There are plenty of contraceptive methods in Nepal. In this article we provide you an outlook into the  usage, history, types, benefits,beliefs about the use of contraception in Nepal.

Before understanding about contraceptive methods lets understand about contraception.

Contraception is any measure, temporary or permanent, designed to prevent pregnancy due to coitus (sexual act)

Various contraceptive methods in Nepal

To outline, Nepalese use the following contraceptive measures 

Temporary : Barrier methods, natural contraception, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), steroids. Barrier methods are Condom, Femidom (Female Condom), Diaphragm (intravaginal), Vaginal contraceptives like spermicides and sponges. Natural contraception commonly tried to use but difficult are rhythm, coitus interruptus and breast feeding. A variety of IUCDs are available. Steroidal contraceptives are on rapid rise these days among Nepalese because of their easy availability, sure results and good complicance. Some of these steroids are emergency pills (ipill, sure), norplant, vaginal rings and transdermal patches.

Permanent methods include vasectomy and tubal ligation. Vasectomy is regarded as the most cost-effective contraceptive methods. In Nepal, non scalpel vasectomy (NSV) is the preferred method and is done at various governmental and non-governmental health institutions by qualified and certified doctors and health workers. On the other hand, tubal ligation can be done by both minilap and laparoscopic (better method).

Other Facts about contraceptive methods in Nepal

• As per NDHS 2016, the total contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) of Nepal is 52.6%. The largest contributor to this is female sterilization, courtesy of various sterilization camps organized throughout out the year.
• Condoms are the only contraceptives with dual protection benefit, one from pregnancy and the other one from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), commonly known as copper-T provide protection for up to 12 years. They are the most effective emergency as well as overall  contraceptive devices. The most common side effect is pain. Most common complaint to discontinue them is bleeding. 
• Norplant are steroidal contraceptives used in Nepal. They offer protection for up to seven years. They are usually inserted on your non-dominant hand (i.e. inserted on left arm of a right handed person). 
• The most effective contraception in a breast feeding woman overall is progesterone only pill.
• The MEC wheel system is adopted these days to reassure and counsel the couples about used of various family planning methods in Nepal.
• Combined oral contraceptives are made freely available to the patients under Nepalese health care system. You must get prescription in order to retrieve them from government pharmacies.