You Want to Be Pregnant But Not Right Now? Let’s Talk Short-Term Contraceptives (Without Putting You to Sleep)

Okay, so you’ve decided that you want to get pregnant. But not now. Maybe in a few months. Or next year. Or whenever your boss stops texting you at 11 PM. The point is—you want the option open, but you don’t want your uterus RSVP-ing to a guest (aka baby) just yet.

And that’s where short-term contraception comes into the picture like a polite bouncer at the club: “Not tonight, Mr. Sperm.”

Let’s dive in, with humour, honesty, and zero awkwardness—because contraception doesn’t need to sound like a boring biology lecture narrated by your uncle with the monotone voice.

1. Condoms – The O.G. Guardians of the Galaxy

Ah, condoms. They’re like the protective phone case for your reproductive system. Cheap, easy to carry, and available in flavors (why? we don’t know, but hey—mango it is).

How they work: Slip one on the penis (or use female/internal condoms—yes, those exist too!) and they create a barrier between sperm and the uterus.

Basically, sperm hits a wall. Literally.

Pros:

No hormones = no hormonal drama.

Protects against STIs (like the clingy exes of the microbe world).

Easily available. Heck, even your neighborhood paan shop might have them.

Risks (a.k.a. Oopsie Scenarios):

Breakage: Ever seen a balloon pop? Not the vibe you want mid-moment.

Slippage: If it’s too loose or too tight—Houston, we have a problem.

Late application: If you wait till “just before”, you’re late. Sperm are sneaky ninjas.

Pro Tip:

Don’t use two condoms together. That’s not double protection, that’s double friction and a high chance of tearing. Physics, folks.

Store them in a cool, dry place—not your wallet next to your expired gym membership card.

2. Birth Control Pills – Small, Mighty, and Slightly Dramatic

If condoms are bouncers, pills are tiny hormonal negotiators. They convince your ovaries to take a chill pill every day.

How they work:

Prevent ovulation. No egg, no baby. Simple.

Pros:

Super effective when taken properly.

Can help with acne, PCOS, and menstrual cramps. (Thank you, tiny hormone fairies.)

Cons:

Must be taken every day around the same time. If you're someone who forgets where you kept your phone while you're holding it—set alarms.

Can cause side effects like nausea, mood swings, and a very suspicious level of breast tenderness (is it PMS or a push-up bra?).

No STI protection. Condoms still have to play tag team.

Pro Tip:

Keep a backup pack in your bag like it’s candy. (But don’t eat it like candy.)

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it, it’s basically not taken. Take another.

3. IUD (Intrauterine Device) – The Tiny Uterine Decor That Says “Not Today”

Okay, let’s talk IUDs. Think of them as a tiny, T-shaped roommate your uterus hosts for a while—who pays rent in pregnancy prevention.

There are two types:

Copper IUD (non-hormonal): Repels sperm like garlic repels vampires.

Hormonal IUD (like Mirena): Releases hormones to thicken cervical mucus. It’s like a sperm swimming through peanut butter. Good luck, bro.

Pros:

Set it and forget it. One-time insertion = peace of mind for 3-10 years.

Fertility returns quickly after removal.

No daily routine. Perfect for the “I forget what day it is” gang.

Cons:

Insertion is not a spa treatment. It can be crampy (but worth it).

Some people experience irregular bleeding initially.

Doesn’t protect against STIs. So again, team-up with condoms if needed.

Pro Tip:

Not all IUDs are permanent! You can take them out whenever you’re ready for Baby Season.

Get it done by a qualified professional, not YouTube tutorials, please.

So… Which One’s Best?

Let’s settle this the honest way:

There’s no one-size-fits-all contraceptive. It depends on your lifestyle, body, memory power, and how soon you plan to open the gates of motherhood.

If you’re forgetful – skip the pills.

If you hate the idea of things inside – condoms, pills, or patches might be better.

If you want to “set and forget” – IUDs are your uterus’s BFF.

If you want protection from STIs too – always go with condoms (or combo with others).

Final Thoughts (Because I Know You Scrolled)

Want to be pregnant but not yet? You’re allowed to want that. Contraception is not a scary science experiment. It’s like meal prep for your reproductive health: plan ahead, use the right containers (ahem), and don’t microwave stuff that shouldn’t be microwaved (okay maybe that metaphor ran too far).

Talk to your doctor. Ask questions. Be the curious queen/king/royal you are. And remember: whether it’s for 3 months or a year, contraception gives you the power to decide when to say “Welcome to the womb!”