World Contraception Day is celebrated every year on September 26th to increase awareness and promote the use of contraception. Contraception is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy. It is common for people to have queries related to contraception.

Here, in this article, we will discuss six common queries about contraception and provide answers to them.

What is Contraception?

Contraception, also known as birth control, refers to the methods and devices used to prevent pregnancy. It can be used to prevent unwanted pregnancies, to space out pregnancies or to avoid adverse health effects associated with frequent pregnancies.

Contraceptives can be hormonal or non-hormonal and can be used by both men and women. Some common methods of contraception are condoms, oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices, and sterilization.

What is the Best Contraceptive Method?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to contraception. The choice of contraceptive method depends on various factors like age, health, lifestyle, and individual preferences.

Hormonal contraceptives like the pill, vaginal ring, and hormonal IUDs are highly effective in preventing pregnancy but may not suit everyone. Non-hormonal methods like condoms, copper IUDs, and diaphragms are equally effective but may not be convenient for everyone to use.

Therefore, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best contraceptive method for your individual needs.

Do Contraceptives have Side Effects?

Like any medication or medical device, contraceptives may have side effects. The side effects depend on the type and method of contraception used. Some hormonal contraceptives may cause headaches, nausea, mood swings, and weight gain.

Non-hormonal contraceptives like copper IUDs may cause heavy menstrual bleeding or cramps. However, these side effects are usually temporary and diminish with time. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

Can I Get Pregnant While Using Contraceptives?

Contraceptives are highly effective in preventing pregnancy, but no method is 100% effective. Failure rates vary depending on the type and method of contraception used.

Hormonal methods like the pill and the patch have a failure rate of less than 1%, while condoms and diaphragms have a failure rate of 15%. However, failure rates can be reduced by using the method correctly and consistently. If you suspect that you are pregnant while using contraception, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

When Should I Start using Contraceptives?

The ideal time to start using contraception varies depending on individual circumstances. Most healthcare professionals recommend starting contraceptives at the beginning of menstruation for maximum efficacy.

Some hormonal contraceptives like the pill and the patch may also be started mid-cycle. However, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the ideal time to start contraception based on your individual needs.

Can Contraceptives Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Not all contraceptives offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only barrier methods like condoms and dental dams offer protection against most STIs.

Hormonal methods or other non-barrier methods like the pill and diaphragms do not offer protection against STIs and should be used in conjunction with barrier methods for optimal protection.

Conclusion

Contraception is an essential tool for preventing unwanted pregnancies and spacing out pregnancies. The choice of contraceptive method depends on various factors like age, health, lifestyle, and individual preferences.

Hormonal and non-hormonal methods are available and differ in efficacy, convenience, and side effects. It is crucial to use the method correctly and consistently to reduce the failure rate. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the best contraceptive method for your individual needs.