In the past, many people thought that women should be chaste before marriage. This belief was rampant in Korea because Korea was a patriarchal society at the time. But the thinking has changed. Many now think that sex before marriage is acceptable. These changing social attitudes show the freewheeling atmosphere in our society, but there are some side effects, such as numerous single mothers and abandoned babies. Although artificial termination of pregnancy is illegal, many abortions are done privately. To avoid this problem, couples should use contraceptives. There are various ways to avoid pregnancy.

1. Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are applicable for women. They are composed of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Taken appropriately, it is a very effective method. One pill is taken per day. There are some side effects such as nausea and vomiting, so it should be taken at night. Women take it for three weeks and then they do not take it for one week. During that period, women usually have their menstrual period.

2. Condoms
Condoms are very common contraceptives. There are no side effects, it is affordable, and instructions are simple and easy. Despite its effectiveness, failure sometimes occurs due to faulty condoms. It is recommended to squeeze condoms after use. In addition, condoms also protect against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV, so its use is highly encouraged among all couples.

3. Spermicide
This chemical contraception is used before intercourse. It is put in the vagina and functions not only as contraceptive, but also as a lubricant. Spermicide kills the sperm in the vagina, so it cannot enter the uterine. It is simple to use, however, afterwards users should urinate to avoid urinary infection.
4. Intrauterine devices, IUDs
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, obstruct fertilization and implantation in the uterine. IUDs consist of two kinds of devices, loops and mirenas. Loops cause inflammation of the endometrium, preventing fertilization of eggs. Using loops may cause lower abdominal pain. Mirenas are also used in the uterine, but they don’t cause inflammation. They consist of progesterone, and it affects endometrium, causing hypertrophy and avoiding fertilization.

5. Subdermal implants
These hormone pills are implanted in the dermis. Progesterone and estrogen affects women’s bodies to avoid pregnancy. They are called Norplant implants, and they are effective for five years after implantation.
There are other methods like diaphrams, vasodectomies and salpingectomies. But the aforementioned methods are more common and affordable. As mature adults, we should utilize these methods to guard ourselves from unwanted pregnancies.

Lim Se-jin  -

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