Contraception 101 in Vietnam

Looking for “the pill”, “plan B” or the “morning after” pill, an IUD or more in Vietnam? There are many methods of contraception, and some may be more suited to your situation and better available in a given country or city. Often when moving to new places, information may be “hard to find”, especially about topics that may not be common to discuss. If you want to use contraception but don’t know how to obtain knowledge about the options available in Vietnam, the following article is a good place to start.

What is contraception?

Contraception, commonly referred to as “birth control”,  is an important part of reproductive health. Having contraceptive services and information available is fundamental to your health and the human rights of all individuals. The reasons why many women choose to use contraception are wide ranging. 

One reason is that contraception enables people to have control over their own fertility and sexual health. It allows people the freedom to actively choose if and when they want to have children and the spacing between pregnancies. 

contraception

Contraception is often used as a tool to prevent unintended pregnancies, which can result in serious health and social consequences for both the child and mother. For example, prevention of unintended pregnancies can lower the number of pregnancy-related deaths and lower the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth for both the mother and child. 

Some contraceptive methods such as condoms provide a physical barrier between skin and bodily fluids which helps prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV

Overall, contraception is an important aspect of sexual and reproductive health, and it can help people to make informed choices about their bodies and their lives.

What contraception methods are available to me in Vietnam?

There are at least 8 categories of methods for contraception. These are:

  • barrier methods
  • hormonal methods
  • intrauterine methods
  • sterilization methods
  • natural methods 
  • emergency methods
contraception
Contraception 101 in Vietnam

Some methods in Vietnam can be easy to access over the counter and others may require medical advice or surgical implementation. Here are some examples of each method available in vietnam. 

Method Example Regimen
Barrier Methods Male and female condoms Every instance of sexual intercourse
The diaphragm 24 Hours max
Cervical cap  48 Hours max
Contraceptive sponge 30 Hours max
Hormonal methods Birth control pills Daily
The vaginal ring (NuvaRing)  Every month
implant (Implanon) <3-5 years
Contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera)  Every 3 months
Birth control patch Weekly
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) Copper IUD (ParaGard)  <5-10 Years
Hormonal IUD – Skyla <3 Years
Hormonal IUD – Kyleena <5 Years
Hormonal IUD – Mirena  <7 Years
Sterilization Tubal ligation for women Permanent
Vasectomy for men Permanent
Natural family planning Rhythm Every instance of sexual intercourse
Controlling basal body temperature  Monitor daily
Cervical mucus methods Monitor daily
Emergency contraception  Morning-after pill (Postinor, Aftera, ella, others) — which can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex On time

Effectiveness of each contraception methods

It is important to note that the efficacy measurements noted below are dependent on 100% adherence to the prescribed regimen. 

Birth control methods that are more than 99% effective:

  • Contraceptive implant 
  • Hormonal IUD (IUS) 
  • Copper IUD 
  • Female sterilization 
  • Male sterilization or vasectomy
contraception

Birth control methods that are more than 99% effective if always used correctly, but are less than 95% effective with typical use include:

  • Birth control injection 
  • Combination pill 
  • Progestogen-only pills 
  • Contraceptive patch 

Birth control methods are 99% effective if conducted accurately:

  • Natural family planning method 

Birth control methods are 98% effective if used correctly:

  • Male condom

Birth control methods are 95% effective if used correctly:

  • Female condom 

Birth control methods are 92 to 96% effective if used correctly:

  • Diaphragm or cap with spermicide

Most common contraception method in Vietnam 

Despite the wide range of methods available in Vietnam, it was found that between 2020 and 2021, IUDs were the most common contraception for sexually active vietnamese women (aged 15-49), regardless of marital status. 

contraception

There are two main types of intrauterine devices (IUDs): hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs. 

  • Hormonal IUDs:
    • Release small amounts of the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy
    • Provide contraception for 3-5 years, depending on the brand
    • Can also be used to treat heavy periods and improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Copper IUDs:
    • Contain copper wire wrapped around the stem of the T-shaped device
    • Provide contraception for up to 10 years
    • Do not contain hormones 

Things to consider when choosing the right contraception for you

When thinking about choosing a contraceptive method that fits your needs it can be easy to just look for something “convenient”. For some people, convenience suggests ease of use, no bothersome side effects or no disruption of the sexual experience. For others, convenience means no prescription is required. When choosing a method of contraception, consider how willing you are to plan ahead or, if necessary, adhere to a rigid schedule. It’s important to choose a type of birth control that suits your lifestyle.

Some methods of contraception are inexpensive, while others are more costly. Ask your insurance provider about coverage, and then consider the expense as you compare your options.

These 5 factors will help you decide what is best for you:

  1. Efficacy of the method
  2. Is it hormonal/non-hormonal?
  3. Does it protect against transmission of STDs?
  4. Mechanism of use (invasive/non-invasive)
  5. Low/high maintenance – duration of use (single use, short acting, long-acting, permanent solution)

Docosan Cares

Docosan’s product platform, Docosan Cares, makes health products accessible to everyone. There are more than 8 categories of health products available. 

contraception

An emergency contraception option and birth control package is also among the products that can be ordered. The pathway to ordering includes an optional quiz or consultation with a licensed Doctor if you are unsure about what method is right for you. If you have a preferred contraception method or have a prescription, Docosan will work with you to tailor our product to your needs. 

These products are competitively priced and with same day delivery in Ho Chi Minh city, and up to 4 days nationwide. 

Emergency Contraception 

Our emergency contraception pill is reasonably priced, private and secure. We offer packaging that does not include the product name or information to ensure discreteness. 

  • Authentic medications recommended by a licensed doctor
  • Safe & effective at any age when used as directed
  • Fast shipping within Ho Chi Minh City
  • Unlimited follow-ups with a licensed doctor

Birth Control Package 

Whatever the reason may be for encouraging you to acquire a birth control package, Docosan offers you a science-based medication tailored to your body, with nonjudgmental guidance from a licensed provider every step of the way.

This product also ensures your privacy & security by  delivering your order in a tightly packed, discreet packaging with no product name or information.

  • Online consultation with a licensed doctor
  • Medicines are sent by a partner pharmacy
  • After-care support

If you are still unsure about what contraception method is the right fit for you, take our quick quiz or talk to one of our partnered Doctors to find out more. 

Gynecology & Obstetrics services in Ho Chi Minh city 

Here is a convenient list of Gynecology clinics that you may want to consider booking a consultation with to discuss any concerns you might have about contraception methods. 


The article is consulted from doctors and reliable domestic and foreign sources.

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