Family Planning

For women who cannot take estrogen containing pills can use progesterone only pills. They are particularly useful in women who are breast-feeding

Injectable contraceptives are effective methods requiring an injection only once in three months or two months depending on the preparation used. They are appropriate when long-term contraception is required.

Emergency contraceptive pills are not an alternative to regular contraception but an emergency measure, which can prevent an unwanted pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. They are safe effective and available over the counter. The common one available is marketed as two tablets each containing 75 mcg of Levonorgestrel. The first tablet is taken within 72 hrs of unprotected intercourse and the second one is taken after 12 hours of the first tablet. Pill 72 is now a single does tablet to be taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, but within 72 hours.

Intrauterine devices are ideal for spacing and when long-term contraception is required. We have the copper containing and the levonorgestrel releasing intra-uterine system. They are easily inserted in the out patient clinic and there is no need of any anesthesia. They are effective immediately from the time of insertion. They are effective for as long as 5 to 10 years and once removed, fertility returns at once.

The contraceptive vaginal ring and the contraceptive patch are not yet available in the Indian market.

In present times couples have a wide array of choices for contraceptives and one can always find one to meet their needs. Abortion should not be used as a method of contraception. However, every method has a failure rate and if a pregnancy does occur, and is not planned or wanted, seek an appointment with Dr Namrata as early as you can because the earlier an abortion is done , safer it is.