Patient's question:
Hello, I would like to ask for some advice on the best and most effective ways to prevent pregnancy. Are there different methods available? I am asking on behalf of a friend. He and his wife just got married and don't want to have children yet, so he wanted to know how to prevent pregnancy, what options are available, and which method is the most effective, safest, and least harmful to the body. He wants to understand the different methods that can be chosen.Doctor's answer:
In real life, there are various methods of contraception, each with its own indications, contraindications, and precautions. There are many contraceptive methods for women, including the safe period method, barrier methods, and drug-based contraception. Below, we will discuss several methods of female contraception.### I. Safe Period Contraception
There are two methods for calculating the safe period:
1. Counting backward 14 days from the next menstrual period to identify the ovulation period. The 10 days before and after this period (5 days before to 4 days after) are considered the fertile window, while the remaining days are the safe period.
2. Measuring basal body temperature for 2–3 menstrual cycles to understand the ovulation pattern and avoid sexual intercourse 5 days before and 5 days after ovulation.
Precautions: Not suitable for women with irregular menstrual cycles. Higher risk of accidental pregnancy.
### II. Barrier Contraception
The most common form of barrier contraception is the intrauterine device (IUD). There are various types, including the T-shaped IUD (TCu380), Mirena, Mirena Progestas, GyneFix, and ring-shaped IUDs, among others. Barrier methods such as vaginal diaphragms and cervical caps require high usage accuracy and can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
Precautions: A doctor should examine the woman before inserting an IUD to determine if it can be inserted and to help select the most suitable type.
### III. Drug-Based Contraception
Contraceptive drugs are categorized based on their duration of action into short-acting, rapid-acting, long-acting, emergency contraception, and contraceptive drug release systems.
#### (1) Combined Short-Acting Oral Contraceptives (COCs)
The earliest and most widely used method. Particularly suitable for newly married couples who do not want children temporarily. Domestic brands include COC No. 1, No. 2, and No. 0. Other brands include Marvelon, Microgynon-35, and others.
Precautions: Do not miss any doses. If a dose is missed, take it the next morning.
#### (2) Rapid-Acting Oral Contraceptives (Emergency Contraceptives)
Can be taken without restriction during menstruation. Effective regardless of the day of the menstrual cycle.
Precautions: Not recommended for breastfeeding women.
#### (3) Combined Long-Acting Oral Contraceptives
Due to their high estrogen content, these are used less frequently now.
#### (4) Long-Acting Contraceptive Injections
Regular breast examinations should be conducted during use. Discontinue use immediately if a lump is detected.
#### (5) Emergency Contraceptives
The most commonly used emergency contraceptives are mifepristone and ellaOne. The dosage methods for both are the same.
Precautions: The earlier the first dose is taken, the better. Ensure that only one unprotected sexual act occurred during the current cycle. If further sexual activity occurs during the cycle, strict contraception is required. Emergency contraception should not be used as a regular method of birth control.