Hello,

Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com.

There are various available methods of contraception available, and they are prescribed via a cafetaria approach, that is, the user is informed about the pros and cons of each, and then the user would choose the one most suitable to them, as it is a highly personal decision.

For example, the safest option is to use condoms. Apart from contraceptive benefits, they also protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pelvic infections. If you are comfortable with using them, they are most beneficial, as various brands and lubricated ones are available freely in the market, and they are economical also.

The second option is using birth control pills. These are also quite safe, and a wide variety of oral contraceptive pills is available in the market. Newer ones have minimum doses of hormones and few side effects . However they have to be taken daily and regularly for best results.

Intrauterine devices of injections are generally not recommended, if you do not have a single child, as they might cause side effects on the periods and the uterine lining.

Newer contraceptive methods like the Nuvaring are available, they act in the same way as birth control pills, however, the advantage is that the ring is inserted into the vagina , and pills do not have to be taken everyday. These are more expensive though.

It is not wise to rely on methods such as coitus interruptus ( ejaculation outside the vagina ) or on the fertile period charting method, as these are unreliable and have high failure rates.

Before starting any contraceptive method ( apart from condoms of course ) , it is always advisable to consult a Gynecologist for internal checkup and to rule out any contraindications.

All said and done, if condoms are not acceptable to the couple, then birth control pills are the next best option.

All the best.
Please feel free to ask any further follow up questions.

Regards,
Dr Aarti