Hi Ms. XXXXX,

Thanks for your query.

There are about 14 methods of contraception available including the temporary and permanent ones. The temporary ones include natural methods like coitus interruptus (withdrawal method ), practising safe period (rhythm method ), using spermicidal creams and jelly, use of male and female condoms, cervical cap or diaphragm and the vaginal ring; use of combination oral contraceptives, mini-pills, contraceptive injections ( Depo-shot ), contraceptive implants (Implanon or Nexplanon ), IUS like Mirena and IUD like Copper-T and Multiload.

While the temporary methods like natural methods have a high failure rate, condoms, diaphragms have an effectiveness of 90-98% if properly used. Typical use of condoms alone has a failure rate of around 15 percent. The pills, injections and implants have an efficacy rate of almost 100 percent. IUD and IUS and the mini-pill have an efficacy rate of 97-99%.

If you are breast-feeding your baby, you should consider using one of the intra-uterine devices; if you are not feeding your baby, you may also consider pills, implants and injections.

Use of hormonal pills, implants and injections may cause irregular bleeding, absence of cycles with implants and injections, cardiovascular complications, enlargement of liver, heaviness of breasts, gastric distress and so on. The first cycle always needs to be protected additionally. There may be pain or infection at the implant site and the implant may get displaced at times and then, contraceptive protection is lost. The side-effects may not always be present if you are tolerant to the medication but they should be kept in mind and regular follow-up should be done with a specialist. Intrauterine devices may cause infection, displacement with projection or perforation, bleeding and pain.

Injections work effectively for 80-90 days; excess weight gain has an adverse effect on such contraception as the effect dwindles toward the end of the period owing to the increased need; so is with implants which are effective up to 3 years. Intrauterine devices can work effectively up to 5 years.

Coming to the comparative costs
- Oral pills- while government subsidized pills are available at Rs. 3-5, rest cost from Rs. 30- 400 depending on the composition.
-Injections- around Rs.200 per shot
-Implant- around Rs. 2500-5000
-IUD and IUS- Mirena-Rs. 8500 approximately and Copper-T around Rs. 300-400

Choosing the right method depends on your need and clinical condition and this should be determined by you and your consultant.

Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to contact if you need further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

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