With a population of 135 crores and counting, conversations around birth control methods are vital in India. But several women all over the country lack basic information about birth control, family planning and the various methods available. Dr Sushma Tomar,
1. Why should women consider birth control methods? Birth control methods are used for contraception and family planning. It means the couple can have the power to decide how many children to plan for and how much gap should be there between two children.
2. What is the safest form of permanent birth control? Is sterilisation a safe option for women? When we talk about the safest permanent birth control method, Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation is a safe and permanent way of a birth control method for women. For men, Vasectomy is a way for permanent birth control.
3. Can you get pregnant if you’re on the pill? What is the success rate of birth control? Regarding the success rate of birth control pills, if taken in time, and appropriately, the failure rate is 1% in one year. So that way it is very safe; Oral contraceptive pills contain hormones that stop ovulation from happening.
4. With pre-marital sex still a taboo in India, how do unmarried Indian women approach the subject of birth control with their partners and gynaecologist? If a couple is engaging in premarital sex, the couple should have an open dialogue with their gynaecologist. She can use either oral contraceptive pills or he can use condoms; both are safe methods of contraception.
5. What are the side effects of oral contraceptives? Oral contraceptive pills are available in low dose hormone pills, so they do not have too many side effects and are usually well-tolerated. Some patients do experience nausea, vomiting, giddiness for a few days in the beginning, but afterwards, you become used to it.