Know your birth control pill

You'll be surprised at how many types of birth control are available today. Birth control pills or oral contraceptives are medications taken by mouth. There are two types of female oral contraceptive pills - the combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains estrogen and progestogen. This is to be taken once a day every month. The other one is the progestogen only pill, which contains only progestogen, and is also taken once every day. Oral Contraceptive Pills These pills are popular and safe. Ask your gynac, which one suits you best depending on your cycle. A pill is to be taken every day from the fifth day of your period for three weeks. At the end of this period, you take a break and get your menstrual cycle. From the fifth day of the period, you can start the pill again. Condoms Condoms are one of the most effective ways to avoid pregnancy and provide some amount of protection against sexually-transmitted infections. IUCD An IUCD (Intrauterine Contraceptive Device) or IUD (Intrauterine Device) is a small, usually plastic, device inserted into a woman's uterus to prevent pregnancy. IUCDs prevent pregnancy by altering the uterine lining, making it hostile to the fertilised ovum. IUDs like Copper-Ts also have copper. This copper is toxic to sperms and is a method of enhancing the contraceptive effect of the IUDs. According to gynaecologist Dr Suman Bijlani, the latest oral pills available in the market contain very low doses of hormones, which make them rather safe. "But if you're over 35 and smoke, or have a past history of stroke, there are increased chances of a stroke with the use of pill," she says. Today there are different brands of pills that use certain hormones or a combination of hormones, which allow women to select a pill that is apt for her. Choosing a form of birth control is more complicated for women with special needs. Sometimes, this has to do with a woman's reproductive stage - whether she is a teen, breastfeeding or in pre-menopause. Women with chronic health problems like diabetes, hypertension or disabilities need to be careful.