What is contraception? How many types are available?
Any method used to prevent pregnancy is contraception. Use of condoms or diaphragms, pills, tubectomy, vasectomy, depot injections, patches and permanent methods such as sterilisation are some of the popular methods of contraception. 2. When can I have an abortion? Legally, it can be done till 20 weeks. ‘‘Before seven weeks, it can be done with medications. After that until about 10 weeks, a ‘D&C’ (dilation and curettage) can be done. After 11-12 weeks it will involve a process where medicines are used to induce a labour-like process,” explains gynaecologist Dr Uma Raman. The risks of D&C include infection, perforation of the uterus and pain. You can return to your normal menstrual cycles within 6-10 weeks. 3. Will surgically removing my uterus prevent pregnancy? Surgically removing a woman’s uterus is called hysterectomy. Yes, you can never conceive a child again, but both Uma and Subhashree concur that hysterectomy is not a replacement for contraception or other menstruation problems
