About Contraception

‘Contraception’ refers to tools used as a means to deliberately prevent pregnancies. Contraception, including but not limited to condoms, birth control pills, or hormonal contraceptive devices, means using an intervention when having sexual intercourse to avoid getting pregnant. Using contraception, however, does not mean that you are practising safe sex. Safe sex is about stopping the spread of STIs; ‘Contraception’ refers only to preventing pregnancy.

Types of Female Contraceptive Methods

Meuri

Meuri is an advanced oral contraceptive pill that also has various non- contraceptive benefits like regularising periods, reduces pre-existing acne and hirsutism. It has temporary side-effects which are lower as compared to its predecessors. It is 99.7% effective when used as prescribed.

Freedom Inject

Freedom Inject is a short term hormonal contraceptive injection. It is received in the arm and given once every 3 months. It is 99% effective and fantastic for privacy. Side-effects that you may experience in the first few months include irregular bleeding, as well as longer and heavier periods. The injection must be administered only by a healthcare provider.

Sabatica

Sabatica is a long- term hormonal contraceptive method. It can help prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. It is 99% effective. Side-effects at the beginning include, irregular periods, acne, headaches, mood changes etc. The IUS should be inserted and removed from the uterus by a skilled healthcare provider.

Freedom 3

An intrauterine contraceptive device or an IUCD is a long term contraceptive method that lasts up to 3 years. It is 99% effective. Side-effects include changes in bleeding pattern in the first 3-6 months and may also experience cramping and pain during monthly bleeding. An IUD should be inserted and removed from the uterus by a skilled healthcare provider.

Freedom 5

An intrauterine contraceptive device or an IUCD is a long term contraceptive method that lasts up to 5 years. It is 99% effective. Side-effects include changes in bleeding pattern in the first 3-6 months and may also experience cramping and pain during monthly bleeding. An IUD should be inserted and removed from the uterus by a skilled healthcare provider.

Female Sterilization Method

Female sterilization or tubal ligation is a surgical procedure and a permanent method of birth control for women. During this procedure, the fallopian tubes are blocked or cut. This prevents the egg from moving from the ovaries through the fallopian tube where it could meet the sperm, preventing pregnancy. This method is suitable for women who are sure about not wanting more children, as you “set it and forget it.” It does not affect the sex drive or ability to enjoy sex. This surgery can be done in a hospital in about 30 minutes and get discharged on the same or the next day. Tubal ligation is a safe surgery which can be done at any time, including after childbirth or in combination with other surgeries such as a C- section.

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)

Emergency contraceptives, as the name suggests, help a woman avoid pregnancy after she has had sex without contraception or think their contraceptive method might have failed. They contain a hormone and it works by preventing or delaying the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). The emergency contraceptive pill needs to be taken within 72 hours after sex to have the best chance of avoiding a pregnancy. Note that EC works by preventing a pregnancy and not ending an existing pregnancy

Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUD)

The intrauterine device (IUD) can also be used for emergency contraception and is one of the most effective methods. It can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex. An IUD can last for 5 years, the person has complete choice over how long they want it for. It can be removed if desired.