consistency: You may be responsible for wanting to pick a contraceptive for safe sex practices, but are you responsible enough to commit to one regularly? While some contraceptives such as IUDs and contraceptive implants can last up to years, methods such as hormone pills need to be taken regularly to ensure their efficacy. Missing one pill can lead to the futility of results. If you are an unorganised individual or have a hectic lifestyle, opt for a long-term method to eliminate the risk of forgetting your pills. Always remember that consistency is the key.
Your lifestyle: Just like how certain contraceptives affect the body, the body can have a direct effect on the efficacy of the method of contraception as well. For instance, some contraceptives may be less effective for smokers and overweight people. Therefore, before picking a method, make sure that you clear your queries with your doctor and provide them with a transparent background of your lifestyle, medical history, and habits.
Future: Before picking a method of contraception, do not forget to ask yourself – Are you planning on having children in future? – Contraceptives such as female sterilization and vasectomy are permanent and cannot be reversed. If an individual opts for it at any point in their lives, their chances of reproduction later in life plummet to zero. Therefore, make sure that you confirm the lasting period of your contraceptive
Unsafe sex can lead to a variety of situations such as unwanted pregnancies, unsafe or forced abortions, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV AIDS, gonorrhoea, herpes, and syphilis.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician.
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