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I'm actually feeling better
By Diepiriye S Kuku
Urban chaos is what sums up a modern woman's life in metropolitan cities. Early morning household chores, children and elders in the family to attend to, preparing for the day ahead, breakfast, tiffin to be packed, getting ready for office, the daily commute, dashing to shops to pickup some necessary provisions, dinner and homework, housework and entertaining – its an endless whirl of activity!
Today's urban woman is becoming increasingly independent and wants to enjoy a hassle-free life. She takes many important decisions in order to make her life smoother and free of unnecessary complications. If she is a working woman, with hectic work schedules, which includes outstation travel, she has to organize her home front in such a manner that things function smoothly even in her absence. This means getting reliable servants and training them extensively to cook, clean and look after the needs of the children. It also means organizing efficient school transport so that the child is taken care of when in school as well as when she returns home.
An important decision the modern urban woman has to take early in her married life is the number of children she and her husband would like to have and the spacing they want between the children. For this, they have to consider many factors such as the maternity leave to which the mother is entitled, the baby's healthy rearing and the mother's health and well-being so that she can continue to look after her home and office duties efficiently after her delivery.
In all this activity, does a woman have time to think about her reproductive needs? Carelessness about contraceptive requirements could result in an unwanted pregnancy just when neither the woman nor the couple is ready to take up the responsibilities of parenting.
Taking a decision about which contraceptive to use and when to use it are unsolved puzzles in the reproductive history of most Indian families, of which women bear the greater responsibility both socially and technological. To whom should women turn for accurate and tailor-made advice for their reproductive needs and responsibilities? The best option is to consult a qualified nearby gynecologist. Once the doctor has listened to the woman's history and the pattern of contraceptive use, if any, he/she can advise on the mode of contraception that best suits the woman's health and well-being at that particular juncture in the couple's married life.
Countless urban women users of safe and convenient methods of contraception have expressed their relief and satisfaction in their choice of contraception by saying, "My doctor suggested various methods. She told me about the Pill, Condom, Injection, Copper T, etc. but I find the Injection more suitable for me because it is hassle free and effective. We are tension free now, that there will be no chances of my getting pregnant. It will not limit the satisfaction and happiness level of being with my husband."
Today's woman has many more contraceptive options available to her than her mother had, and she can select a method or a combination of methods that are suitable for her health and lifestyle.
Combined Oral Contraceptive
The COC or combined oral contraceptive contain very low doses of hormones which are similar to the natural hormones in a woman's body
They are very effective if used regularly and fertility returns soon after stopping the pills
The disadvantages include the hassle of remembering to take a pill each and every day, mood swings and depression in some cases and discontinuation during lactation as it effects the quality and quantity of the mother's milk
The three monthly injectable contraceptive-DMPA
It is a safe, effective, reversible and private method of contraception, ideal for spacing families
DMPA is very effective for lactating mothers as it does not affect the quality and quantity of the mother's milk
It is hassle-free as it is administered as a muscular injection once every three months
The side effects are reversible, including irregular bleeding, which may lead to temporary stopping of periods or delayed return to fertility.
In addition to these methods of contraception, it is important to know about emergency contraception as well, incase a couple has had unprotected sex or if a woman has forgotten to take her pill or in cases of condom failure. The important thing to remember here is that this is not a regular method of contraception but an emergency measure to stop pregnancy.
The Emergency Contraceptive
This is to be used only in an emergency when a woman has had unprotected sex and is an effective way to stop an unwanted pregnancy
It can also be used after an incidence of sexual violence or rape and be effective in preventing pregnancy
These are effective if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex
The Government of India has recently made this available 'over the counter' in a bid to reduce unwanted births. This means that a woman does not need a doctor's prescription to buy the pills from any chemist
All the above methods can be used by a liberated, urban woman to prevent unwanted pregnancy and some prefer to use a method such as the injectable DMPA as one shot provides protection for three months. Besides, there are many non-contraceptive benefits connected with taking hormonal contraceptives such as protection from some types of cancers, a glowing skin, a carefree attitude and better health for both mother and child.
However, the key to this feeling of well being is to see your doctor today, select the contraceptive method that is best suited to your requirements and start a new life with confidence and security. Imagine the relief you will feel if you are secure in the knowledge that you have control over your own body and can make decisions regarding your reproductive functions as you and your partner see fit. You can actually feel better and enjoy your life more once you are secure in your choice of contraception and don't have the constant uncertainties surrounding pregnancy looming over your head!
(1000 words)
About the Author
Diepiriye S. Kuku-Siemons, MPH (Tulane) is a researcher/writer/consultant based in New Delhi, pursuing a PhD in Sociology focusing on urban sexuality and globalization. His primary areas of interest are Reproductive Health Justice and Public Health Communications.
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