Patient's question:
I live with my girlfriend. She just turned 18 in April 2005, and we are looking for a simple and convenient method of contraception. Condoms are uncomfortable to wear, so I would like to ask about other good contraception methods that are suitable for our situation, excluding condoms. (She is not very keen on taking medication, but if medication is a good solution, we could overcome it.)Doctor's answer:
Various contraceptive methods have different advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on factors such as the age, health status, number of children, and lifestyle of both partners.1. Safe Period Method: Contraceptive success rate: 70%–80%
Principle: Avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period based on ovulation patterns.
Method: For women with regular menstrual cycles, ovulation typically occurs about 14–16 days before the next expected period. The days immediately before and after this date are considered unsafe, while other days are considered safe.
2. External Contraceptive Cream/Membrane: Contraceptive success rate: 70%–80%
Principle: Soluble membranes containing spermicidal drugs or devices that reduce sperm mobility.
Method: Before sexual intercourse, roll the membrane into a ball and insert it into the vagina. It becomes effective once dissolved.
3. Male Condom: Contraceptive success rate: 80%–98%
Principle: Preventing sperm from meeting with eggs.
Method: Worn over the male reproductive organ before sexual intercourse.
4. Liquid Condom: Contraceptive success rate: Over 96%
Principle: This product kills various sexually transmitted pathogens and sperm within 1 minute through chemical sterilization and a physical barrier, thus achieving contraception. Dosage and Usage: Use the special applicator to inject 4.2 mL of gel into the vagina once before sleep or 3 minutes before sexual intercourse. The effect lasts for 8 hours.
5. Intrauterine Device (IUD): Contraceptive success rate: Over 95%
Principle: Preventing fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus.
Method: Inserted into the uterus by a doctor.
6. Oral Short-Term Contraceptives: Contraceptive success rate: 99.9%
Principle: Suppressing ovulation and altering the cervical mucus using medication.
Method: The first dose should be taken on days 1–5 of the menstrual cycle, with one pill taken daily without interruption. The effectiveness begins 14 days after the first dose.
7. Contraceptive Injection: Contraceptive success rate: 99.9%
Principle: Suppressing ovulation and altering the cervical mucus using medication.
Method: Administered as a monthly intramuscular injection.
8. Subdermal Contraceptive Implant: Contraceptive success rate: 99.9%
Principle: The drug is released slowly into the bloodstream, suppressing ovulation and altering the cervical mucus. The effect lasts for 2–3 years.
Method: A half-centimeter incision is made on the upper arm, and 2 or 6 small rod-like contraceptive implants are inserted in a fan shape.
9. Permanent Contraception—Female Tubal Ligation, Male Vasectomy: Contraceptive success rate: 99.9%
Principle: Preventing sperm from meeting with eggs.
Method: Requires surgery at a hospital. Female tubal ligation carries a high risk of accidentally injuring vital abdominal organs, potentially leading to death during the procedure.
10. Emergency Contraception (Emergency Contraceptive Pills): Must be taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, with the latest not exceeding 48 hours.
Principle: Altering the uterine lining to prevent the fertilized egg from implanting.