There are two methods by which abortion can be done:

Medical Abortion - Non-surgical abortion in which medicines are used to induce abortion

Surgical Abortion - Use of transcervical procedures for terminating a pregnancy, including vacuum aspiration, and dilatation and evacuation (D and E).

Surgical or Medical Abortion for Unwanted Pregnancy

If pregnancy is lesser than = 7 weeks; medical method with Mifepristone with Misoprostol is favorable as the success rate is as high as 97%.

If pregnancy is between 7-12 weeks; surgical abortion is the only option.

If pregnancy is beyond 12 weeks - 20 weeks, then the woman needs to be hospitalized and will be given either Mifepristone followed by Misoprostol tablet or only Misoprostol tablets and woman will then abort like a miscarriage in the hospital. If any products are remaining, then it will be evacuated surgically.

Surgical abortion is preferred if patient desires concurrent tubal ligation or IUCD (CuT) insertion.

If a woman fulfills the criteria for selecting either method i.e. before 7 weeks, final choice has to be given to the woman.

Summary of choice between Surgical or Medical abortion in India

lesser than = 7 weeks - Medical method or surgical method

7-12 weeks - Surgical abortion

12 - 20 weeks - Medicines with or without surgical procedure in hospital

Advantages of Medical Abortion

Avoid surgery

Controlled by the woman and may take place at home

No need for admission to the hospital

Usually, well tolerated by women, if properly counselled and motivated

No need to take leave from work, as bleeding can be managed with menstrual pads even while in the office or at work.

Disadvantages of medical abortion

Takes time (hours to days) to complete abortion, and the timing may not be predictable. Women experience bleeding and cramping, and potentially some other side-effects (nausea, vomiting, fever, and shivering). May require more clinic visits than surgical abortion.

Advantages of Surgical Abortion

Quick procedure

Complete abortion easily verified by evaluation of aspirated products of conception

Takes place in a hospital so Sterilization or placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) may be performed at the same time as the procedure. It can be performed under local anaesthesia if woman is properly motivated and counselled

Disadvantages of surgical abortion

Requires instrumentation of the uterus

Small risk of uterine or cervical injury

Timing of abortion controlled by the doctor and hospital

Anaesthesia needs to be administered. Most doctors perform this procedure under short general anaesthesia. A woman needs to be in the hospital for at least 6 hours. Effect of sedation will be there throughout the day.

Methods of Abortion for Unwanted Pregnancy

Unless you re planning to have a baby, it is best to employ some form of birth control to have a satisfying and pleasurable sexual relationship. Having an intercourse right after the menstrual cycle is least likely to result in pregnancy, but there is quite a possibility that an accident may happen. The withdrawal method is highly undependable and should be avoided as far as possible. Birth control is available in a number of forms. Condoms, birth control pills, IUDs and birth control shots are the most common methods of birth control. Here are five things you should know about birth control.

Birth control prices vary: Birth control is available in a number of price ranges to suit varying budgets. Condoms are the most budget friendly while IUDs are amongst the most expensive. However, IUDS are effective over a long spell of time while condoms must be used only once. In some cases, your insurance may help pay for birth control. Hence do your research properly before deciding on the type of birth control you would like to use.
Not all birth control protects against STDs: The only type of birth control that can protect against both pregnancy and STDs are condoms. All the other forms of birth control do not protect against the transference of STDs. Spermicides and diaphragms can lower the risk of catching an STD, but do not give full proof protection..
Not just one person needs to be completely responsible for birth control: If you are in a committed relationship, both people have to take full responsibility of birth control. Birth control devices are available for both men and women and hence this is a responsibility that needs to be shared equally. However, if you are not in a committed relationship and have more than one sexual partner, it is best to take responsibility of birth control in your own hands.
There are side effects to most forms of birth control: Any form of birth control that involves hormones will have side effects. Some of the common side effects triggered by birth control are nausea, weight gain or weight loss, mood swings, sore or swollen breasts and lighter or heavier blood flow during menstruation.
No form of birth control is 100% effective: Lastly, you should know that apart from abstaining from sex, no form of birth control is 100% effective. At the same time, you should also know that missing a period is not always a sign of being pregnant as there are various reasons that affect your menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is best to undergo a pregnancy test in case you missed your periods.

Birth Control - 5 Things You Need To Know!

If your teenager finds out that she is pregnant, and will be having a baby soon, it is a very difficult situation to cope with. Teenage pregnancy is associated with intense stress and trauma in both the girl and her parents, and family. It is important for you to realise that teenage pregnancy can be okay, based on good and wise decisions. You should seek all options at hand, and discuss them with people you trust. There are several coping methods for dealing with the stress, trauma, and difficulty of teenage pregnancy. They are as follows:

Keep in mind that it is okay to be overwhelmed

A flood of emotions is likely to flow through your body on finding out that your teenage daughter is pregnant.
Your mind has to be set for facing several challenges which lie ahead. You have to go ahead.
It is okay to feel upset, but avoid showing it in front of your daughter.
Be supportive

You might be upset and angry, but you need to realise that your daughter is scared and alone.
She needs you by her side during this phase more than ever. Your child s health has to remain relaxed both physically and mentally during pregnancy.
Do not make your daughter feel shameful as it will worsen the trauma. You need to make her understand that you are with her to figure out some kind of solution.
Ask your daughter what she wants

It is important for you to ask your pregnant teenage daughter about what she wants, and you should respect her wishes.
Your daughter has to be comfortable with the choices you make regarding the pregnancy.
Give her advice and help her in exploring options

Instead of forcing your opinions and views on your daughter, you need to lead her to beneficial resources and support centres.
It is important for your daughter to make the best decision, without a lot of influence over what has been decided.
Explore the available options with her and point out the various pros and cons.
Teach your daughter the skills required to become independent

While you have to help your teenage daughter emotionally, financially and in many other ways, you should also teach her the ways of becoming an independent self sufficient adult.
If she decides on having the baby, it is very important for her to learn to take care of the baby and deal with all the issues that are likely to be faced.
It is also recommended for you to take your pregnant teenage daughter for therapy and proper counselling. These are also important for her to cope with the trauma and make the best decisions.

Teenage Pregnancy - How To Deal With Stress And Trauma?

Contraceptive methods of birth control are usually quite successful. By these methods, you can enjoy your life without the worry of pregnancy. Modern technology has led to the formulation of avid techniques of contraception; some are temporary and the others permanent. However, no matter how well these methods work, almost all of them have got a variety of side effects on your body and health.

Here is a list of different modes of contraception and the side effects they may cause:

 Hormonal implants
This long term method of birth control is an effective one. The side effects are:
- a surgery is required where rods are inserted under your skin. This might be risky surgery
- if you want to remove it, again another surgery has to be carried out
- an infection may develop in the area where the thin rods are inserted

Intra uterine device
A device is fitted into the uterus, which does not cause pregnancy. An effective method with the following side effects:
- there is a risk of the device falling off
- this causes puncture in the uterus
- the device made of copper may lead to menstrual cramps and spotting

Depo provera hormonal injection
This mode of contraception involves taking an injection, which restricts pregnancy for a period of three months. The side effects are:
- gaining of extra weight, fatigue
- decrease of bone density
- menstrual bleeding along with spotting takes place

Birth control pills
Birth control pills are one of the most common and most effective ways of birth control or contraception. However, several side effects may be observed.
- causes nausea, headaches and also blood clots in rare cases
- in case you use other prescribed medicines along with birth control pills, severe damage may be inflicted

Vaginal ring
This mode of contraception is very effective. It also helps in making menstrual periods of women much lighter and in continuity. The side effects are:
- may cause nausea and headache
- there is a vast increase in appetite
- there is a risk of blood clot formation.

Diaphragm
A very successful mode of contraception where a diaphragm is inserted and fitted into the vagina. The negatives of this mode are:
- it may get out of place during sex and is likely to cause damage
- the process can be a mess
- causes urinary infections

All modes of contraception irrespective of their effectiveness have got some side effects on your health. Hence, you must choose them wisely.

Comparison of Side Effects of Different Contraceptive Methods

4 Types of Contraception for Birth Control

There are a number of contraceptives available but which method of birth control suits you depends on your sexual life, preferences and your lifestyle as a whole. Professional medical help should be sought in order to understand what method of contraception sis ideal for you.

Here is a list of 4 types of contraceptives for birth control.

1. Barrier methods

Barrier methods are designed to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. They constitute-

- Diaphragms: It is a shallow and flexible cup that is made of either latex or soft rubber. It is inserted into the vagina before the sexual intercourse where it prevents the sperm from entering the uterus.
- Cervical caps: It is a thin cup of silicone whose function is same as the diaphragm, only it is smaller in size, so less noticeable and more rigid as well.
- Contraceptive sponges: These are soft foam sponges that are filled with spermicide and are disposable. They are also inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse in order to prevent pregnancy by killing the sperm cells or preventing them from entering the vagina.
- Spermicides: These are chemicals that can kill the sperm and hence assist in birth control.

Other methods include male condoms and female condoms.

2. Hormonal methods

Hormonal methods use hormones in order to either stop or regulate ovulation so as to prevent pregnancy. There are various methods through which hormones can be injected into the body. Some of them are-

- Contraceptive patch: It is a thin patch made of plastic that sticks to the skin and is responsible for releasing hormones into the bloodstream through the skin.
- Vaginal rings: A thin, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina where it stays for 3 weeks and is removed after that, only to be re-inserted in the 5th week.
- Implantable rods: They are inserted under the skin of the upper arm of women where they release progestin.

Other methods include contraceptive pills and progestin-only pills.

3. Intrauterine methods of contraception

The intrauterine device is a small device, T-shaped that is inserted into the uterus in order to prevent pregnancy. The good thing about intrauterine devices is that they can remain functioning for many years at a stretch. IUDs are two types-

- Hormonal IUD(Intrauterine Device)
- Copper IUD

4. Sterilization

Sterilization is the most reliable contraceptive for birth control as it is permanent. It either prevents the release of sperm or the fertilization of the egg. Sterilization methods can either be surgical or non-surgical. Some of the sterilization techniques are-

- Tubal ligation: It is the surgical technique used in females.
- Vasectomy: It is the surgical technique of male contraception.

Other methods include sterilization implants.



4 Types of Contraception for Birth Control

Use of contraceptives is really important to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Countries like China and India, facing the problem of population explosion lay more stress on the use of contraceptives. However, you must always use or take oral and barrier contraceptives following the advice of a medical practitioner unless it is absolutely necessary to go ahead without consultation. The reason behind medical assistance is your own health. Contraceptive methods do have a vast range of side effects that can result in health hazards. There are various kinds of contraceptives; each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Being acquainted with the side effects of some contraceptive methods can help you choose wisely in times of need.

Possible side-effects of using condoms: Some men are allergic to latex. Using condoms can lead to heightened sensitivity. It can also lead to rashes in your genitals. Condoms are not foolproof. They do not provide total protection against sexually transmitted infections, HPV or against Syphilis and Herpes. These diseases can be contracted by coming in contact with genital skin that is not covered by a condom.
Possible side-effects of a Contraceptive Film: A contraceptive film might act as an interruption in your sexual activities if it is not placed properly, that is to say it must come in contact with the cervix to be effective. Using the film nonoxynol- very frequently can make you susceptible to life threatening diseases like HIV and other STIs.
Possible side-effects of a Cervical Cap: A cervical cap has to be inserted by a clinician and requires immense care to be fitted in later. Some of its side - effects can be of serious concern. If it is left inside for more than forty eight hours, it can result in toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is an infection that mars your overall health. It is also known to increase the chances of inflammation of the surface of your cervix.
Possible side-effects of Progestin only pills: Progestin only pills or mini pills can subject you to long- lasting depression. It can make you feel bloated and can actually increase your weight to a great extent if used on a regular basis. Minipills lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle and might also make bleeding during menstruation scanty.
Possible side-effects of combined oral contraceptives: If this is your first month on combined oral contraceptives, you might feel nauseous and they can give you a terrible headache. Women taking these pills have a higher chance of developing cervical dysplasia. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist and ask a free question.

Side Effects of Different Contraceptive Methods

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