Patient's question:
Dear doctor, my wife has reached the time for contraception, and I wonder if there are any good methods available? Is it a more effective method to have an IUD inserted? When should one go for it? I heard it's recommended to do it within a week after menstruation. Is that correct? I look forward to your reply! Thank you!Doctor's answer:
Condoms (Condoms) are a non-drug form of contraception, primarily used to prevent the fertilization of human sperm and eggs during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. In addition, condoms also help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and HIV, hence the name "safeguard." Today, condoms are typically made from natural rubber or polyurethane.Contraceptive drugs generally refer to oral contraceptives, including female and male oral contraceptives. Their contraceptive mechanism mainly involves inhibiting ovulation, altering cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to penetrate, reducing the production of liver glycogen in uterine glands to hinder the survival of the blastocyst, or changing the activity of the uterus and fallopian tubes to obstruct the transport of the fertilized egg. By preventing the combination of sperm and egg to form a fertilized egg, these drugs achieve the purpose of contraception.
An intrauterine device (IUD), also known as an intrauterine ring [1], has evolved from ancient times. Historical records show that ancient Arabs and Turks placed small stones inside the camel uterus to prevent pregnancy during long desert journeys. In the mid-11th century, the Arab scientist Avicenna reported the use of contraceptive pessaries. In the late 19th century, metal-handled pessaries were developed, which were used to correct uterine position, serve as abortifacients, and also prevent pregnancy. However, these devices did not actually enter the uterine cavity and were not true functional IUDs.