Punita Nagar-Vaidya
World Contraception Day (World Contraception Day) is a global awareness day celebrated on 26th September every year since 2007. World Contraception Day is an international campaign that focuses on the importance of contraception and reproductive health. The importance of World Contraception Day is to raise awareness about contraception, promote the overall health of both men and women, encourage open discussions about contraceptive options, promote women's rights and promote gender equality worldwide. If there is proper knowledge in this matter, the unwanted fetus can be saved without any worries and medical problems.
Abstinence The abstinence method involves avoiding any activity that allows sperm to enter the vagina to prevent pregnancy. Partners in this activity avoid penetrative vaginal sex. Theoretically, this method is 100 percent effective, but any activity that involves the penis being close to the vagina increases the chance of pregnancy. There are no physical side effects and there is no cost to adopt this method. However, it can always be difficult to implement and maintain. FERTILITY AWARENESS There are certain days in the menstrual cycle when intercourse is most likely to lead to pregnancy. Fertility awareness is very important for a person who wants to prevent pregnancy. This is known as natural family planning. These days include avoiding sex that could lead to pregnancy or using another method of birth control. Standard Day This method requires fertility day awareness. If known to lead to pregnancy on days 8-19 of the menstrual cycle, unprotected sex is avoided at that time. Proponents of the Standard Days Method (SDM) claim that it is 95 percent effective, indicating that 5 out of every 100 people who use it become pregnant within the first year of use. Thus, there is no exact data to prove this figure correct but one estimate is that it is 76-83 percent effective. Withdrawal The withdrawal or 'pull-out' method involves the technique of removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation. Pregnancy can occur if pre-ejaculate enters the vagina or if semen is around the vagina or on the hand. Breastfeeding A woman who breastfeeds within 6 months of giving birth has a reduced chance of getting pregnant because her periods are not regular and ovulation does not occur due to insufficient hormone levels. The technical term for this approach to birth control is lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). Doctors recommend using another method along with LAM. Male condoms Male or external condoms made from latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene can prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs. Natural or lambskin condoms can only prevent pregnancy. Female condoms Female or internal condoms can prevent pregnancy and protect against HIV as well as other STIs. People should not use internal and external condoms at the same time, as this can cause them to break. Diaphragm Diaphragms are a special type of silicone cup used with spermicides. A diaphragm is inserted into a person's vagina to prevent pregnancy. The diaphragm needs to remain in the vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy, but should not remain in the body for more than 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection. Cervical Cap or Shield Cervical caps and shields are silicone cups that fit over the cervix in the vagina. This method is safe while breastfeeding and does not affect hormone levels. A cervical cap should be left in place for at least 6 hours after sex and removed within 48 hours. Contraceptive Sponge A contraceptive sponge is a plastic foam disc that contains spermicide and a person inserts it into the vagina. The sponge does not affect hormone levels, making it safe to use while breastfeeding. However, spermicides can cause side effects in humans. It can lead to vaginal dryness.
Different options for contraception are hormonal methods Á pills Á patches Á injections Á vaginal rings A doctor can recommend suitable contraception after considering the risk factors. Hormonal methods do not protect against STIs, so use a barrier method such as condoms. The implant method Á IUD Á implantable rod Á implanted devices are long-term birth control options. Á Permanent methods Á Tubal ligation Á Male sterilization (vasectomy) A person can have surgery to reverse the vasectomy, but there is no guarantee that fertility will return. Emergency Birth Control Á Morning After Pill Á Copper IUD Emergency birth control can help prevent pregnancy in special situations.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
