Choosing the right contraceptives (1)

It might come as a shock to you if I tell you that in Modern India almost 50 per cent of the pregnancies still come as unplanned and unwanted. A recent health survey concluded that it happens even in the most educated families. With increasing number of women concentrating on their careers and delaying their marriages and pregnancy, the practice of contraception assumes even more importance. One of the secrets to lead a healthy, happy and balanced family life is to have proper knowledge and usage of contraception.

Here’s a list of some popular contraceptive methods along with their risks and benefits:

1. Oral Contraceptive Pills

• More than 100 million women worldwide use the contraceptive pill. The Pill is a tablet containing two female hormones – an oestrogen and a progestogen. These two hormones stop you from ovulating (producing an egg) each month. And if you don’t ovulate, you won’t get pregnant.
• Risk: Weight gain and high blood pressure
• Benefits: One of the safest methods of contraception; reduced risk of ovarian cancer - Pill-users have a 12% reduction in their risk of developing cancer
• Medical advice: Women on pills should go for pill-checks every six months to their gynecologist
• Warning: Do not forget to take it daily or as advised by your doctor
  

2. Female Sterilisation

• Sterilisation means preventing the woman from becoming pregnant by means of a fairly straightforward operation in which her Fallopian tubes are blocked or cut through – which makes it very difficult for her eggs to reach her womb.
• Risk: There is a small ‘failure rate’ for this operation generally estimated at around 1 in 200.
• Benefits: A permanent method; a woman who has been sterilised, but then really wants to have a baby, does nowadays have the opportunity of ‘in vitro fertilisation’ (IVF treatment).
• Medical Advice: If you are seriously overweight, it can be quite tricky for the surgeon to get at your tubes. Also, if your general health is poor, then you might not be an ideal candidate for surgery.
• Warning: If you ever miss a period after the surgery, you should get a pregnancy test done. Pain is often a warning sign of an ectopic pregnancy. If in doubt, call your doctor.

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Is abortion in Week 6 risky?

Q: I got married recently. My wife is pregnant. We aren't emotionally and financially ready for the added responsibility. Hence, we are contemplating abortion. My wife is 27 years old. She is about six to seven weeks into pregnancy. Can abortion create complications in the future? Is it safe? We don't want to regret later on. Kindly advise.

A: If done under strict surgical conditions, the abortion process will not affect the future. However, I strongly suggest you rethink your decision. Your wife is already 27 years old. Once accepted, the pregnancy will pass by happily. She can continue working till the eighth month of her pregnancy. Both of you will not regret the decision. Sex can also continue, but follow the instructions of her doctor.

Small testicles, Semen quality & Sex

Q1: I am a 15-year-old boy. My testicles are smaller than my friends’. When I masturbate the sacks get empty. The semen is also thin and watery. Also, I look like a girl. Is this because of my small testicles? Am I infertile? Please help.

A1: The size of the testicles varies with people. If you are passing semen, sperms will be there. Thin or thick, does not affect the sperms. When you masturbate, the testicles are pulled up. So, don't be worried.

Q2: I am 24 years old. What is the safest period in a woman's monthly cycle to indulge in unprotected sex?

A2: There's always a risk of pregnancy, even during the safe period. The risk can be taken by married couples.

Orgasms boost woman's career and health

Women who get thrills from regular orgasms are more likely to be successful at work and healthy, according to a leading expert.

Psychologist Dr Lisa Turner said that while men lose energy through orgasm, women are empowered by them and gain clarity of thought. According to Turner, the right type of orgasm will massively increase your energy.

Previous studies have suggested that 28 per cent of women rarely, or never, achieve full orgasm, and many resort to faking it. Now, Turner has said that good orgasms boost health and concentration and help women perform better at work.

Broken condoms & risk of pregnancy

Q1: I am a 26-year-old man. Next month, I will be getting married to a 22-year-old woman. We do not want children for at least three years. How do we prevent pregnancy? Will it affect our sex life?

A1: You can reconsider using a condom or visit a family planning centre. Ensure that you use only branded, good quality condoms. You can choose from Special Thick Condoms or Flavored Condoms.

Q2: I am 24 years old. I indulged in protected sex with my girlfriend. Later, we realised that the condom was torn. To avoid pregnancy, my girlfriend took an I-pill after an hour. Her periods are due next week. Will she get pregnant? We are extremely concerned. Please help.

A2: Since precaution was taken, it is unlikely for her to get pregnant. However, the pill doesn't succeed every time. So sweat it out till she gets her periods. Also use a urine pregnancy kit and check for pregnancy.

Masturbation, Night fall & Penis infection

Q1: I am a 15-year-old boy. I have been masturbating for the last five years; now I am experiencing night fall. I think I will become weak, if this continues. Please help.

A1: If you are masturbating it is unlikely you will get night emissions. Sleep well, neither your brain nor your body will wither away.

Q2: I am a 21-year-old man. Three months back a few red spots and some wax like substance appeared on the head of my penis. Since then I am unable to pull the foreskin back. My skin cracks and bleeds. Please help.

A2: Consult a doctor. An antibiotic can be prescribed after the diagnosis. The wax substance is smegma, a natural secretion under the foreskin.