Conversations about contraception typically start with hesitation, generally even silence. In lots of households, girls quietly carry the accountability, whereas males stay on the sidelines. However as medical doctors remind us, contraception works finest when it’s a shared resolution.

“Selecting the best contraception or contraception is a joint accountability of the couple,” says Dr Tanaya Narendra, ObGyn Resident at Max Hospital.

Past her work within the hospital, Tanaya has constructed a big on-line neighborhood the place she breaks down complicated topics round reproductive well being in ways in which really feel easy and relatable. On social media, she is fondly often known as ‘Dr Cuterus’ — a voice thousands and thousands flip to for clear, stigma-free conversations.

On World Contraception Day, 26 September 2025, she explains why this dialog issues now greater than ever. From the vary of contraceptive choices obtainable to each men and women, to busting myths and sharing sensible ideas, Dr Tanaya believes {couples} deserve steering that’s easy, trustworthy, and empowering.

Condoms, drugs, IUDs: What works finest for you?

“Contraception isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Dr Tanaya explains. “The proper methodology will depend on medical historical past, life-style, and whether or not or not an individual needs kids sooner or later.”

Broadly, contraceptive strategies fall into three classes:

• Barrier strategies equivalent to condoms.

• Hormonal strategies together with drugs, patches, injections, and IUDs.

• Everlasting strategies equivalent to tubectomy and vasectomy.

For girls, there are alternatives that work in numerous methods and for various lengths of time. Quick-acting strategies like drugs, patches, or vaginal rings are broadly used, however they have to be taken or utilized repeatedly to remain efficient.

For many who favor not to consider contraception each day, long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) — equivalent to implants and intrauterine units (IUDs) — present dependable safety for a number of years with little repairs.

Some girls select surgical strategies like tubectomy, that are everlasting and among the many handiest. And when issues don’t go to plan, emergency contraceptives — just like the morning-after capsule or a copper IUD — can act as a backup.

“For males, choices are restricted to simply two — the barrier, that’s, condoms, and vasectomy,” Dr Tanaya explains.

Clearing the air on contraception

Myths and half-truths typically cloud conversations about contraception, thus making {couples} anxious or hesitant. Dr Tanaya clears up a few of the commonest doubts.

• Fable:Contraceptive drugs are unhealthy.
  Truth: Tablets are secure, efficient, and in lots of circumstances life-saving when taken below correct medical steering.

By clearing up these misconceptions, consultants like Dr Tanaya hope extra {couples} can see contraception as a secure and sensible alternative relatively than one thing to concern.

What {couples} ought to know

So what ought to {couples} take into accout whereas selecting contraception? Dr Tanaya shares her recommendation, from medical steering to household conversations.

On new strategies and medical steering

“Most new contraceptive strategies are nonetheless within the growth stage,” she explains. “It is rather necessary to take these below the session of a physician. By no means begin or change drugs with out medical recommendation.”

On planning and household historical past

“Plan how lengthy you don’t wish to have a child, test your loved ones historical past, and get correct steering out of your physician earlier than selecting a way.”

On switching strategies

“It’s not really useful to change contraceptive drugs randomly. Tablets shouldn’t be modified steadily except there’s a transparent medical motive.”

On male vs feminine contraception

“There are a number of explanation why there are extra contraceptive choices for girls than males. If you happen to scale back a person’s fertility by 90%, he’s nonetheless fertile. With girls, it’s simpler to regulate fertility via hormones or units.”

On shared accountability

Many nonetheless assume that contraception is solely a lady’s accountability, however Dr Tanaya stresses the necessity for shared decision-making. “Contraception ought to by no means fall totally on girls. A dialog between the couple is important, as a result of intercourse is a joint accountability.”

On value and effectiveness

“The selection of contraception additionally will depend on its effectiveness and the way lengthy it acts on the physique. Choices vary from a Re 1 condom to a Rs 12,000 IUD.”

On household conversations and girls’s rights

Dr Tanaya additionally highlights the significance of assist at residence. Households, she says, play a giant position in shaping consolation and confidence round contraception. “Households ought to open up and welcome conversations round contraception. Girls will need to have the autonomy to make selections about their very own our bodies, and they should know that is their proper.”

As extra {couples} start to speak brazenly, contraception can transfer from being a silent burden to a shared alternative. Every trustworthy dialog helps change stigma with understanding, and hesitation with belief. That, Dr Tanaya believes, is step one in the direction of more healthy relationships and empowered households.

(Edited by Vidya Gowri Venkatesh)