Patient's question:
We are living in separate locations and have irregular meeting times. Sometimes we meet once a month, sometimes twice a month, and sometimes three times a month.Doctor's answer:
Oral Contraceptives 1. Oral contraceptives are divided into three types—long-acting, short-acting, and emergency (short-term) based on the duration of their contraceptive effects. Intrauterine contraceptives work through several mechanisms, including inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, interfering with endometrial development, altering tubal motility, inhibiting sperm capacitation, and inhibiting or killing sperm.2. Types of Contraceptives and Drugs That Should Not Be Taken with Them
Long-acting contraceptive injections contain a combination of estrogen and progestogen, such as compound medroxyprogesterone acetate and compound megestrol acetate. The first dose is administered on days 5 and 10–12 of the menstrual cycle, followed by a monthly injection on day 10 of each subsequent cycle. Progestin-only injectables, primarily medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), are given on the 5th day of menstruation and repeated every three months. About two-thirds of women experience irregular bleeding after using progestin-only injections. These can be used by breastfeeding women.
Short-acting Contraceptives
Simple and convenient to take, short-acting contraceptives are highly effective, harmless to the body, and do not affect future fertility.
Dosage Instructions: Generally taken after dinner before bedtime on the 5th day of menstruation, one tablet daily for 22 consecutive days without interruption. Taking one month of medication provides one month of contraception.
Emergency Contraceptives
Suitable for couples staying together for 10 days or more, emergency contraceptives can be taken after intercourse without regard to the menstrual cycle. If the stay exceeds two weeks, switching to regular contraceptives is recommended.
Long-acting Oral Contraceptives
The first dose is taken after lunch on the 5th day of menstruation, followed by a second dose after 20 days. Subsequently, the second dose date becomes the monthly dosage day, with one tablet taken each month.
3. Precautions When Taking Contraceptives
Before selecting a contraceptive, it is advisable to undergo a medical examination to determine suitability. Regardless of the type of contraceptive, it must be taken strictly according to the instructions, without altering the dosage or method. Otherwise, contraceptive effectiveness may be compromised. Contraceptives should be stored in a cool, dry place, and if there are children at home, they should be kept out of reach.
A small number of women may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness after taking contraceptives. To alleviate these symptoms, short-acting contraceptives can be taken after dinner or before bedtime, while long-acting contraceptives are taken after lunch.
If vaginal bleeding occurs or menstruation is delayed for three months during treatment, medical attention should be sought to determine the cause. Long-acting contraceptives should not be discontinued abruptly. Instead, short-acting contraceptives should be taken for 2–3 menstrual cycles afterward as a transition to prevent irregular vaginal bleeding. Women who take contraceptives long-term should undergo regular health check-ups. If pregnancy is desired, it is recommended to stop taking contraceptives six months before conception and use condoms during this period.