The difference between short-acting and long-acting contraceptives

Apr 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lv Aiming

Introduction

The differences between short-acting and long-acting contraceptives include duration of effect, method of administration, and side effects. Short-acting contraceptives are effective for only one day, whereas long-acting contraceptives last 1 to 3 months. Short-acting contraceptives are taken orally, while long-acting contraceptives are administered via intramuscular injection. Short-acting contraceptives have fewer side effects compared to long-acting ones and do not cause menstrual disorders. Long-acting contraceptives may lead to menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, and other issues.

The differences between short-acting and long-acting contraceptives include duration of effect, method of administration, side effects, and others.

1. Duration of Effect

The effect of short-acting contraceptives lasts only one day; the effect of long-acting contraceptives can last 1 to 3 months.

2. Method of Administration

Short-acting contraceptives are taken orally to achieve contraception; long-acting contraceptives are administered via intramuscular injection for contraceptive purposes.

3. Side Effects

Short-acting contraceptives have fewer side effects compared to long-acting ones and usually do not cause menstrual cycle disturbances. Long-acting contraceptives may easily lead to menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, and in severe cases, may affect kidney function.

In addition, the content of estrogen and progestin in these medications also differs. If physical discomfort occurs after taking contraceptives, prompt medical consultation at a hospital is necessary.

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Does stopping short-acting oral contraceptives for seven days still provide contraceptive effectiveness?

There is generally still some contraceptive effect during the seven-day break from short-acting oral contraceptives; however, these medications should still be used under a doctor's guidance. Only by using short-acting contraceptives properly can the goal of contraception be achieved. Short-acting oral contraceptives are combination drugs composed of progestin and estrogen. After taking the medication, ovulation is suppressed, the uterine environment changes, and cervical mucus is also altered.

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Why should short-term oral contraceptives be taken on the first day of menstruation?

The short-term oral contraceptive should be taken on the first day of menstruation to ensure its effectiveness. Short-term oral contraceptives are a type of birth control pill that are typically started on the first day of the menstrual cycle. Starting the medication on the first day of the menstrual cycle ensures optimal contraceptive efficacy and also helps confirm the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

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What are currently the best short-acting oral contraceptives?

Common short-acting oral contraceptives include Marvelon, Yasmin, and Diane-35. These medications must be taken only under a doctor's supervision. Before starting the medication, patients should undergo liver and kidney function tests, ultrasound, breast examination, and cervical cancer screening. These assessments are primarily intended to rule out cervical epithelial lesions and cervical cancer, use ultrasound to exclude uterine fibroids, and detect any abnormalities of the endometrium.

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Irregular menstruation treated with short-term oral contraceptives

Women with menstrual disorders who consider taking short-acting oral contraceptives may use desogestrel-ethinyl estradiol tablets, ethinyl estradiol-cyproterone acetate tablets, or compound levonorgestrel tablets. However, they should not take these medications without medical guidance. Patients with menstrual irregularities should consult a gynecologist and use medication only under a doctor's supervision. Self-medication with short-acting contraceptives is not recommended, as it may cause adverse effects such as nausea and breast tenderness.