Safety Measures

Precautions are very important while planning a baby. Here are some:

• The most common one is the oral contraceptive pill. This is the safest and easiest way to check an unwanted pregnancy. But this is not recommended if you have had a family history of breast cancer or endometrial cancer.
  
• Another method is the intra-uterine device (IUD) which is inserted in the uterus. This is the commonly known Copper T. But this method is advised only after the first delivery. This is because the chances of infection are higher if you have not had a baby.
  
• Condoms are another safe way to check a pregnancy.
  
• A natural method is the calendar method. This means if you have a 30 day cycle the period between the tenth and the twentieth day is unsafe. The first to the tenth and after the twentieth is safe, but a condom should still be used because this is an unreliable method.
  
• Emergency contraception is helpful if you have had intercourse without any protection. This is a pack of two pills, one of which should be taken immediately and the other, twelve hours after.

All these methods are cost effective and available at any family planning centre or pharmacist. The Copper T would cost you anywhere between Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 depending on the facility you opt for.

Also Read: Contraceptive Counselling

Care to Be Taken

While going for Copper T, your gynaecologist will do a thorough check-up and ask for an extensive history. You need to take utmost care if you opt for this method. Here are some vital points to be kept in mind:

• Maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness at all times.
• Immediately see your gynaecologist if there is a burning sensation while passing urine.
• Immediately report any excessive white discharge.
• Immediately see your doctor if you miss your periods.

Effects of Contraception

Generally, none of the methods used have any ill effects, but the regular pill may lead to weight gain, swelling, and breast tenderness. In rare cases, the pill could cause clots in your veins. If you have fibroids, it could be dangerous for your reproductive health.

Gynaecologist, Dr. Mugdha Raut advices against using Copper T if you have not been through a full-term pregnancy. "This is because if you have not had a pregnancy, chances of you getting an infection is very high because you are having intercourse for the first time. Also, if you get infected and the fallopian tubes get blocked, it can be very dangerous," she says.