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Birth Control Pills vs. Other Contraceptive Methods: A Gynecologist’s Guide

Approved By: Dr. Yasmin Imdad January 08, 2025 | 11:58 am

Motherhood is a personal choice. Many women choose to delay their pregnancy indefinitely. Choosing contraceptive methods is a good way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It also reduces abortion rates and saves women from the complications of abortions.

However, many women are often confused about what contraceptive method to choose. Learning the different types of contraceptive methods will give you an understanding of what will suit your requirements the best. It is advisable to visit a good gynecologist for advice on the best contraceptive method that suits your body.

Different contraceptive methods

Contraceptive methods can be classified as:

  • Reversible contraception
  • Permanent contraception

Reversible contraceptive methods

As the name suggests, reversible contraception is temporary. It can be further divided into:

  • Short-acting contraceptives
  • Long-acting contraceptives
  • One-time pregnancy prevention

The main advantage of reversible contraceptive methods is that women can choose to conceive at any point after they stop using the particular contraception.

Short-acting contraceptive methods:

Birth control pills are regarded as a short-acting contraceptive method. Gynecologists prescribe birth control pills. Women must take them on the second or third day from the date of their menstrual cycle. These birth control pills work by releasing hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which stop the ovaries from releasing an egg during the menstrual cycle. There is also another type of birth control pill that contains only progesterone. It stops the sperm from entering the uterus.

Advantages of birth control pills

One of the advantages of using birth control pills is that they are highly effective. Also, women who wish to consider pregnancy can stop the pills anytime without worrying about delayed fertility due to the pill. Further, birth control pills do not interfere with the act of intercourse.

Disadvantages of birth control pills

The main disadvantage of birth control pills is that these pills need to be taken on time every month. A failure to take a pill on time can render it ineffective. Also, birth control pills may cause bloating, nausea, and other side effects for women.

Long-acting contraceptive methods:

Although reversible, long-term contraceptive methods prevent pregnancies for a longer period. Some long-acting contraception methods are:

  • Intrauterine devices like Copper T and hormonal IUD
  • Hormonal injections

Copper T is a popular contraceptive method. It consists of a small plastic device shaped like a T. It also has coiled copper around it. Doctors insert this device into the uterus. The copper coiled around the device produces a reaction that is toxic to the sperm and egg, thus preventing a pregnancy.

On the other hand, a hormonal IUD is a similar device that doctors place in the uterus. Hormonal IUDs release progesterone to help prevent pregnancy.

Hormonal injections are administered intramuscularly, releasing hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.

contraceptive methods

Advantages of long-term contraceptive

These contraceptive methods are effective for long periods of 8 to 10 years. Therefore, women who wish to delay pregnancy can enjoy intercourse without worrying about conceiving. Also, long-term contraceptives are a good option for women who want to space the birth of children.

Disadvantages of long-term contraceptives

Long-term contraceptive methods can be expensive. Also, IUDs require an insertion procedure which may require hospital admission.

One-time pregnancy prevention:

Another type of contraceptive method is the one-time barrier for pregnancy prevention. Condoms and diaphragms are the most common one-time barriers. A condom is used by the male partner prior to insertion.  A diaphragm on the other hand is a dome-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse.

Advantages of one-time barriers

One-time barriers to pregnancy prevention are cheap. Further, these methods of contraception do not require a doctor’s prescription. They are worn at the time of intercourse and then discarded thereafter.

Disadvantages of one-time barriers

One of the main disadvantages of one-time barriers is that they may interfere with the pleasure of intercourse. Also, although minimal, there are chances of breakage of these one-time barriers.

Non-reversible or Permanent contraceptives

Permanent contraceptives are not reversible. They are usually surgical procedures like vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women.

Which contraceptive works best for you?

Whether it’s birth control pills v/s other contraceptive methods, it is advisable to visit your fertility doctor in Bangalore to understand what contraceptive method works best for your body. Your gynecologist will suggest contraceptive methods for you only after carrying out medical tests and also certain health examinations.  For example, doctors do not recommend some contraceptive methods like hormonal IUDs for women who are suffering or have suffered from any liver disease. Also, your gynecologist in Bangalore may not recommend hormonal IUDs if you suffer from any pelvic disorder.

Where can you get the best contraceptive insertions in Bangalore?

Contraceptive insertions require the expertise of good gynecologists in Bangalore.

Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Center is a leading women’s hospital in Bangalore. We have a team of the best gynecologist doctors in Bangalore providing their expertise on pregnancy prevention and also advising patients on the suitable methods of contraceptives for men and women.

At Kinder Women’s Hospital, we understand the need for women who wish to delay their pregnancies. We have a team of the best gynecologists in Bangalore who guide you with contraceptive options that suit your body.

Visit Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre today!

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