Dr. Rupa Pandra

Birth Control

Family Planning

Birth control, or contraception, helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and gives you control over your reproductive health. Choosing the right method of birth control depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and future family planning goals. Today, there are many safe and effective options available to meet different needs.

Types of Birth Control

  • Hormonal Methods:

    • These methods, like the birth control pill, patch, or injection, use hormones to stop ovulation and make it harder for sperm to fertilize an egg. Hormonal IUDs and implants are longer-lasting options that offer years of protection.
  • Barrier Methods:

    • Methods like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps act as physical barriers to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms are also the only birth control that protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC):

    • LARCs, such as IUDs and implants, are highly effective and can last for several years. Once inserted by a healthcare provider, they provide long-term protection without needing daily attention.
  • Permanent Methods:

    • If you’re sure you’re done having children, permanent methods like tubal ligation (for women) or vasectomy (for men) are available. These options offer a permanent solution to birth control.
  • Natural Methods:

    • Fertility awareness or natural family planning involves tracking your cycle and avoiding intercourse on fertile days. While this method is hormone-free, it requires careful attention and is less reliable than other methods.

How to Choose the Right Method

When choosing a birth control method, consider factors like how often you want to manage it (daily, monthly, or long-term), your health, side effects, and whether you might want to get pregnant in the future. Discussing your options with a healthcare provider can help you find the best fit for your lifestyle and health needs.