Misconceptions Of Contraception

Residing in a country where the word ‘sex’ evokes death stares and hushed voices, it is integral for the youth to grasp the concept of contraception along with healthy sex education. It’s easy to play the blame game and cry war over young adults being over-promiscuous, but there is a deeper understanding
necessary in order to ensure a healthy discussion on such issues

Given the day and age we live in, we have all been exposed to the kind of treatment that even the mention of sexual acts gets, when it is spoken out loud. And while some of us may be absolutely okay with discussing something this ‘taboo’ out in the open, there is a general consensus that doesn’t believe in or is even remotely ready to accept the same. In the midst of the moral debates that we engage in on the matter, what is forgotten, is the need for the older generation to guide the youth in the right way and advise them on the perils of unprotected sex and the consequences that arrive with the same.
Contraception and practice of safe sex is imminent and of utmost importance. Instead of being seen as the bad guy for putting your ward on house arrest just because they decide to lie to you and spent time with their significant other, perhaps spending a little more time explaining the pros and cons of intimacy to them can reap a lot more mutual respect and at the same time, ensure that aggression and disobedience on their part can be avoided altogether. Make sure your child is confident enough to discuss personal matters with you.

THE CONTRACEPTION REVOLUTION

Dr. Sushma Tomar, Gynecologist at Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, gives us an insight into how to break the myths of contraception that some of us may always have had, at some point in our lives. She reminds us how we cannot afford to be careless with our bodies

When I think of contraception it strikes me that essentially there are two types of contraception: planned, and unplanned contraception. Misconceptions arise when patients use unadvised contraception without a doctor’s consultation. Planned contraception is usually followed for spacing of pregnancy, which may include oral contraception, use of condom CUT and pessaries along with spermicidal jelly. Planned contraception is generally under the doctors’ supervision and patient knows. Unplanned contraception occur when women realize that she want to abort unwanted pregnancy which include use of condom without training, use of I-pill after unplanned sexual act. Difficulty in this type of contraception is high failure rate of and complication arising out of using emergency pills without consultation.

THE QUICK I-PILL DRILL
In India I-pill is not the name of an emergency contraceptive pill, rather it is the base of “SEX REVOLUTION” among teenagers and youth. Indian youth started exploring its sexually to the optimum level after emerging of pills, like I-pill and unwanted-72 without caring about their after effects on the health of the girl. Most youngsters have unprotected sex depending on the emergency contraceptive however emergency pills are not contraceptive pills you can depend on daily, with the fabulous marketing that these pills do, it has succeeded in making it one of India’s most favored emergency contraceptive pill. In a country like India when people only expect you to have sex after getting married, these adverts are highly misleading.

HEED THE DISCLAIMER
You should know about dangerous side effects of these emergency pills. The emergency contraceptive pill is not an abortion pill. It should be taken soon after unprotected sex with in 24 hrs& before 72 hrs. It does not protect you against HIV/AIDS.If you are on long term medication for any ailment consult your family doctor before taking them. Nausea, breast tenderness, delayed menstruation, lower abdominal pain are some temporary side effects. These emergency pills are quite unhealthy if taken more than twice a month.

WHEN CAN YOU OPT FOR ONE?
It is only safe for women between the ages of 25-45. With the rate of teenage pregnancies growing in India it is essential that schools and colleges start sex education. Emergency contraceptive are hormonal pills and its longtime usage cause bad to severe ovarian problem or even ovarian damage.

CASE STUDY
Now a days we get very low dose hormone pills which are safe. One of my patients was pregnant with placenta praevia, a condition in which the placenta partially or completely blocks the neck of the uterus. She was taking oral pills till 4 months, with all her family controversies but with due risk she continued her pregnancy procedures and she delivered a 3kg normal baby boy.

 

Volume 5 Issue 5