Contraception and Family Planning

Personalised contraception and family planning guidance covers contraception options, family planning methods, and contraception counselling for confident decisions.
Contraception and Family Planning

Every woman deserves to make her own choices about when to start a family, how many children she wants, and how to protect her health along the way. That is exactly what contraception and family planning is about giving you control over your own life.

Dr. N.S. Saradha is a senior gynecologist in Chennai with years of hands on experience in women’s health, obstetrics, and family planning. She consults patients in Vadapalani and Saligramam, two well connected locations in Chennai, making it easy for women across the city to access quality care.

Whether you are newly married and want to delay pregnancy, a mother looking to space your children, or someone exploring long term options Dr. Saradha takes the time to understand your situation and guide you toward the right choice.

Contraception is not one size fits-all. What works for one woman may not suit another. Age, health history, lifestyle, future pregnancy plans all of these matter Dr. Saradha’s approach is always personal, always respectful, and always focused on your well being.

OCP Counselling (Oral Contraceptive Pills)

Understanding the Pill — What it is and How it Helps You

Oral contraceptive pills, commonly called OCPs or "the pill," are one of the most widely used methods of Contraception & Family Planning across the world. They are small daily tablets that prevent pregnancy by regulating the hormones in your body. When taken correctly, they are highly effective.

But choosing the right pill is not as simple as picking one off a shelf. There are different types — combined pills, progestin-only pills — and each one suits a different kind of woman. That is why a proper consultation with a gynecologist matters.

During an OCP counselling session with Dr. N.S. Saradha, you can expect:

  • A review of your menstrual history and overall health
  • A discussion about your current medications and any existing conditions
  • Guidance on which pill type suits your body and lifestyle
  • Clear instructions on how and when to take the pill
  • Information about what to do if you miss a dose
  • A follow-up plan to check how your body is responding

OCPs are also prescribed beyond contraception. Many women take them to manage PCOS, painful or irregular periods, endometriosis, and heavy menstrual bleeding. If you have any of these concerns, Dr. Saradha can assess whether OCPs may help you.

As a gynecologist in Vadapalani and Saligramam, Dr. Saradha makes sure you leave the consultation feeling informed — not confused.

IUD / Copper T

An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a small T-shaped device that is placed inside the uterus by a doctor. The copper IUD — often called Copper T — is a non-hormonal option that can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.

It is one of the most effective forms of contraception available today. Once it is placed, you do not need to think about contraception on a daily basis. There are no pills to remember and no injections to schedule.

The Copper T works by creating an environment inside the uterus that is not favourable for fertilisation. It does not affect your hormones, so your natural cycle continues. Many women prefer this for that reason — especially those who have had hormonal side effects from other methods.

Things to know about the Copper T:

  • Insertion takes just a few minutes in the clinic
  • Mild cramping may occur for a day or two after insertion — this is normal
  • It can be removed any time you wish to plan a pregnancy
  • It is suitable for women who have had children as well as those who have not
  • It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections

Dr. N.S. Saradha performs Copper T insertions as part of her Contraception & Family Planning in Chennai practice. She ensures the procedure is done with care, using proper technique to minimise discomfort. She also schedules a follow-up to confirm correct placement and your comfort.


Contraception and Family Planning

Mirena (LNG-IUS)

Hormonal IUD for Women who Want Lighter Periods and Reliable Protection

Mirena is a hormonal intrauterine system — also called LNG IUS (Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System). Like the Copper T, it sits inside the uterus. But instead of copper, it releases a small, steady amount of the hormone levonorgestrel locally.

Mirena is effective for up to 5 years and is one of the most reliable contraceptive options available. It is also widely used to treat heavy periods and certain uterine conditions, making it both a contraceptive and a therapeutic device for many women.

Why some women choose Mirena over other options:

  • Periods often become lighter or may stop altogether after a few months — many women find this very convenient
  • The hormone released is local, meaning very little enters the bloodstream — this reduces systemic hormonal side effects
  • It is reversible — fertility returns quickly after removal
  • Suitable for busy women who do not want to manage daily pills or regular injections
  • Also prescribed for women with heavy menstrual bleeding, adenomyosis, or endometriosis

Dr. Saradha carefully evaluates whether Mirena is the right fit for you before recommending it. The insertion process, what to expect afterwards, and follow-up care — she walks you through every step. As the leading contraception & family planning centre in Vadapalani, her clinic serves patients across Vadapalani and Saligramam, making the process smooth and stress-free.

Implants and Injectables

Set it and Forget it Contraception that works Long after the Appointment

For women who want highly effective contraception without the need for daily or monthly attention, hormonal implants and injectable contraceptives are excellent options.

Hormonal Implants

A contraceptive implant is a tiny, flexible rod about the size of a matchstick that is placed just under the skin of the upper arm. It releases a low, steady level of progestin hormone and works for up to 3 years.

It is one of the most effective methods available, with a very low failure rate. Once inserted, you do not have to do anything it works on its own. When you are ready for a pregnancy, it can be removed and fertility returns quickly.

Injectable Contraceptives

Hormonal injections like DMPA (Depo-Provera) are given every 3 months. They prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation. Injections suit women who want a medium term option and prefer not to have a device inserted.

Both implants and injectables are suitable for:

  • Women who have trouble remembering daily pills
  • Those who want privacy in their contraceptive choice
  • Women who have recently delivered and are breastfeeding (certain types are approved)
  • Women who cannot use estrogen-containing contraceptives

Dr. Saradha provides thorough counselling on both options so you can make an informed decision based on your health, lifestyle, and family planning goals.

Emergency Contraception

What to do after Unprotected Sex Calm, Confidential, and Timely Advice

Emergency contraception (EC) is used after unprotected sex to reduce the chance of pregnancy. It is not a regular contraceptive method it is a backup option for specific situations.

Emergency contraceptive pills work best when taken as soon as possible ideally within 72 hours of unprotected sex, though some options can work up to 120 hours (5 days) after.

There is often a lot of confusion and misinformation around emergency contraception. It is important to understand what it is and what it is not:

  • Emergency contraception prevents pregnancy it does not end an existing one
  • It does not cause an abortion
  • It is a safe and legally available option in India
  • It is not meant to be used as a regular contraceptive method

When might someone need emergency contraception?

  • After a condom failure or missed pills
  • In cases of unplanned, unprotected intercourse
  • After certain medical procedures that could affect contraceptive effectiveness

Dr. N.S. Saradha provides confidential consultations for women who need guidance on emergency contraception. She also uses this as an opportunity to counsel about regular, more reliable contraceptive options going forward so you are better protected in the future.

If you are in Chennai and need to speak to a gynecologist quickly, Dr. Saradha is accessible in Vadapalani and Saligramam.

Preconception Planning

The Best Time to See a Gynecologist is Before you Get Pregnant

Most women visit a gynecologist after they find out they are pregnant. But the months before conception — the preconception period — are equally important. What you do before pregnancy can significantly affect the health of both mother and baby.

Preconception planning is a structured consultation that helps you prepare your body and your health for a safe, healthy pregnancy.

What Dr. Saradha covers during a preconception visit:

  • Review of your menstrual cycle and ovulation health
  • Discussion about your medical history, existing conditions (like thyroid issues, diabetes, PCOS), and current medications
  • Folic acid and nutrition advice to reduce the risk of birth defects
  • Vaccination status — especially rubella and hepatitis B
  • Blood tests to check for underlying conditions that could affect pregnancy
  • Lifestyle guidance — weight, diet, exercise, and what to avoid
  • Timing intercourse for the best chance of conception
  • Guidance on stopping current contraceptive methods and how soon you can expect to conceive after each method

Preconception planning is especially important for women above 30, those with known health conditions, or anyone who has had pregnancy complications or losses in the past.

Dr. Saradha treats preconception care as a genuine investment in your future pregnancy. It is not just a checklist — it is a conversation. She listens to your concerns and builds a realistic plan with you.

As a trusted gynecologist in Chennai and the go-to contraception & family planning centre in Vadapalani, she brings clinical expertise together with warm, personalised care that makes patients feel comfortable and confident.

Conclusion

Contraception and family planning are deeply personal decisions. They touch your health, your relationships, your ambitions, and your future. Having the right gynecologist by your side makes all the difference.

Dr. N.S. Saradha is a gynecologist in Chennai with deep expertise in contraception and family planning. She serves patients in Vadapalani, Saligramam, and the surrounding areas of Chennai. Her approach is simple listen carefully, explain clearly, and recommend only what is genuinely right for each patient.

Whether you are here to learn about your options, start a contraceptive method, plan your first pregnancy, or simply get your questions answered you are in the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Contraception and Family Planning and our services

Options include the combined pill, progestogen only pill, hormonal implant, intrauterine devices (IUD and IUS), contraceptive injection, patch, vaginal ring, barrier methods, and permanent surgical options.

The right contraception depends on your health history, lifestyle, future pregnancy plans, and personal preferences. A specialist can help you compare options and make an informed, confident choice.

Long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as the hormonal implant and intrauterine devices are among the most effective methods, with over 99% effectiveness when correctly fitted and used.

Most contraceptive methods do not permanently affect fertility. Fertility typically returns quickly after stopping the pill, removing an implant, or having an IUD removed, though timelines vary.

Yes, hormonal contraception is frequently used to manage conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, painful periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding, offering both contraceptive and therapeutic benefits simultaneously.

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