Have you received side-eyes and glances while buying condoms at a drugstore in India? It is no secret that most Indians, especially the older generation, even in the 21st century are not aware or open about contraception methods. Playgard condoms, an Indian condom company strives to break the stigma of conversations around sex and educate people on contraception methods. With so many contraception options available in the market, we understand your confusion regarding choosing birth control methods.
What is Contraception?
Contraception, also known as anti-conception, or fertility control, are methods that are used to prevent pregnancies. From certain herbs used to prevent unwanted pregnancies since ancient times to using implants and pills in the 21st century, the face of contraception has changed a lot.
Condoms and its Varieties
Condoms are thin, fitted tubes are worn over the penis, or inserted into the vagina, during intercourse. It creates a barrier to hold the semen and prevents it from entering the uterus. They are also effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You have to make sure that when you roll on the condom over the penis, there is little space before the tip for the semen to collect. If there is no space near the tip, it will burst. Condoms could be made from latex or polyurethane. There are different types of condoms like flavored, dotted, and ribbed condoms. Playgard, the best condom brand in India offers condoms in multiple flavors like butterscotch, strawberry, chocolate, orange, and ice-mint.
What are Birth Control Pills?
Birth control pills are oral hormonal contraception that prevents pregnancy. It contains a combination of estrogen and progestin that constricts the release of Luteinizing hormone (LR) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland. Luteinizing hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone play an important role in developing the egg and lining the uterus to prepare the implanting process. Progestin hormone also makes it difficult for the sperm to penetrate by thickening the outer layer that surrounds the egg. Therefore, fertilization is inhibited. In some women, progestin prevents the ovulation process as well, inhibiting the chances for pregnancies further.
Types of Birth Control Pills
As there are different types of condoms, there are also different types of birth control pills.
- Monophasic Birth Control Pills are pills that deliver progestin and estrogen in the same quantities every day.
- Biphasic Birth Control Pills are pills that deliver the same quantities of the progestin hormone for the first 21 days of the cycle and a higher ratio of either progestin or estrogen in the remaining days of the cycle to allow the normal shedding of the uterine layer.
- Triphasic Birth Control Pills are pills that have different hormone quantities for three cycles, as its name suggests. There is no concrete proof if triphasic or biphasic birth control pills are more effective than monophasic pills.
Which is More Effective?
On average, birth control pills are more effective in preventing pregnancies. Birth control pills are 99.7% effective, while male condoms are 98% effective. It depends more on proper usage, rather than the effectiveness of the method. Aside from the pregnancy factor, male and female condoms are the only methods of birth control that also offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases. The bottom line is that you should choose a birth control option that you can access consistently. It should align with your age and reproductive goals.
Side Effects
There are no known side effects of using condoms. If you are allergic to latex, there are different types of condoms derived from polyurethane, polyisoprene, and even lambskin. Birth control pills, when consumed have some side effects like irregular vaginal bleeding, nausea, headache, weight gain, and breast tenderness. The list is not exhaustive, for some symptoms manifest differently for every woman.
Women, who often suffer from migraines due to irregular hormone levels, may find that it has stopped or increased unbearably. You can try different varieties of pills if one does not work. In some cases, birth control pills may cause blood clots, very scanty periods, high blood pressure, and stroke. Women with endometrial issues or a history of breast cancer are often advised against birth control pills.
Signing Off
Whether you choose condoms or birth control pills, it is solely your decision to make. While you or your partner must choose at least one method of contraception, you must discuss it with each other. Communication is the key to a healthy, sexual relationship. Since birth control pills may cause bodily side effects, most women prefer their partners to wear condoms, since it is worn externally and does not cause any side effects. If your partner insists that sex without a condom is much more pleasurable, drop him like a hot potato! That is absolutely not true, and Playgard condoms, an Indian condom company, houses a wide range of flavored and dotted condoms for enhanced pleasure. The best condom brand in India also offers discreet delivery of condoms at home, making it a better option for most youngsters.