There is no single best method for everyone, and preferences can change across life stages. NIMO does not choose a medicine, device, or dose for you. Use this framework with a licensed clinician, midwife, or family-planning service, especially with health conditions, recent birth, breastfeeding, or other medicines.
Key takeaways
- 01
Pregnancy-prevention duration and fertility goals
- 02
Bleeding and side-effect preferences
- 03
Health history, blood pressure, migraine, smoking, and clots
1. Start with what you need
Write down how long pregnancy should be avoided, desired return to fertility, tolerance for bleeding changes, daily-memory demands, privacy, cost, clinic access, and feelings about procedures. Ask about effectiveness in typical use, duration, reversibility, common effects, and warning signs. The informed, non-judgmental decision belongs to you.
- Ask to compare two or three suitable options
- Ask what to do after missed use, delay, or device concern
2. Share health history and medicines
Report pregnancy possibility, last-period date, migraine with aura, blood pressure, smoking, blood clots, liver disease, cancer, unexplained bleeding, medicines, and herbs. Also mention recent birth, breastfeeding, and future pregnancy plans. These factors do not automatically rule out every method, but they can change which option and start time are safe.
- Do not use a friend's prescription
- Do not stop essential medicines to start contraception
3. Separate pregnancy prevention from STI protection
Condoms are the only common contraceptive method that both prevents pregnancy and reduces transmission of many sexually transmitted infections when used correctly and consistently. Pills, implants, and intrauterine devices do not replace condoms for that goal. Ask about STI testing, backup after method failure, emergency contraception, and confidential help if sex is coerced or unsafe.
- Make a backup plan before it is needed
- Consent remains yours
Practical checklist
- Pregnancy-prevention duration and fertility goals
- Bleeding and side-effect preferences
- Health history, blood pressure, migraine, smoking, and clots
- Medicines, herbs, postpartum, and breastfeeding
- STI-protection needs
- Backup plan and after-hours contact
How NIMO built this guide
NIMO writes and localizes each guide for Vietnamese families, then checks key facts against the official references below. The links support the guide; they are not the guide itself.
Edited by NIMOVietnamese expert review pending
Fact-check references
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice. For severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, or unusual unresponsiveness, contact a local medical facility or emergency service immediately.