With the wide range of choices available in the world of contraceptives, the decision can be a little confusing. While there are a lot of questions that you may want an answer to before you decide, here are three quick tips to help you determine what form of contraception is right for you.
1. Do you want to have children in the future?
Preventing pregnancies can either be a long-term or a short-term decision. Parenthood and its dynamics vary for every person. Hence, the question of, if and when you want to have a child becomes important. In case you never want to have a child, you can opt for a permanent method such as sterilisation. If you don’t want to look into getting pregnant for a couple of years or more, then you can try Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) which include Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) and Intrauterine Systems (IUSs). Short Term Contraceptives such as Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) and Contraceptive Injections work best for those looking to avoid conceiving for a shorter period of time.
2. Are you someone who likes routine or exactly the opposite?
Some forms of contraceptives require following a daily routine, some require follow-up after a few months and then there are those you adopt and forget for a long time.
Advanced Oral Contraceptive Pills must be taken at the same time, each day for 21 days, every month. So this would work best if you are organized and can take your pill at the same time every day.
If not, you can opt for methods like injectable contraceptives, which require to be taken once, every 3 months. If that also seems like too much remembering to do, you can opt for methods that once adopted, can last for 3-5 years, like the IUD or IUS. These methods also suit those who like to keep things private.
3. Are you on any form of constant medication?
Some forms of contraceptives include introducing hormones into your body to prevent pregnancy. Being on any other long-term medication can prove to be counteractive if taken with hormonal contraceptives. The safest way to indulge in contraception while being on long-term medication is to choose a non-hormonal method such as IUDs. However, it is strongly advised to get in touch with a doctor to decide which form of contraception is right for you.
Contraception can bring a lot of questions, and we’re here to answer all of them. Still unsure? Learn more about the different types of contraceptives here.
