Contraceptive & Family Planning Guidance

Family planning is about making informed choices—whether you wish to delay pregnancy, space your children, or decide that your family is complete. With the wide range of contraceptive options available today, it’s possible for every woman to find a safe, effective, and convenient method that suits her body, lifestyle, and future plans.

Dr. Parul Sharma offers personalised contraceptive counselling to help women and couples understand their options, choose the right method, and use it correctly for maximum effectiveness. Her guidance covers not just the prevention of unplanned pregnancy, but also the long-term health, menstrual, and reproductive considerations that come with each method.

Why Family Planning Matters

Family planning empowers women and couples to:

• Take control of reproductive health
• Space pregnancies for better maternal and child health outcomes
• Plan pregnancy timing for personal, financial, or career reasons
• Reduce risks associated with closely spaced or late pregnancies
• Address menstrual health concerns such as heavy bleeding or painful periods, which some contraceptives can help manage

Comprehensive Contraceptive Counselling

Choosing the right contraceptive is a highly individual decision. Dr. Parul Sharma begins with a thorough assessment that includes:

• Detailed medical and menstrual history
• Current reproductive goals (short-term vs. long-term contraception)
• Past experiences with birth control
• Lifestyle factors (travel, work schedule, sexual activity patterns)
• Any existing health conditions (e.g., hypertension, migraines, diabetes, clotting disorders)
• Medication use that may affect contraceptive efficacy

Types of Contraceptive Options

Dr. Sharma provides in-depth information on the full spectrum of contraceptive choices, including their effectiveness, advantages, side effects, and suitability for different health needs.

1. Hormonal Contraceptives

These methods regulate hormones to prevent ovulation and alter cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

• Combined Oral Contraceptives (The Pill) – Contain estrogen and progestin; help regulate cycles and reduce menstrual cramps.
• Progestin-Only Pills (Mini Pill) – Suitable for women who cannot take estrogen, including breastfeeding mothers.
• Contraceptive Patch – Worn on the skin; replaced weekly.
• Vaginal Ring – Placed inside the vagina; replaced monthly.
• Injectable Contraceptives – Administered every 1–3 months; convenient for those who prefer not to take daily medication.

2. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)

Highly effective, low-maintenance methods that work for years but can be removed anytime if pregnancy is desired.

• Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) – Hormonal (levonorgestrel-releasing) or non-hormonal (copper); last 3–10 years.
• Contraceptive Implants – Small rod inserted under the skin; releases progestin for up to 3 years.

3. Barrier Methods

Prevent sperm from reaching the egg; also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Male Condoms – Widely available; protect against pregnancy and STIs.
• Female Condoms – Worn inside the vagina; STI protection.
• Diaphragm/Cervical Cap – Used with spermicide; reusable with proper care.

4. Emergency Contraception

Used after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.

• Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) – Most effective within 72 hours.
• Copper IUD – Can be inserted within 5 days for over 99% effectiveness.

5. Permanent Contraception

For individuals or couples certain they do not want future pregnancies.

• Tubal Ligation – Surgical procedure to block or seal fallopian tubes.
• Vasectomy – Minor procedure for male sterilisation.

Non-Contraceptive Benefits

Some contraceptives also help with:

• Regulation of irregular or heavy periods
• Reduction of menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms
• Management of acne and excessive hair growth in PCOS
• Treatment of endometriosis-related pain
• Prevention of anaemia from heavy menstrual bleeding

Addressing Common Concerns & Myths

Many women have concerns about starting or switching contraception. Dr. Sharma addresses these openly, including:

• “Will birth control make me gain weight?” – Not all methods cause weight changes, and lifestyle plays a significant role.
  
• “Will it affect my fertility long-term?” – Most methods allow fertility to return quickly after stopping.
  
• “Are hormonal methods unsafe?” – For healthy women without risk factors, hormonal contraception is safe under medical supervision.
  
• “Can I use contraception while breastfeeding?” – Certain methods, such as progestin-only pills and non-hormonal IUDs, are suitable for nursing mothers.

Fertility Awareness & Natural Methods

For those who prefer non-medical approaches, Dr. Sharma also guides women in fertility awareness methods (FAM), including:

• Tracking basal body temperature
• Monitoring cervical mucus changes
• Understanding cycle length and ovulation signs

These methods require consistency and are less effective without proper education and discipline, but they can be an option for motivated couples.

Family Planning for Different Life Stages

• Adolescents & Young Adults – Education on safe sex, preventing unplanned pregnancy, and protecting reproductive health.
• Couples Delaying Parenthood – Long-term reversible methods for convenience and reliability.
• Women Post-Childbirth – Postpartum contraception tailored to breastfeeding and recovery.
• Perimenopausal Women – Birth control that manages symptoms while preventing pregnancy during irregular cycles.

Pre-Conception Transition

When you are ready to conceive, Dr. Sharma provides guidance on:

• Safely discontinuing contraception
• Supporting natural fertility return
• Pre-pregnancy health optimisation, including supplements and lifestyle changes

When to Seek Professional Advice

You should book a contraceptive counselling appointment if you:

• Are starting contraception for the first time
• Want to switch methods due to side effects or lifestyle changes
• Have a medical condition and are unsure which method is safe
• Need emergency contraception after unprotected sex
• Want advice on planning or spacing pregnancies

Empowering Women with Knowledge & Choice

Choosing the right contraception is about more than preventing pregnancy—it’s about protecting reproductive health, managing menstrual issues, and aligning with life goals. Dr. Parul Sharma ensures every patient receives personalised, non-judgmental guidance based on medical evidence and individual needs.

Her goal is to help women and couples feel confident, safe, and in control of their reproductive choices—today, and in the future.