Women’s Day 2023: Future Birth Control Should Be Less Invasive, 'Night-Before Pill' Can Be Promising, Experts Say

Women's Day 2023: Future birth control methods for women should be minimally invasive, contain less hormonal content, and provide enhanced protection against sexually transmitted diseases, experts say

International Women's Day 2023: Women can prevent unwanted pregnancy through safe and effective methods of birth control such as contraception, barrier and hormonal methods, and permanent birth control, or sterilisation. (Photo of birth control methods)

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Women's Day 2023: Women can prevent unwanted pregnancy through safe and effective methods of birth control such as contraception, barrier and hormonal methods, and permanent birth control, or sterilisation. When choosing the most appropriate method of contraception, both men and women should consider elements such as safety, effectiveness, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and the extent of invasiveness. 

People can also seek contraceptive counselling and choose a method of contraception that offers protection from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases.

What is the future of birth control methods?

Future birth control methods for women should be minimally invasive, contain less hormonal content, and provide enhanced protection against sexually transmitted diseases, according to experts. 'Night-before pill' can be a promising method of birth control in the future.

“In the near future, there are two promising new methods of birth control. The first is ovulation disruption, or “night-before pill,” which could bypass emergency contraception laws. The second is a male birth control gel,” Dr. Akta Bajaj, Senior Consultant and Head – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, tells ABP Live.

Common modes of contraception available for women are barrier methods, intrauterine devices, and birth control pills, which prevent pregnancy through the use of hormones.

“The most-effective birth control methods are called long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Contraceptives for women include combined oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive implant, intrauterine device, vaginal ring, female condom, and diaphragms or caps,” Dr. Manju Wali, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, tells ABP Live.

According to Dr Wali, the future of birth control methods include biodegradable implants and immunocontraception, which is a birth control method using the immune system to target gamete production and induce infertility. Immunocontraception is currently not approved for human use.

“The future of birth control will probably be non-latex condoms, vaginal rings, and new implants, followed by disease-reducing spermicides, new emergency contraceptives, biodegradable implants for women, and immunocontraceptives,” says Dr Wali.

Intrauterine devices can result in infections inside a woman’s uterus and form pelvic abscesses. In order to prevent such complications, birth control methods should be minimally invasive.

“In the future, birth control methods should be minimally invasive and have almost zero failure rates,” Dr Mithee Bhanot, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Apollo 24|7, and Apollo Hospitals, Sector-26, Noida, tells ABP Live.

Compared to barrier methods, oral contraceptive methods and intrauterine devices are more effective birth control techniques. However, oral contraceptive methods can induce side effects because they contain hormones. Also, they do not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

“Future contraceptive methods should be designed to have fewer side effects, Iess hormonal content must offer better protection against HIV and sexually transmitted diseases,” Dr. Indrani Salunkhe, Gynaecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, tells ABP Live.

Women are often sceptical about using birth control methods either due to misconceptions or inadequate support from their families. Birth control does not only help control population growth, but can also be crucial for the well-being of a woman. Therefore, it is important to encourage smaller families to use contraceptive techniques to control population growth. 

“You may have seen advertisements in the media as well as signs, bills, and other materials with the slogan ‘Hum Do Hamare Do’ (we two, our two), depicting a contented couple with two kids. Many couples have even accepted the ‘one child norm’, especially the young, urban, working couples,” Dr Rashmi Baliyan, Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, tells ABP Live.

Incentives are often given to partners with small families to use birth control methods.

“It must be emphasised that choosing an effective means of contraception and using it should always be done with the advice of trained medical professionals. The widespread application of these techniques has a major impact on out-of-control population growth, or limiting population growth that is out of control,” adds Dr Baliyan.

Women’s Day messages from female doctors

It is crucial for women to give utmost importance to their health and accept themselves the way they are. Speaking to ABP Live, experts have encouraged women to love themselves and speak up against gender discrimination.

“As an important influencer of society, I would like to ask women to prioritise their health and also indulge in self love and care,” says Dr Salunkhe.

“You are complete however you are! A healthy woman leads to a healthy family and a healthy society,” says Dr Bhanot.

“Women's Day is an occasion to honour those who have been at the vanguard of the fight against gender discrimination and inequities in legal, civil, and human rights as well as those who have lost their lives or freedom in the process. It serves as a warning that we need to step up our efforts and mobilise our efforts to support the empowerment of women at all levels and across all spheres of society,” says Dr Baliyan.

“Women’s day is the celebration of the spirit of womanhood across the globe and acknowledgement of their contributions to society every day. My message on this day would be to encourage women to empower themselves with the knowledge to take care of their mental and physical well being and maintain work-life balance,” says Dr Bajaj.

“Women's Day is an opportunity to remember that gender equality is a human rights issue,” says Dr Wali.