“How can we defer having a child till we are settled or ready for one?” - this is a question asked often by newly married couples. But with the variety of contraceptive options for postponing pregnancy, there is no one sure shot answer for this.

Safety, effectiveness, convenience are important criteria for choosing a suitable birth control method. And individual requirements also play a role. While condoms are generally safe and effective, some couples feel that keeping them handy, or remembering to put them on, is too much of a hassle or an intrusion. Another popular method is the “pill”, but again forgetting the pill increases the woman's chance of releasing an egg from her ovary and thereby the risk of pregnancy.

Here Dr Rajiv Anand, bolohealth's Sex and Relationship expert, and readers, give tips and suggestions regarding the best choices with respect to contraceptives, in reply to a question asked by bolohealth user, Kalyan Chaitanya.

It is good to know that you have taken a responsible stand regarding starting a family. Your choice of contraceptive needs to be discussed between you and your wife, as both your preferences matter. You can choose between male contraceptives (condoms) or intravaginal tablets. Another method is the rhythm method which involves avoiding sex around the time of ovulation.
Dr Rajiv Anand
Sexologist and Counselor

There are a number of contraceptive options available in the market. Condoms are convenient and non-intrusive whereas birth control pills that are meant to be taken by the woman may have side effects. Your doctor is the best person to guide you here. You can  also educate yourself about the subject by reading on the Internet.
Manoj Agrawal

You can avoid pregnancy through the use of contraceptives like using condoms along with consumption of contraceptive pills by the woman. While condoms may not be a sure shot way to prevent pregnancy, the double impact of using condoms as well as birth control pills may ensure protection from pregnancy. You can avoid having sex during the ovulation time and stay safe from unwanted pregnancies.  
Anonymous
   
There are so many options, but the surest and easiest option would be to go for condoms. There are also pills to avoid pregnancy but the choices should ideally be discussed with you doctor first. Prolonged use of birth control pills (more than five years) to delay pregnancy is known to be dangerous for the woman's body and health. Other methods such as rhythm (timing intercourse to avoid fertile periods) may require some calculation to prevent a pregnancy.
Arpita Joshi
   
Condoms or pills would be the best methods - your doctor, or a sex counselor will be able to advise you best.
Stanley Dsouza
  
There are a number of contraception methods to avoid pregnancy. The easiest is the condom. Contraceptive pills in women are effective, but should be taken under a doctor's guidance. I was able to successfully delay my pregnancy with the use of condoms by my husband.
Anonymous

Go for a counseling session with your partner to your doctor first. She/he will assess your health and can suggest you proper protective measures when you want to avoid pregnancy. However, there are contraceptive pills available in the market and you can take them, but it is advisable to speak to your doctor first. 
Anonymous

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Also read: Are oral contraceptive pills risky?

Tags: Contraceptive, pregnancy

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