The subject of birth control is a complicated one; many people lack awareness of the same. Whether it is about sex or getting your period, aspects of women’s sexual and reproductive health are shrouded with shame and dishonour. On top of that, there are multiple options, none of which we learn about in the abstinence-based sex-ed in school. According to a 2015 study published in The Lancet Global Health by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai; the Population Council, New Delhi; and the New York-based Guttmacher Institute an estimated 15.6 million abortions were performed in the country in 2015. Eighty-one per cent of them were achieved using abortion medication, 14 per cent were performed surgically in health facilities, and five per cent using other methods.
Understanding the medical resources you can avail of to prevent pregnancies is essential and finding the right method that works for you can be overwhelming. While there is plenty of information on the internet, we highly recommend reaching out to your gynaecologist before picking one. To unpack this very essential information about some common birth control methods in India, we reached out to Dr Asha Dalal, gynaecologist, and obstetrician at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre.
What is birth control?
Contraception or birth control are methods that are employed to prevent pregnancies. These may also prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases as well as unplanned parenthood.
What are the most common methods of birth control for women in India?
“There are two types of birth control methods: Temporary and permanent,” explains Dr Dalal. Temporary methods include barriers like condoms, oral contraceptive oils, intrauterine devices, and injectable hormones. For a permanent option, women can opt for a tubectomy. “This is more than 99 per cent,” she adds.
Temporary methods
Condoms
“This has a dual benefit of contraception as well as the prevention of STDs. If used perfectly, it is 97 per cent effective and if we take into account how it is used typically, it is 86 per cent effective,” explains Dr Dalal.
Cost of a condom: Starting from Rs 5. The Government also provides these free of cost.
Oral contraceptive pills
“There are various types of pills available like oral contraceptive pills, progesterone pills, and emergency contraceptive pills. Out of all of these, contraceptive pills that contain two hormones estrogen and progesterone are the most effective. If used perfectly and on a cyclical basis, they can be 99 per cent effective and if we consider the typical use, it is 91 per cent effective,” says Dr Dalal.
Cost of monthly contraceptive pills: Rs 50. The Government also provides these free of cost.
Intrauterine devices (IUD)
“A non-hormonal (Copper T) or a hormonal IUD (Mirena) is inserted inside the uterus during the last two days of menses. These last for a duration of three, five, and 10 years, according to what you choose. IUDs are more than 99 per cent,” describes Dr Dalal.
Cost of copper and hormonal IUD: Rs 300 – Rs 600 and Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively. The Government provides copper T IUDs free of cost.
Injectable hormones
“Depo-Provera and the Antara injections contain depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and have to be taken intramuscularly every three months. Another injectable is called DMPA-SC and it is given in subcutaneous area [upper outer area of the arm, the front and outer sides of the thighs] using a device called Unijet every 90 days,” explains Dr Dalal. These injections are between 94 to 99 per cent effective.
Cost of injectables: Rs 300 - Rs 500. The Government also provides these free of cost.
3 things to keep in mind before getting on birth control
Take into consideration your health issues, if any
“Some hormonal contraceptives can be unsafe for women with specific health conditions. For example, if you are older than 35 and smoke, hormonal birth control can increase the risk of heart disease,” explains Dr Dalal. If you have a history of blood clots, strokes, breast or uterine cancer or active liver disease do not start taking birth contraceptives without consulting your doctor.
The nature of your relationship
It is important to choose a barrier birth control method that prevents pregnancy and the transmission of STDs, especially if you have multiple partners. “Consistent and correct use of condoms is the best way to protect yourself from HIV and STDs. If you’re in a monogamous relationship with a partner who doesn’t have an STD, you can consider options like pills, patches, and IUDs,” she adds.
Your lifestyle
To make sure it is effective, birth control has to be used exactly as prescribed. “If you’re a forgetful person, it may not be the best choice as the pill has to be taken every day. You can then consider condoms, IUDs, or injectables,” explains Dr Dalal.
To sum it up…
If you want an option to use as and when needed and STDs…
“Consider barrier methods like condoms.”
If you’re good with schedules and aren’t forgetful…
“Consider contraceptive pills or injections.”
If you want something low-maintenance, long-term, and is budget-friendly…
“Intrauterine devices are the best.”
If you want something permanent…
“Sterilisation is the choice for you.”
We recommend you to consult a medical expert to understand the more about contraception methods, and what’s best-suited for you.