Contraception is an attitude. It is an attitude towards being responsible and towards being safe. There are also longer methods of contraception or contraceptive devices that can be used for longer periods.
Copper T: This is a small device that has to be inserted inside the womb by a doctor. This contains copper and the copper has an anti-fertility effect. The process might sound painful, but there’s only a little bit of discomfort in the beginning. Copper T can stay in the womb for about three years or five years or ten years depending on how long you want it to be kept. The typical failure rate is only about 0.8%.
LNG-IUS: This is a small T shaped device but instead of Copper it has hormone in it. It has to be inserted into the womb by a doctor. It can stay in the womb for three or five years depending on what shape it is. It can be a small one or a big one. This is very effective contraception. The failure rate is about 0.1-0.4%. It also helps in reducing menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding.
Implant: This is a thin rod, like a matchstick which contains a hormone that gets released into the body. It is inserted in the upper arm and it just feels like something’s there inside but cannot be seen from outside. It is one of the most effective contraception. The failure rate typically is about 0.1%. This can also help reduce menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding. However, it can cause some amount of irregular cycles. It typically stays in the body for about three years.
Injections or shots: These are injections that are given into the muscle once in every three months. These injections are one of the most effective methods of contraception. It also causes a few irregular cycles and gains in weight. This is the only contraception in which the fertility returns eight to nine months after the injection is discontinued.
Contraceptive patch: These are small skin patches that can be worn over the lower abdomen or the buttocks or the upper body, except the breasts. These releases a small amount of estrogen and progesterone. Each patch can be worn for about a week. The typical failure rate is about 7%. However, these patches are not available in India.
Hormonal contraceptive ring: it has to be inserted into the vagina. It’s a silicon rubber band that can easily be flexed and put inside the vagina. This can stay in the vagina for about three weeks. The typical failure rate is about 7%.