5 Myths and facts on contraceptives revealed!

By Thanmaya Prakash

Contraception: Deliberate prevention of pregnancy Picture credits: theswaddle.com

While the ‘good news’ is supposed to bring joy to a lot of people, sometimes if the ‘good news’ is unwanted then it also brings grief. The best way to overcome this problem is by preventing unwanted pregnancy through the method of contraception. “There are a lot of myths surrounding the topic of contraceptives. It is always necessary to bust the myths and learn the facts,” said Dr S Shanthi, gynecologists and member of Family Planning Association in India(FPAI). She further said that the contraceptives cannot be randomly chosen as the medical advice is a must. Different types of contraception methods are tailored for different instances and body types, hence its necessary to seek medical advice before choosing the contraception method, if not it might lead to side effects or failure of the prevention of pregnancy.

5 Myths and Facts on Contraception

Myths and Facts on contraception revealed Picture credits: Thanmaya Prakash

1. Myth: Eating raw papaya after intercourse will prevent pregnancy.

Dr Shanthi said that no food can prevent pregnancy as they do not alter the harmone and the ovulation process.

2. Myth: Consumption of contraceptives lead to weight gain.

Contraceptives do not lead to weight gain as the water retention due to these pills are the least.

3. Myth: Consumption of contraceptives lead to infertility.

They do no cause infertility. Some of the oral contraceptives are used to get back fertility as they mimic the natural ovulation circle.

4. Contraceptives prevent STD.

STDs are not completely prevented by contraceptives.

5. Birth control pills cause cancer.

Birth control pills prevent ovarian cancer and they do not cause cancer.

5 Types of Contraception

Dr S Shanthi discussed the five types of contraceptives: Barrier methods, Emergency Contraception Pill, Oral contraception, Long-acting Reversible Contraception, Permanent Contraception.

1. Barrier method

Barrier Method of Conception Picture credits: Thanmaya Prakash

With the intention of not allowing the sperm to enter the vagina, barrier method involves a blockade that can be used before the intercourse. Both female and male condoms are designed on this idea. The success rate for this contraceptive is 98% if used properly.

• Male Condom- A thin sheath of rubber that wraps snugly around the male genitalia to collect sperm.

• Female Condom- Resembles a thin, yet flexible plastic pouch (or known as the vaginal ring). When used correctly, it completely blocks sperm from entering the uterus.

2. Emergency contraception pill

Emergency contraceptive method of Conception Picture credits: Thanmaya Prakash

This method is used after an unprotected intercourse or if the condom ruptures during the act of intercourse. In this method the female partner swallows a pill immediately after the intercourse. The effectiveness depends upon the hours within which the pill is taken. The sooner it is taken, the higher the success rate is. It is advised to take the pill within 48 hours of unprotected intercourse. This method is ineffective if the ovulation is over.

3. Oral contraception

Oral Conception Method Picture credits: Thanmaya Prakash

Pills are taken every day for the period of time during which the pregnancy has to be avoided. It is a strip of 30 tablets and the women is instructed to take one pill every day from the 1st day of menstrual cycle. This method prevents ovulation.

4. Long-acting reversable contraceptive (LARC)

Long-acting reversable contraceptive (LARC) Picture credits: Thanmaya Prakash

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods of birth control that provide effective contraception for an extended period without requiring regular action. This method includes intrauterine devices (IUDs), and contraceptive implants.

Intrauterine device (IUD) can be used for this method. This device is fitted inside a woman’s uterus and it can prevent pregnancy for the intended short period ranging from three to ten years depending on the type. This method is generally used by the women who do not wish to undergo permanent sterilisation.

The other option for LARC is the contraceptive implant where, a small, flexible rod is placed under the skin in a woman’s upper arm. This releases a form of the hormone progesterone that stops the ovary from releasing the egg and thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb.

5. Permanent sterilisation:

Permanent Sterilisation Picture credits: Thanmaya Prakash

This is a permanent method of birth control that either prevents a woman from getting pregnant or prevents a man from releasing sperm. This method involves surgery and it is not reversible.

The surgery for female is called as the ‘Tubal ligation’ where the doctor cuts, ties or seals fallopian tubes that further blocks the path between ovary and the uterus. This prevents from the egg entering the uterus and sperm reaching the egg.

The surgery for male is called as the Vasectomy. This procedure blocks the path between testes and urethra hence preventing the ejaculation of sperm.