Choosing the right contraceptives (3)

--- Continued from PART 1 & PART 2 of the series ---

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

5. Intrauterine Systems (IUS)

• In addition to being a contraceptive, it usually makes your periods shorter, lighter and pain-free. So it’s often used in order to treat period problems. It contains a reservoir full of female hormone, ‘progestogen’. This hormone is steadily released into your womb, day after day, for as long as you use the device, making it more effective in preventing pregnancies. The IUS can last for up to five years, after that, it’s ‘worn out’ – so you would need to have it changed.
• Risks: Irregular periods, headaches, acne and breast tenderness.
• Benefits: It starts to protect you against pregnancy as soon as it’s been put in. Incidentally, if you decide that you now want to get pregnant, your fertility should return immediately after the device is removed. You can keep it in for five years and it usually gets rid of your period pain. Also, after a few months, it should reduce menstrual flow to little or nothing.
• Medical advice: Women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, pelvic infections, structural abnormalities of the womb or cervix and heart valve trouble should not use it. It is suitable for those who have had children.
• Warning: IUS can occasionally fall out or penetrate the wall of the womb (‘perforation’), especially during insertion.
  

Besides these methods, one always has the conventional option of the natural contraception (Withdrawal method and Rhythm method). Do not forget, majority still prefer the popular condoms, which are 98 per cent safe and also act as a protection against sexually transmitted diseases. However, it is very important to consult your doctor before you decide to choose any of the contraceptive methods besides the condoms. Off late, emergency contraceptive pills have become very popular but it is advisable to take only in EMERGENCY.

Regular intake may cause serious harm. Your gynecologist will let you know what will suit your body type and how to go about it. If you are taking pills, don’t just take any pill available in the market. It might have serious side effects. Your doctor knows what is best for you so never hesitate to discuss all with her, as the decision on the contraceptive of choice should be based on the right information, and not myths.