The Sex Book by Leeza Mangaldas

Author:Leeza Mangaldas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: null
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Published: 2022-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Contraception/Birth Control Methods Beyond Condoms

I’m keen to explore contraceptive options beyond condoms because I like how sex feels without condoms. I’ve also heard that, statistically, birth control pills and IUDs can reduce the risk of pregnancy even more than condoms. But I’m kind of scared of the idea of taking hormonal medication. What do you suggest? – Alana

Many opposite-sex couples in long-term monogamous relationships consider switching from condoms to another method of contraception such as birth control pills or an IUD. Also, since with any reversible method of contraception, including condoms, there remains the small chance of human error or the incidence of contraceptive failure—if pregnancy is a concern—you might even consider another birth control method as an additional precaution along with condoms.

In either case, the first step is to see a doctor, so you can assess your health, medical history and your requirements, and they can explain what your options are.

Both partners should get tested for sexually transmitted infections. This is important because the other methods of contraception don’t protect against STI transmission; they only protect against pregnancy. So, if STIs are a concern, condoms are non-negotiable.

Vasectomies and female sterilization are, of course, the most effective means of contraception; however, for people who might want to have kids at some point, or for those seeking a less invasive option, IUDs and implants are considered the most reliable long-acting reversible methods of birth control available. Oral contraceptive pills and contraceptive injections are also considered very effective when taken correctly.

Figuring out what contraception is best for you is determined by individual needs and preferences. Certain methods have contraindications based on health, personal medical history, lifestyle, family medical history, etc.—so you should consult a doctor to make your decision.

However, I do think we would all benefit from hearing about each other’s experiences and normalizing such conversations, so I’m going to share my own experience navigating contraception for myself.

This is just me sharing my story, and should not be seen as medical advice.

I’m simply recounting my personal experience, and my own personal decision-making process. It might give you a sense of the sort of decision-making you, or you and your partner, can navigate together.

Heterosexual sex is an activity that brings with it the risk of unintended pregnancy. But birth control too comes with contraindications and side effects. Different people have different appetites for risk, and their own unique health and family circumstances, so people make a variety of different choices when it comes to using birth control.

Personally, the idea of kids is absolutely terrifying to me, so I’ve always been very proactive about using contraception, and eager to explore the methods available so as to determine the option that suits me best.

About ten years ago, when I first set out to figure out what birth control I could opt for in addition to condoms, the choices seemed pretty overwhelming, especially because they all came with side effects.

I have used the copper-T, the progestin-only pill and the hormonal IUD, so these are the methods I’ll be talking about most.

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