Choosing The Right Contraceptive

3. More Temporary Artificial Means:
d. Pregnancy Rx: Vaginal Ring –
How it works: A relatively recent addition to the available options for female contraceptives, a vaginal ring is a small, transparent ring that is inserted into the vagina, near the cervix and worn for three weeks. It slowly releases estrogen and progesterone into your body that suppress ovulation and thickens cervical mucous, creating a natural barrier for the sperms.
Advantages: It is a safe, though expensive option for birth control. Each ring provides protection against pregnancy for a month, after which a new ring has to be inserted. Using a vaginal ring can cause your menstrual periods to be lighter and shorter with fewer cramps.
Disadvantages: The normal side effects of an oral pill occur. You may complain initially of nausea, headache, weight, gain and vaginal irritation. If you happen to be diabetic or hypertensive, this is not for you. Available in metros and big cities, though not widely.
Tip: The use of the vaginal ring may help in reducing your acne. So while opting for a vaginal ring contraceptive get clear skin as a free gift.

e. Pregnancy Rx: Intra Uterine Device (IUD) –
How it works: IUD, a small, T-shaped device with a string attached to the end, is one of the world’s most widely used reversible contraceptives for women. The IUD is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy and works by keeping the sperm from meeting the egg and prevents the egg from attaching to the uterus. It is made of plastic and copper. IUDs are broadly of two types – copper-based devices and hormone-impregnated devices that release progesterone into the body.
Advantages: Success rates for birth control through this method are fairly high (99.2-99.9% effective). IUDs give you the flexibility of long-term family planning as you can choose between the ones meant for up to three years or those made for even longer use (5-10 years). Also, IUDs are ideal for women who have already had a pregnancy, partly because in such cases, the cervix is wider, making the insertion of the IUD easier and less painful.
Disadvantages: It cant be self administered in the privacy of your home. Insertion as well as removal can be done only by a medical practitioner after proper check-up. Side effects include heavier and painful periods in the first few months. Also, there is a risk of infection and pelvic inflammatory disease in the first three weeks following insertion.
Tip: An IUD also acts as an emergency contraceptive measure and can be inserted after five days of having unprotected sex.

f. Pregnancy Rx: Injectable Contraceptive –
How it works: Intra-muscular contraceptive injections containing synthetic hormones (estrogen and /or progesterone) may be administered monthly, bi-monthly or tri-monthly. These shots have three useful anti-fertility effects. They stop ovulation, thicken the mucous in the cervix and make the lining of the womb thinner, so that if an egg does become fertilized, it would be difficult for it to attach itself to the lining.
Advantages: The success rate of this injection is about 99% which makes it a most efficacious contraceptive. They make the periods lighter, prevent blood loss and menstrual cramps.
Disadvantages: You may gain weight because of the steroid shots. The periods maybe also become irregular and you might skip some, causing a bit of worry.
Tip: If you have picked injectables as your chosen method, make sure you follow a regular exercise regimen and watch your calorie intake.

There is a whole range of contraceptive options available for women, so weight the pros and cons and make a choice about which contraceptive you have to use. Every woman’s needs are different. Be sure about what you are using and also sure on how to use it, because this is a very important factor. After all, you don’t want the most cherished feeling of motherhood to come to you as a shock.