Contraception Advice

What is contraception?

Contraception refers to the deliberate use of methods or devices to prevent pregnancy. It plays a central role in reproductive health, giving individuals and couples the ability to decide if and when they want to conceive. By preventing unintended pregnancies, contraception also supports broader goals such as personal autonomy, family planning, educational and career advancement, and overall your well-being.

Contraceptive methods work in various ways — by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, creating a physical barrier between sperm and egg, or altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation. Some methods are short-acting and used only during sexual activity (e.g. condoms), while others provide long-term protection (e.g. implants or intrauterine devices). Permanent options, such as sterilisation, are also available for those who have completed their families.

The choice of contraception is not one-size-fits-all. Factors like age, health conditions, personal values, relationship status, and future fertility plans all influence what method is most suitable. Contraception advice must be individualised, so it can empower patients with accurate information and support them in choosing a method that fits their body, lifestyle, and reproductive goals.

What are the different types of contraceptive methods?

Contraceptive methods fall into several categories, each working in a different way to prevent pregnancy. Choosing the right method depends on your health, lifestyle, reproductive goals, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

S.No	Type	Subtypes	Description
	Barrier methods	Male condoms	Worn over the penis; protects against pregnancy and STIs.
		Female condoms	Inserted into the vagina; provide dual protection.
		Diaphragms & cervical caps	Dome-shaped devices placed in the vagina before sex; used with spermicide.
	Hormonal methods	Combined oral contraceptive pill	Daily pill with oestrogen and progestin; prevents ovulation.
		Progestin-only pill (mini pill)	Suitable for those who cannot take oestrogen.
		Contraceptive patch	Worn on the skin; changed weekly.
		Vaginal ring	Inserted into the vagina; replaced monthly.
		Injectables (e.g. Depo-Provera)	Hormone injection given every 12 weeks.
		Implants	Small rod placed under the arm skin; effective for 3–5 years.
	Intrauterine devices (IUDs)	Hormonal IUD (e.g. Mirena)	Placed in the uterus; releases progestin; lasts 3–8 years.
		Copper IUD	Non-hormonal; toxic to sperm; effective for up to 10 years.
	Natural methods	Fertility awareness methods (FAMs)	Track ovulation using temperature, mucus, and cycle data.
		Withdrawal (pull-out method)	Penis is withdrawn before ejaculation; less reliable.
		Lactational amenorrhoea method (LAM)	Natural method during exclusive breastfeeding (first 6 months postpartum).
	Emergency contraception	Emergency contraceptive pills	Taken after unprotected sex; most effective within 72 hours.
		Copper IUD (as emergency)	Inserted within 5 days; highly effective emergency option.
	Permanent methods	Female sterilisation (tubal ligation/occlusion)	Surgical procedure to block or cut fallopian tubes.
		Male sterilisation (vasectomy)	Surgical procedure to cut or seal the vas deferens.

What are the benefits of contraception?

Contraception offers a range of benefits that extend beyond pregnancy prevention. These benefits span personal, medical, and societal levels, making contraception a key component of comprehensive healthcare.

• Empowers reproductive choice — contraception allows individuals and couples to plan when and if they want children. This autonomy supports emotional well-being and helps people make decisions that align with their life goals.

• Improves maternal and child health — proper spacing between pregnancies reduces the risk of complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and maternal anaemia. Women are more likely to have healthier pregnancies when they can plan them at optimal times.

• Manages menstrual and hormonal issues — some contraceptive methods, particularly hormonal ones, help regulate periods, reduce menstrual pain, control acne, and treat conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

• Reduces the need for abortion — by preventing unintended pregnancies, contraception can lower the rate of both elective and emergency abortions, contributing to safer reproductive health outcomes.

• Protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — barrier methods like male and female condoms help reduce the risk of STIs, including HIV, when used correctly and consistently.

• Offers convenience and long-term protection — long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), like IUDs and implants, offer years of protection without daily effort, which makes them suitable for women seeking low-maintenance options.

How do I choose the right contraceptive method for me?

Choosing the right contraceptive method is a deeply personal decision that depends on your health, lifestyle, future fertility plans, and comfort level with various options. There’s no single method that suits everyone and what works well for one person may not be ideal for another. Factors to consider include:

• Your current health status — our doctors consider your medical conditions, as conditions like high blood pressure, migraines, or a history of blood clots may limit your use of hormonal contraceptives. A thorough health assessment helps rule out any contraindications.

• Your lifestyle and routine — some methods require consistency and daily attention (like the pill), while others are low-maintenance and long-acting (like implants or IUDs). If you prefer a “set and forget” approach, a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) may be best.

• Reversibility and family planning goals — if you plan to conceive in the near future, a temporary method may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you are certain about not having more children, permanent options like sterilisation may be appropriate.

• Tolerance to hormones and side effects — some individuals may experience side effects such as mood changes, headaches, or weight fluctuations with hormonal methods. If you prefer to avoid hormones, we may recommend barrier methods or the copper IUD considering your preference. 

• Protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — if STI protection is important,  especially in non-monogamous or new relationships, barrier methods like condoms are the only contraceptive option that offer dual protection.

• Breastfeeding status —during breastfeeding, non-oestrogen methods (like the mini pill or IUD) are usually recommended to avoid affecting milk supply.

Are there any side effects of taking contraception? 

Like all medications and medical interventions, contraceptive methods can have side effects — though not everyone experiences them, and many are mild or temporary. The type and intensity of side effects often depend on the method used, individual health factors, and how the body responds to hormonal changes or foreign devices.  The table below presents the common side effects of different contraceptive methods: 

Method Type	Examples	Common Side Effects
Hormonal methods	Pills, patches, injections, implants, hormonal IUDs	Irregular bleeding or spotting (especially early on)Nausea, headaches, breast tendernessMood changes or decreased libidoWeight gain or bloating (more common with injectables)Acne (may improve or worsen)Delay in return to fertility (especially with injections)
Non-hormonal methods	Copper IUD, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps	Heavier or more painful periods (copper IUD)Irritation or allergy to latex/lubricant (condoms)Increased risk of urinary tract infections (diaphragms/caps)
Emergency contraception	Emergency contraceptive pills, copper IUD (as EC)	Nausea or headacheTemporary changes to menstrual timing or flow
Permanent methods	Tubal ligation, vasectomy	Surgical risks such as infection, bleeding, or postoperative pain

While side effects can be inconvenient, they are usually manageable and subside over time. Serious complications, such as blood clots or significant hormonal imbalances, are rare and usually associated with specific risk factors, which your doctor will assess before recommending a suitable contraceptive method.

What can I expect during a contraception consultation?

A contraception consultation is a confidential session that helps you choose the birth control method that suits you best. Whether you are using contraception for the first time, thinking about changing methods, or seeking guidance after a life change such as childbirth, the consultation is personalised to address your health, lifestyle, and preferences.

At Holistic Gynaecology & Fertility, here’s what typically happens during your visit:

• Personal medical history review — we begin by discussing your general health, menstrual patterns, existing medical conditions, allergies, and any past experiences with contraception. This helps us identify methods that are safe and suitable for you.

• Understanding your goals and preferences — we take time to understand your reproductive goals, whether you are looking for short-term protection, long-term planning, or something hormone-free. We also consider factors like your lifestyle, relationship status, comfort with daily routines, and breastfeeding status (if applicable).

• Discussion of available options — you will receive clear, unbiased information about all the contraceptive methods available, including how they work, how to use them, their effectiveness, side effects, and whether they offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We also address common myths and misconceptions.

• Addressing questions and concerns — this is your opportunity to ask anything on your mind,  from safety and side effects to how contraception may affect your periods, libido, or future fertility. No question is too small or too personal.

• Choosing a method and follow-up plan — once you feel ready, we help you choose the method that best fits your needs. If you opt for a method that requires a procedure (like an IUD or implant), we will explain the next steps and arrange an insertion appointment. For other methods, prescriptions or guidance will be provided on the spot.

Summary 

Contraception refers to the use of methods or devices to prevent pregnancy, giving individuals greater control over their reproductive health and life choices. There are various types of contraceptive methods available, including barrier methods, hormonal options, intrauterine devices (IUDs), natural methods, emergency contraception, and permanent solutions, each with its own mechanism, effectiveness, and suitability depending on individual needs. While most methods are highly effective when used correctly, no method is entirely foolproof, and some may come with side effects such as irregular bleeding, mood changes, or discomfort. 

To discuss your options in detail, schedule a consultation with us for supportive contraception advice tailored to your lifestyle and health.