19. The impact of contraception on sexual life and the choice of contraceptive methods at different stages.

Will contraception affect sex life?

Among couples planning to use contraception, a major concern is often whether it will affect their or one partner's normal sex life.

So, what exactly is the situation? We say this is a rather complex issue. First, it depends on the sexual knowledge of those who understand and take action in society. Generally, only those with comprehensive and accurate sexual knowledge will not only avoid adverse reactions in their sex lives but will also find it easier to achieve sexual satisfaction; conversely, those with limited knowledge will be filled with suspicion and unable to obtain pleasure.

Currently, all family planning measures adopted in my country, such as IUDs, male condoms, female diaphragms, and oral contraceptives, have been proven through extensive scientific experiments to have no adverse effects on the human body or sexual function. Furthermore, family planning itself provides couples with freedom and sexual liberation in their sexual activities, eliminating the psychological burden of fearing pregnancy during intercourse, thereby improving the quality of their sex life. Therefore, we can say that family planning represents another form of sexual liberation for couples.

Let's now do a detailed analysis:

1. Oral contraceptives

Currently, the female contraceptives used in my country are divided into two types: short-acting and long-acting. According to their effects, they can be divided into four categories: inhibiting ovulation, preventing fertilization, interfering with implantation, and affecting uterine and placental function.

2. Contraceptive ring

It is also a widely used family planning measure. It is a metal or plastic device that is inserted into the uterine cavity to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.

The two methods mentioned above are safe, reliable, and have a high success rate. They do not affect the woman's sexual function or sexual response cycle. However, it is not advisable to use only one method for contraception, in case of adverse reactions, to prevent psychological spread and lead to psychological dullness or disorder in sexual response.

3. Male vas deferens obstruction

This procedure involves injecting medication to block the vas deferens, preventing sperm from being ejaculated. It is a very simple and safe method of sterilization, considered an ideal approach. It does not affect male sexual characteristics, libido, or sexual function, and has no impact on the sexual response cycle.

However, due to the lack of sexual knowledge among most people, they develop a fear of surgery, sexual function, and sexual ability. Under the psychological pressure caused by this ignorance, patients may exhibit all sorts of bizarre "sexual abnormalities."

4. Male condoms

This method prevents semen from entering the vagina using physical means and has no side effects. However, because the penis is covered with a condom, sexual sensitivity is reduced, the woman may experience a foreign body sensation, and the man may also experience a decrease in sexual pleasure. But the psychological impact of this method is relatively small.

In conclusion, family planning measures themselves have no adverse effect on sexual response. The so-called "sexual discomfort" experienced by some individuals is not caused by the measures themselves, but rather by psychological illusions, misunderstandings, and even distortions resulting from long-term social influences. Therefore, it is highly necessary for young men and women, especially married couples, to learn and acquire some sex education.

Choose a contraceptive method according to the time.

There are many methods of contraception for couples, but the best method depends on the time and circumstances. Otherwise, it will not only fail to ensure a harmonious and satisfactory sex life for both partners, but also easily lead to contraceptive failure.

Contraception during the honeymoon period

If you don't want children immediately after marriage, the best and most convenient temporary method of contraception is condoms. For lubrication and safety, contraceptive cream should also be applied. Since newlyweds are often experiencing inexperience and anxiety, and some women may fear the pain of hymen rupture, the wedding can also be scheduled during the woman's ovulation period, thus ensuring safe contraception.

If you do not wish to have children for an extended period after marriage, you should use a reliable method of contraception, such as low-dose, short-acting oral contraceptives. Once you decide to conceive, stop taking the medication six months before trying to conceive; during this period, you can temporarily use condoms for contraception.

Contraception during childbirth and breastfeeding

Postpartum breastfeeding can cause a prolonged period without menstruation, but the absence of menstruation does not necessarily mean the absence of ovulation. It is dangerous to not use any contraception during this time. Oral contraceptives can suppress lactation and are therefore not recommended. For safety, condoms are the most ideal contraceptive method at this time. Alternatively, an intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted immediately after delivery. The IUD promotes uterine contractions, and postpartum insertion is convenient and effective.

Contraception during menopause

If the wife is going through menopause, her menstrual cycle may become irregular, but she may still be able to conceive. However, an intrauterine device (IUD) is not suitable, and taking birth control pills can easily lead to high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, thrombosis, and other complications. Therefore, it is best to use condoms or vaginal diaphragms instead, and apply more contraceptive cream to increase lubrication.

Contraception during illness

① If one partner has hepatitis B, a condom should be used during intercourse to avoid transmission through semen or vaginal secretions.

② If the woman has heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or endocrine disorders, she should not use birth control pills. Instead, she can use condoms, vaginal diaphragms, or intrauterine devices.

③ When a woman has genital inflammation, the choice of contraceptive method should be based on the location and severity of the inflammation. Severe chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or fallopian tube blockage caused by inflammation often makes conception difficult. Mild inflammation may still allow for conception; in such cases, birth control pills or condoms should be used.

④ Women with allergies face certain limitations in their choice of contraceptive methods. For example, they may be allergic to contraceptive creams, IUDs, or condoms; in such cases, the rhythm method (natural family planning) is the best option.

Contraception during premature ejaculation

In sexual intercourse, since most men reach orgasm faster than women, men can wear condoms to prolong sexual arousal and strive to achieve harmony with their wives at the same time.

When the man is uncooperative

During sexual intercourse, if the man is unwilling to take contraceptive measures, the woman can take the initiative, such as using an IUD or birth control pills. Of course, contraception is a matter for both partners, and they should try to understand and cooperate with each other.

In short, there are many contraceptive methods, and it is essential to consider all aspects and choose the appropriate method based on the specific circumstances. It is important to consider both the effectiveness of contraception and one's own physical condition; both the safety of contraception and potential side effects must be taken into account. The success or failure of contraception not only affects the happiness of the family but also the physical and mental health of both partners.