Contraceptive counselling
Contraceptive counselling is a private conversation to help you choose a method of birth control that suits your body, your health, and your plans. At EVE Women and Fertility Clinic in Gunjur, Bangalore, Dr. Swati Shree explains every option without pressure and without judgment, whether you want protection for a few months, for years, or want to plan the right time for pregnancy.
At a glance
- Who it is for
any adult who wants to prevent or delay pregnancy, after childbirth, or when changing methods
- Methods covered
condoms, combined and progestin-only pills, copper and hormonal IUDs, injections, implants where available, emergency contraception, sterilisation, fertility awareness
- Not about pressure
you decide, and you can change your mind at any time
- Also useful for
heavy or painful periods, PCOS and acne, where some methods treat symptoms
- At EVE
a private consultation, examination if needed, and follow-up
How the methods compare
| Method | How it works | Usual effectiveness with typical use | Points to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condoms | Barrier | Moderate | Protect against many infections too |
| Combined pill | Hormones stop ovulation | High if taken daily | Not suitable if you have certain clot, migraine or smoking risks |
| Progestin-only pill | Thickens mucus, sometimes stops ovulation | High if taken on time | Option while breastfeeding |
| Copper IUD | Prevents fertilisation | Very high | Non-hormonal, may make periods heavier at first |
| Hormonal IUD | Thins the lining, thickens mucus | Very high | Often lightens periods |
| Injection and implant | Hormones over weeks to years | Very high | Periods may change |
| Emergency contraception | Delays ovulation or prevents fertilisation | Works best soon after intercourse | A back-up, not a regular method |
| Sterilisation | Surgical block of the tubes | Very high | Intended as a lasting choice; counselling is important |
Effectiveness depends on correct, consistent use. Dr. Swati explains the real figures for your choice.
What happens at EVE
A private conversation
You talk about your health, periods, past pregnancies, medicines, smoking, plans and worries.
Checks if needed
Blood pressure, weight, and a pelvic examination or scan are done only if relevant, and with your consent.
Choosing together
Dr. Swati explains benefits, risks and side effects, and what to expect in the first months.
Starting the method
Some methods start the same day.
Follow-up
A visit after a few weeks or months checks how the method suits you.
Contraception and fertility
Most methods are reversible, and fertility returns soon after stopping. Fertility can take a few months to return after an injection. If you are planning a pregnancy in the near future, Dr. Swati advises a preconception check, folic acid and a review of medicines.
When to get help straight away
If you use an IUD or implant and have severe lower abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or a missed period with pain, get urgent care. If you take the combined pill and develop chest pain, sudden breathlessness, severe leg swelling or pain, or sudden severe headache or vision loss, seek emergency care. Call 108 or 112.
FAQs
Which contraceptive method should I choose?
There is no single right method for everyone. The right one depends on your health, your periods, whether you want to conceive soon, how often you can remember a pill, and your comfort. Dr. Swati reviews your history and explains the options so you can choose.
Does contraception affect fertility later?
No. Pills, IUDs and implants are reversible, and ovulation usually returns within a few months of stopping. The injection can delay return to regular cycles for several months. Age and other health factors matter more for fertility than past contraception.
Is emergency contraception safe, and when should I take it?
Emergency contraception pills are safe and work best the sooner they are taken after unprotected sex, within 72 to 120 hours depending on the type. A copper IUD placed within 5 days is the most effective form. They do not end an existing pregnancy.
Can I use contraception while breastfeeding?
Yes. The progestin-only pill, IUDs, implants and condoms are suitable. Estrogen-containing methods are usually delayed for several weeks after delivery. Dr. Swati chooses with you based on how recently you gave birth.
Can contraception help with PCOS or heavy periods?
Some can. Combined pills and hormonal IUDs reduce heavy bleeding and can regulate cycles in PCOS, and some reduce acne. They do not cure PCOS, and stopping may bring symptoms back. See the PCOS and Menstrual disorders pages.
Can a young or unmarried woman get advice here?
Yes. Contraceptive counselling is private and given without judgment to any adult. Teenagers are welcome with a parent or guardian, and may also speak to the doctor alone for part of the visit. See Adolescent gynaecology.
Sources
- WHO Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use (5th edition, 2015, with updates)
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India, Family Planning guidelines
- FOGSI good clinical practice recommendations on contraception
