Q.

1. What is the 100% reliable contraception so that I do not become pregnant?

Abstinence is the only 100% reliable contraception. Most of the hormonal contraceptives (oral, injectable, implants) come close to 100% (>99%)

Q.

2. What are the problems of an unwanted pregnancy?

The problems of an unwanted pregnancy are abortion and its complications or the additional burden of maintaining an unwanted pregnancy. If you are unmarried add to it the social pressures from family and friends. For the unmarried and brave be ready for the ostracism faced by a single mother if your partner ditches you.

Q.

3. Is it important to use condoms every time we have sex?

Condoms are one of the best contraceptives for preventing sexually transmitted diseases though not as effective in preventing a pregnancy. Assuming you or your partner may have other sexual partners it is always prudent to be safe and use condoms during intercourse.

Q.

4. We have sex infrequently, can ‘i-pill’/‘unwanted 72’ be used for protection?

Often it is difficult to describe what infrequent means and realizing that the timing of the act is often unpredictable, contraception or protection should be planned well in advance. i-pill/unwanted 72 are emergency contraceptives and meant for use when pills are forgotten, condoms burst or when the safe period is calculated incorrectly. It works for a single act of intercourse with a 90% efficacy and is actually a backup method and not an alternative method for regular contraception.

Q.

5. If I wash off secretions just after sex can I still be pregnant?

Douching or washing of the genitalia is no guarantee that all the sperms will be washed out. There are still chances of becoming pregnant, as some sperms would have crossed in before you washed and you can really never be sure that all the sperms have been washed off, as they cannot be seen.