Introduction

Do not want to get pregnant right now? Read on to understand the methods to avoid pregnancy. 

Unwanted pregnancy can be a nightmare and may affect your life in many ways. It is best to be aware of the methods for safe sex to avoid any such instances. Condoms, contraceptive pills, depots and intrauterine devices are the recommended methods of avoiding pregnancy while maintaining fertility to help you plan pregnancy in future. There are some natural ways to avoid pregnancy that can be followed along with any of the above-mentioned methods for added safety.

If you have planned your family already and do not desire pregnancy in future, talk to your doctor about procedures like- tubectomy and vasectomy. 

Pregnancy or No Pregnancy!

The most obvious symptom that you’re pregnant is if you haven’t had your period in a while. By the time you miss a period, you are about 4 weeks pregnant, as you can see from the dating information. You will, however, have conceived only around two weeks before your period was due. Take a pregnancy test when in doubt.

Prevention of pregnancy is possible only during the first five days of unprotected sex when you take morning-after pills.

Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

You may have also experienced other changes in your body, such as nausea, exhaustion or tenderness in your breasts. Some early pregnancy symptoms, such as mood swings and headaches, might be mistaken for premenstrual symptoms and you may also have bleeding or cramping. You may not even be aware that you’ve skipped a period.

It is difficult to know exactly what to do when you don’t know how to prevent pregnancy. Here are a few popular methods known to avoid pregnancy:

Fertility awareness methods

If you don’t know how to avoid pregnancy naturally, natural contraceptives might be of interest to you. Natural contraception methods are referred to as “natural” since they are not mechanical and do not involve any pills or devices. Instead, during the time when an egg is accessible to be fertilised by a sperm, these ways to avoid pregnancy demand that a man and a woman do not have sexual intercourse.

Fertility awareness methods (FAMs) are based on a woman’s ability to predict when she ovulates each month. To use a FAM, you must be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate ovulation has happened or is likely to happen.

Doing a pregnancy test from the first day of your missed period, or at least 21 days after unprotected sex if you have irregular periods, can help you detect pregnancy if you suspect the chances of that. Please remember, no method of contraception is 100% successful in preventing unwanted pregnancies.

Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Here are some methods-

1. Have intercourse during a safe period (Calendar Method)

If you already have some form of protection in place, this method adds an extra layer of security. The ovulation days, which normally occur two weeks before your menstruation, can be avoided. It’s a good idea to work with a fertility specialist to track your ovulation days and plan your intercourse properly. The first seven and last seven days of your cycle are usually considered safe but this method should never be relied on alone as there are chances of variation in ovulation and menstrual cycles.  

2. Keep track of your basal body temperature

You can start recording your basal body temperature once your menstruation is over. The temperature begins to rise when ovulation begins and peaks on the day of ovulation. If you don’t have any intercourse during this time, you can avoid getting pregnant.

3. Notice if there is cervical discharge (Mucus inspection method)

In the days coming up to ovulation, a woman’s body produces a clear, jelly-like fluid. Fertilization of egg (pregnancy) can be avoided by abstaining from sex at and 5 days before this time. Because sperms from previous intercourse can stay in the body for up to 5 days.

Calendar method and using condoms together provide the best protection from pregnancy. For emergency contraception, consult your doctor before taking the pills.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Conclusion

Natural methods for preventing undesired pregnancy are not at all as reliable and successful as condoms, contraceptive tablets or other medical contraceptive devices, as stated at the beginning of the article. The safest approach is to practise safe sex and also adopt an additional safe mode of contraception that suits you best. Consult your doctor so that you can move forward without fear or anxiety.  

Also Read: How To Wash Out Sperm To Prevent Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Contraception Guide

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.