Patient's question:
Which is riskier, birth control pills or condoms? Which birth control pills are most effective? When is it less likely to get pregnant during sexual activity? What are the safe days?Medical history: Vaginitis
Doctor's answer:
Hello: Birth control pills are as effective as condoms. There are various types of birth control pills, such as long-acting, short-acting, and rapid-acting, which you can choose based on how long you plan to stay together.The method of calculating ovulation based on the menstrual cycle is also known as the calendar method. Both menstruation and ovulation are influenced by endocrine hormones from the pituitary gland and ovaries, exhibiting cyclical changes. The lengths of both cycles are consistent, with each lasting about one month, and ovulation occurs between two menstrual periods. Women's menstrual cycles can vary in length, but the interval between the day of ovulation and the start of the next menstrual period is relatively fixed, usually around 14 days. Based on this relationship between ovulation and menstruation, it is possible to calculate the ovulation period based on the menstrual cycle. The calculation method starts from the first day of the next menstrual period, subtracting 14 days (or counting backward 14 days) to determine the ovulation day. The day of ovulation, along with the 5 days before it and the 4 days after it, together form the ovulation period. This is the theoretical basis for the safe period method of contraception.
For example, a woman with a 28-day menstrual cycle has her first day of her current period on December 1. Her next menstrual period will then occur on December 29 (December 1 plus 28 days). Subtracting 14 days from December 29 gives December 15 as the ovulation day. The 5 days before ovulation and the 4 days after it—specifically, December 10 to 19—constitute the ovulation period. All other times, except for the menstrual period and ovulation period, are considered the safe period.