Patient's question:
Not married yet, everything else is fine, but it's always a hassle when it comes to sexual life and contraception methods. Always worrying about what to do if pregnancy happens. After all, it's not yet time to get married, and things like this aren't the best solution, but they have to be dealt with.Doctor's answer:
Many young women choose the former because the fear and helplessness on the abortion table are the worst kind of nightmare; for more experienced women, the degree of convenience and comfort, like safety, are key factors they consider when choosing a method of contraception. Uncomfortable and inconvenient methods of contraception can gradually make our bodies develop a "rejection reaction" to sex, severely affecting the opportunity and ability to reach pleasure. Contraception should choose the most convenient and comfortable method, and one that suits the physiological stage. Below, we will explain the various methods of contraception:1. Oral Contraceptives
One of the most comfortable methods of contraception, short-term oral contraceptives (such as Marvelon) require taking one pill daily or continuously for 22 days after the end of the menstrual period. This can regulate menstruation and help alleviate symptoms such as premenstrual pain and irritability. Many women who get used to taking short-term oral contraceptives find that their skin becomes clearer unexpectedly.
New-generation short-term oral contraceptives have improved in composition, effectively reducing the side effects of older-generation contraceptives such as weight gain, acne, and increased hair growth. They have no impact on fetal development, meaning that as long as you are mentally and physically ready for a baby, you can conceive immediately after stopping the medication.
Of course, there is a common misconception about oral contraceptives: many young girls find it troublesome to take a pill every day, so they skip "preparatory work" beforehand and only rush to buy emergency contraception pills after having sex. Gynecological experts even call these young girls the "Yuteng generation." In fact, this practice exaggerates the "miraculous effect" of emergency contraception. Almost all emergency contraception pills work by inhibiting ovulation and the endometrium. Therefore, taking them multiple times within the same menstrual cycle increases the likelihood of menstrual disorders and failure rates.
In other words, emergency contraception is still reliable when used occasionally. If you rely on it frequently, you will eventually need to see an experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to regulate your menstrual cycle.
2. Safe Period Method
Another highly comfortable method of contraception, it is the most popular among men because it allows them to enjoy the kind of "unfettered intimacy" found in Eden while still practicing "rigorous preventive measures." However, many women, while indulging in the pleasure of "unimpeded contact," remain uneasy about its safety. Especially for those who have had two or more "lucky" encounters in a year, they gradually develop a sense of fear toward this method. Their anxiety only eases when their "old friend" arrives as scheduled.
Does this mean the safe period method is unreliable? Not necessarily. The 20% failure rate is statistical, and the reasons for failure are varied, including irregular menstruation, changes in living environment, sudden work stress, or a reunion after a separation. This disruption does not necessarily affect everyone.
Men do not object to withdrawal, as the "emergency stop" just before reaching climax is extremely stimulating. Many believe this indicates their ability to control themselves, demonstrating decisiveness and mastery.
3. Male Condoms
For women, this is the second most comfortable method of contraception after oral contraceptives and the safe period method. Although your partner may complain loudly about it being "troublesome" or "like scratching an itch through a glove," single-use condoms have a 99.6% effectiveness rate, and their "discomfort" is merely a slight "spicy sensation" from the friction between the plastic and the vagina. It is believed that men's physical sensations are similar, and their discomfort is entirely psychological.
In urban China, 31% of married couples use condoms for contraception, while in rural areas, it is only 12%. In Japan, the rate is 56%, in Singapore, 71%, and even in India, it is 43%. Why do many Chinese women avoid this comfortable and inexpensive method? The answer is "He doesn't want to use it, and I'm afraid he'll be upset." In reality, this custom of prioritizing men's feelings during contraception should be changed. Contraception must be centered on women, as they are the ones bearing the consequences of sex alone. Wives can take the opportunity to talk to their husbands and try to reach an agreement on using condoms for contraception.
Evidence shows that if men in their 30s and above persist, they are twice as likely to welcome condoms than when they were 27. As they grow older in marriage, they increasingly discover the benefits of condoms, such as prolonging ejaculation time and enhancing mutual satisfaction, as well as not having to rush to wash the sheets afterward.
4. Sterilization
Of course, sterilization surgery is uncomfortable, with local pain and swelling, but this "postoperative effect" disappears after two or three days. At this point, a sense of "once and for all" relief allows both partners to enjoy a "second spring" they could not have had in their youth. Every sexual encounter afterward will be "free of burden," incredibly comfortable.
If both partners decide to become child-free couples, sterilization is the best method of contraception. It does not affect the body's sex hormone levels; it simply blocks the path for sperm and eggs to meet. Therefore, there is no need to worry about it diminishing secondary sexual characteristics or causing early menopause. The only downside is that if you regret it later and want to have children again, restoring normal ejaculation or ovulation can be very difficult.
Compared to tubal ligation, vasectomy is more difficult because a woman's reproductive organs are deep within the body, making the surgery more painful. If you hope your husband will have the surgery, both partners must communicate fully, and the wife should be understanding of his emotional fluctuations. After the surgery, he may feel a bit "special" and have a sense of sacrifice for his partner. Additionally, women who are particularly sensitive or neurotic should not choose this method, as they may inexplicably worry about the health and safety of their only child, viewing sterilization as "cutting off their future." If you have such concerns, it is better to choose another method of contraception.
5. Intrauterine Device (IUD)
A rather uncomfortable method of contraception, the procedure for inserting an IUD is similar to an abortion, requiring the use of a cervical dilator, and causing lower back pain and a heavy sensation. The effectiveness of the IUD after insertion varies from person to person and depends on the doctor's placement and technique. Some women may have an allergic reaction to the inserted "metal ring,"，，. A regular IUD is effective for 5-8 years and is very painful to remove, requiring the use of a cervical dilator. If the "metal ring" becomes stuck to the uterine wall, it can cause pain and bleeding.
The only advantage of this method is that the man remains in a "comfortable" bystander role during contraception. He can enjoy "unfettered intimacy" without paying any price. From a woman's perspective, however, she must endure two helpless experiences on the operating table during the insertion and removal of the IUD. Moreover, in about 8% of cases, the uterus may have an overly strong allergic reaction, causing a flood of menstrual blood that can even dislodge the inserted IUD, leaving the woman unaware. In such cases, the likelihood of an unexpected pregnancy is very high, especially if the couple does not use any other form of contraception after the woman adopts this method. Self-monitoring is essential. B should be done twice in the second and fourth months after insertion to ensure it is still "on duty." After that, an annual B should be performed to ensure the effectiveness of contraception continues.