Hey Ladies get in here: Contraception safety and hazards

Reproductive health in the 30s and 40s depends a lot on the contraception you opt for. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to contraception - factors such as ease of use, duration and purpose usually dictate choices. Though no birth control method is in itself completely secure, the failure rate for any reversible method (those that do not prevent pregnancy forever such as pills and condoms) also depends on if it's used, regularly, without fail.

Contraception Before 40
Most women in this age group should opt for a combination of condoms (to keep sexually transmitted infections at bay) and pills, to be doubly safe. The pills have a success rate of almost 99 percent but their effectiveness is bound to reduce if not taken regularly. Women who smoke should avoid combined pills (they contain two hormones - estrogen and progestogen) as they increase the incidence of blood clotting (thrombosis), and stick to progestin-only pills. Once you start any hormonal contraception, visit your gynaecologist at least once in three months to run a check on any side- effects such as sore breasts, high blood pressure, nausea and headaches.

Contraception Post 40
Women in their 40s will see intermittent ovulation (hence the need for contraception is more), a natural decline in fer t i l ity, menstrual dysfunction and associated medical conditions such as neopla s ia (abnorma l , uncontrolled cell growth). The risk of heart disease and brain strokes also increases. Women in this age group should rely on low-dose pills that help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vag ina l dr ynes s . Progestin-only pills are the best bet - they also combat painful periods.{mosimage}

Emergency Contraception (Morning-After Pill)
Emergency contraceptive pills are 75 to 84 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. They should be administered within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse or the chances of failure are high (they're most effective when taken within 12 hours). Progestin-only contraceptive pills are 88 percent effective after two doses (first one to be had within 72 hours of intercourse and second one 12 hours after the first) and come with fewer side-effects as compared to combined emergency contraceptive pills. However, it's not a good idea to rely on emergency contraceptive pills more than twice a month

Essential Know-how
Condoms
Pros - Easy to use, no sideeffects or need for surgery Cons - Higher failure rate (almost 2 percent)
Pills
Pros - Reversible and may help in relieving certain hormonal problems such as PCOD and PCOS by balancing hormones Cons - Some women may experience bloating, headache and weight gain Implants, injections and interuterine devices (IUD s)
Pros - Effective for a long period and convenient
Cons - IUDs may cause pelvic pain or heavy and prolonged menstrual or post-intercourse bleeding
Tubectomy, vasectomy
Pros - Very low failure rate
Cons - Surgery for tubectomy may cause complications such as bowel and vessel injury