Birth control is a very important issue that requires good discussion both before and after the MTP. It is best that your partner or husband accompanies you for such consultations and understands his choices as well so that both of you can then arrive at an informed decision.
One could choose from:
1. Barriers like condom or diaphragm which needs to be used only at the time of vaginal intercourse. The protection from these methods is variable and depends upon how correctly they are placed and used. These methods are not considered very reliable but are definitely better than not using anything at all. The biggest advantage of using this method of birth control is that they are free of any major side effects.
2. Pills are currently considered the most effective form of contraception. These can be taken by mouth or used as a vaginal ring. They have their own set of advantages and disadvantages and it is best to follow your doctor’s advice on whether it is safe for you to take them or not.
3. Copper-T/ Multiload: these devices need to be put inside your uterus and if you discuss it well before your MTP, then your doctor will insert them at the same time during MTP. This way the safety from unwanted future pregnancies starts right away. If you have taken medicines to complete your abortion, then it is advisable to wait till the next period is over and get it inserted immediately after the bleeding is over. Please make sure that you use some form of protection in the intervening time as some women conceive back to back quickly. These methods can give you protection from pregnancy up-to 5 years.
4. Progesterone Injections give you protection up-to three months and need to be repeated frequently. This method is notorious for causing period disturbances and may cause some distress because of this.
5. Emergency Contraceptive Pills are all right to use once in a while (say once in a month or two months) but if one is in a constant relationship, it is better to use some other better form of protection on a regular basis. These pills have high dose hormones and have high incidence of period problems. Besides this, they may not be very effective in preventing pregnancy on a long term basis.
6. Permanent Surgical methods like Tubectomy and Vasectomy should be discussed in detail if you feel that you are not keen for more children. Any of the partners can go for these surgeries but one must remember that these surgeries cannot be reversed for all practical purposes. So if there is any doubt about future conception, it is best to opt for any of the non- permanent methods mentioned above.
For any further information about Abortion.