Family planning is not only important for your family’s financial situation but is also important for you and your children’s health. But what if you and your partner don’t want to use condoms or the pill, the most commonly used contraceptives? This is the question that one theAsianparent Community user recently asked.
Havana says that she doesn’t want to take oral contraceptives because of their side effects, but it must be noted that most contraceptive methods have their own set of side effects. But if it is hormonal contraceptives that she is worried about, there are some contraceptive methods that don’t rely on progestin or estrogen. Here are some of them:
The Diaphragm
Diaphragm Birth Control
A diaphragm is placed inside the vagina at least six hours before sex, preventing sperm from getting into the uterus. It can also be reused many times. To get one, schedule an appointment with your gynaecologist, who will see if it’s safe for you, and will teach you how to use it.
There are very few serious side effects with diaphragms, but there are some minor side effects, like urinary tract infections and vaginal irritation.
The Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Intra Uterine Device (IUD) – Family Planning
“The safest option you have today is the IUD, which is inserted in the vaginal passage by your doctor and is good for a period of up to 10 years,” wrote Renu S. There are two kinds of IUDs: hormonal and copper-based. Copper IUDs prevent sperm from reaching the egg, or prevent a sterilized egg from implanting. Like the diaphragm, you need to visit your doctor to see if the IUD is right for you, and to get one implanted.
Some side effects of the copper IUD include anemia, backache, cramps, pain during sex, and sever menstrual pain. Less than 1% of women who use copper IUDs will get pregnant in the first year, and those who conceive while using a copper IUD are at a higher risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Sterilization
“If you’re not planning to have any more babies, why don’t you ask him to get sterilized?” Debolina R. responded. “It’s a very simple procedure and will ensure you don’t get pregnant.”
Though there are sterilizations that can be reversed, vasectomies and ligations are considered a permanent method of birth control. There have been rare cases where blocked tubes grow back and reconnect, so this still isn’t a fool-proof contraceptive method.
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