How To Effectively Avoid An Unwanted Pregnancy

How To Effectively Avoid An Unwanted Pregnancy

While all of us enjoy sex, if starting a family is not on your agenda, a pregnancy can throw your life completely out of whack. Now if abstinence is not your idea of birth control, then it is essential that you know the different contraception methods. Avoiding an unwanted pregnancy isn’t rocket science. The only obstacle is lack of knowledge on the options out there. Yes, there’s more to birth control than condoms! So, here’s your exhaustive guide to help you avoid an unwanted pregnancy, so you can have sex without a single care in the world!

Birth control pills

These are basically hormone pills that help prevent unwanted pregnancy. There are various brands available and according to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, they are over 99 percent effective if taken as directed by your Ob-gyn. There are two types – a combined one containing both estrogen and progestin and another, containing only progestin. These are not just effective in preventing pregnancy, but also help regularise your periods. It is advisable though to consult your gynaecologist to know the right one for you.

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Barrier methods

Condoms act as a protection against both pregnancy and STDs. This makes it a more preferred choice of contraception. In fact, with the range of flavours and textures available in the market, condoms can actually enhance your pleasure too. You can opt for both male and female condoms, easily available at the drugstore. However, correct usage is of utmost importance. For instance, using two condoms doesn’t offer double protection but rather increases the chance of it slipping off. There are other barrier methods too, such as spermicides and cervical caps but condoms are known to be more effective.

Emergency contraceptives

If you’ve had sex without protection, pregnancy can be avoided by using an emergency contraceptive pill, such as i-Pill. The efficiency of the pill depends on how soon you take it post sex, within a deadline of three days. However, emergency contraceptives shouldn’t be used as a substitute for birth control pills. According to World Health Organisation, EC are upto 95% effective in avoiding pregnancy, if used as prescribed. Apart from the pill, you can also opt for copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs), which basically prevent fertilisation by causing a chemical change in sperm and egg before they meet, as stated by WHO.

Avoid sex during ovulation

This natural method of preventing unwanted pregnancy involves tracking your menstrual cycle (there are several apps for that!). You must avoid having sex during your fertile days. The window is of six to nine days, and coincides with ovulation, that is the release of the egg. According to the National Health Service (NHS), it is around 76% effective.

ALSO READ: 7 Reasons To Love Your Period (And Child-Bearing Is NOT One Of Them!

Long-term methods

Ask your Ob-gyn about Contraceptive Implants. They last for three years. Alternately, if you want a permanent solution, you can get sterilisation done. Both these methods are almost 100% effective.

Akanksha Narang

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