Contraception: choosing a method that suits you
Contraception helps prevent pregnancy and lets you plan if and when to have children. There is no single method that suits everyone. A consultation can help you weigh effectiveness, medical history, convenience, side effects and your future plans.
What are the main options?
Barrier methods include external and internal condoms. Condoms can also lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); most other methods do not. Diaphragms are another barrier option, although availability varies.
Hormonal methods include pills, injections, implants, patches and vaginal rings. They differ in how often they are used, how they work and who can use them safely. Tell your clinician about migraines, blood clots, smoking, medicines and other health conditions.
Intrauterine devices include copper and hormonal IUDs. They are longer-acting, reversible methods fitted by a trained clinician. Discuss expected bleeding changes, fitting and follow-up before choosing one.
Fertility awareness requires careful cycle tracking and is less reliable if cycles are unpredictable. Permanent options, such as tubal surgery or vasectomy, are intended for people who do not plan future biological pregnancies. Ask about reversibility and alternatives before deciding.
What should I ask during a consultation?
- How effective is this method with typical use, and how soon does it start working?
- Does my medical history or medication affect which options are safe for me?
- What changes in bleeding or other side effects should I expect?
- How do I switch methods without a gap in pregnancy protection?
- Do I also need STI protection or emergency contraception advice?
If you have had unprotected sex and are worried about pregnancy, ask a qualified clinician promptly about time-sensitive options. For individual advice, contact Kriva Care to confirm a consultation location in Mumbai.
Read our contraception decision guide. For related concerns, read about PCOS or menstrual disorders. This page is general information and is not a substitute for medical care.