Contraception: Forms, Risks, Law, and Effectiveness

Introduction

Contraception, commonly referred to as birth control has evolved significantly over the years. It is not just about preventing unplanned pregnancies anymore; it is also about choice, reproductive health, and empowerment.

In India, approximately 99 percent of adolescents have knowledge of at least one method of contraception. However, it is disheartening to note that a considerable proportion of males, believe that contraception is the sole responsibility of women. So, it is crucial to educate and engage men in conversations about contraception to promote shared responsibility and empower women to make informed choices about their reproductive health especially in the rural arears. 

What is Contraception?

Contraception or birth control is the use of medicines, devices, or surgical options to prevent a woman from getting pregnant. It has various methods, of which some are permanent, and few are reversible. 

Forms

There are various forms of contraception, and it is essential to use them in the right way. Additionally, it is important to have a discussion with both your partner and licensed healthcare professional (doctor) before using any of the contraception methods below. 

Barrier Methods: 

Barrier methods act as a barrier and physically block sperms from reaching the egg. Certain barrier methods also provide protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The following are a few commonly used barrier methods of contraception:

Condoms: 

These are the most well-known barrier method, available for both males and females.

Diaphragm or Cervical Cap: 

A soft, dome-shaped cup that covers the cervix and is used with spermicide.

Spermicide: 

This is a type of chemical that inactivates sperm and is used with other barrier methods except sponge. 

Sponge: 

A Sponge is a soft foam that has spermicide, which makes sperms inactive. This is put into the vagina to cover the cervix and prevent sperm from reaching the uterus.

Hormonal Methods:

These methods alter the hormonal balance to prevent pregnancy and stops the eggs from getting fertilized. A few common hormonal methods include:

Contraceptive Pills: 

These pills have estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. 

Patch: 

It is a skin patch that releases hormones to prevent ovulation.

Vaginal Ring: 

The vaginal ring is a transparent and flexible plastic ring that has two hormones: estrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy just like pills. 

Injections:

These are the injections that have the hormone called depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) which is used for pregnancy control. 

Implants:  

A birth control implant is a small, thin rod-like device that is placed under the skin of your arm to effectively prevent pregnancy. The implant functions by releasing the hormone progestin into your bloodstream.

Surgical Methods:

The following methods of birth control are considered permanent and are considered safe, although there may be some potential complications.

Tubectomy: 

This is permanent method of contraception for women, that surgically blocks or prevents the eggs from entering the uterus.

Vasectomy: 

This method is a form of male birth control which involves a minor surgery that blocks the sperm from ejaculating into the semen. 

Risks

The side effects of using some of the contraceptive methods include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Sore breasts
• Nausea, Headaches
• Weight gain
• Vaginal discharge
• Decreased libido

Though these complications are rare, they can also become serious. A few potential complications are:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Liver tumors
• Cancer

The Law

Population control has been a concern of Indian public policy for quite a while. For the same, the Indian Government has imposed a few laws to make a significant impact on the population and birth control. 

The K.S. Puttaswamy (an Indian retired judge of the Karnataka High Court) judgment acknowledged that women have a constitutional right to make decisions about their reproductive choices. This right is considered a fundamental aspect of personal liberty, as outlined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

The Supreme Court of India in Suchita Srivastava & anr v/s Chandigarh Administration said that “It is important to recognize that reproductive choices can be exercised to procreate as well as to abstain from procreating. The crucial consideration is that a woman’s right to privacy, dignity and bodily integrity should be respected. This means that there should be no restriction whatsoever on the exercise of reproductive choices such as a woman’s right to refuse participation in sexual activity or alternatively the insistence on use of contraceptive methods.”

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of contraception depends upon the specific methods and how properly you use it. For example, hormonal birth control pills are over 90% effective when taken correctly, but their effectiveness drops if pills are missed or taken inconsistently. On the other hand, IUDs are more than 99% effective regardless of the usage.

Summing Up

Contraception serves a purpose beyond pregnancy prevention. To make well-informed decisions about your reproductive health, it is important to understand the various forms available, considering your own needs and circumstances, and being aware of the potential risks and laws involved. Seek the advice of healthcare professionals who can help you with your needs and remember that your decisions should always be accepted and supported!