Birth Control in China
Finding Oral Contraceptive Pills in China:
Several Oral Contraceptive Pills are available on the Chinese mainland. The most common OCP is “Marvelon,” which is available at most pharmacies. It is usually sold as an "Over the Counter" medication without a prescription. "Minulet" another brand of OCP is also at many pharmacies.
What are the types of birth control?
There are many different kinds of birth control. Each has pros and cons. Learning about all the methods will help you find one that is right for you.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill:
Often referred to as the "morning after pill. If you need emergency contraception, you can also find it "Over the Counter" at most pharmacies in China. If you have a condom break or have had unprotected sex, emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy. You need to take it as soon as possible in order for it to be effective, and within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is not RU-486 (the abortion pill) and it will not work if you are already pregnant. It should not be used as a substitute for regular birth control methods.
Clinic telephone +86 (0574) 86000000 (Mon-Fri closed)
Website designed and maintained by Foreigners Medical Clinic, Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital
All content on this website in its entirety is subject to copyright. No part is to be copied without express written permission of Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital 宁波开发区中心医院
Several Oral Contraceptive Pills are available on the Chinese mainland. The most common OCP is “Marvelon,” which is available at most pharmacies. It is usually sold as an "Over the Counter" medication without a prescription. "Minulet" another brand of OCP is also at many pharmacies.
What are the types of birth control?
There are many different kinds of birth control. Each has pros and cons. Learning about all the methods will help you find one that is right for you.
- Hormonal methods include birth control pills, shots (Depo-Provera), the skin patch, the implant, and the vaginal ring. The Mirena IUD, with levonorgestrel, is also considered a hormonal method of birth control. Birth control that uses hormones is very good at preventing pregnancy.
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are inserted into a woman's unterus. IUDs work very well for 5 to 10 years at a time and are very safe. And the Mirena IUD contains a hormone that can help with heavy periods and cramping.
- Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, and sponges. In general, these do not prevent pregnancy as well as IUDs or hormonal methods do. Barrier methods must be used every time you have sex.
- Natural family planning (also called fertility awareness) can work if you and your partner are very careful. You will need to keep good records so you know when you are fertile. And during times when you are fertile, you will need to skip sex or use a barrier method.
- Permanent birth control (sterilisation) gives you lasting protection against pregnancy. A man can have a vasectomy, or a woman can have her tubes tied (tubal ligation). But this is only a good choice if you are sure that you don't want any (or any more) children.
- Emergency contraception is a backup method to prevent pregnancy if you forget to use birth control or a condom breaks.
- 避孕药 (bi4 yun4 yao4) = Oral contraceptives. The same term is used for “the pill” which you take daily, as well as the emergency contraception. If you ask for this, they will likely ask you if you want a daily pill or one for the next day.
- 吗富隆 (ma3 fu4 long2) = Marvelon. The brand name of one kind of birth control pill available "over the counter" at most pharmacies in China. Marevelon is also available in a number of countries outside China.
- 敏定偶 (min3 ding4 ou3) = Minulet The brand name of another kind of birth control pill available "over the counter" at most pharmacies in China.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill:
Often referred to as the "morning after pill. If you need emergency contraception, you can also find it "Over the Counter" at most pharmacies in China. If you have a condom break or have had unprotected sex, emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy. You need to take it as soon as possible in order for it to be effective, and within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It is not RU-486 (the abortion pill) and it will not work if you are already pregnant. It should not be used as a substitute for regular birth control methods.
Clinic telephone +86 (0574) 86000000 (Mon-Fri closed)
Website designed and maintained by Foreigners Medical Clinic, Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital
All content on this website in its entirety is subject to copyright. No part is to be copied without express written permission of Ningbo Development Zone Central Hospital 宁波开发区中心医院