Birth Control

Even if you use some other methods of birth control, condom is the king. Condoms are the only solution that protects against sexually transmitted diseases. Just in case of new romantic sexual encounters – you meet that "perfect" person and get caught in the heat of the moment. Condoms also protect you (and potentially your partner) from urinary and vaginal infections. Although, condoms are commonly available almost everywhere, keep in mind that selection and quality may be limited.

Oral Contraceptives – "The Pill"

A large number of locally made over-the-counter (without a doctor’s prescription) birth control pills are sold in Thailand. Many local and generic brands of contraceptive pills are widely available throughout Thailand. They obstruct sperm from fertilizing an egg and are reliable, effective and inexpensive. Government hospitals provide the contraceptive pill for free, or for a donation of five baht or so. These pills, however, usually contain high-dose of oestrogen hormone and might have adverse side effects.

In fact, over 300 different brands of the contraceptive pill are on the market. All 300-plus brands contain the same active ingredients: oestrogen and progestogen. Pills marketed as premium brands, being able to reduce acne ("teen's pimples"), enlarge the breast's size and tenderness, increase libido, or not lead to weight gain, will cost more. When a particular pill is still under the license, it usually made abroad, and thus is more expensive.

Abortions

According to the Thai law (in effect since 1956), abortions are legal only when the pregnancy threatens the woman’s health or results from rape or incest. Under the recently revised (but yet published) regulations issued by the Medical Council of Thailand, "health" includes mental and emotional considerations as well as physical conditions. The determination that a woman qualifies for a legal abortion under that criteria can only be made by a medical doctor licensed in Thailand.

This determination (and, if positive, the abortion procedure) can be done at any hospital, private or government. Though, private hospitals with religious affiliations may chose not provide that service. In early pregnancy, it can also be done at one of the many low cost clinics operated by the Thai NGO Population and Community Development Association (PDA). For cost estimates, contact the hospital or clinic of your choice. Just remember that they will not tell you if they will be able to perform the procedure until the woman has met with a doctor.

Why women have abortions?     (Worldwide Abortion Stats)
• 1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest;
• 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding the mother or child;
• 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. a child is unwanted or inconvenient).

Important remarks!       (Are You Pregnant?)
Do NOT seek abortion at other than a licensed clinic or hospital, as serious complications can occur when abortion is performed by an untrained or unqualified person.
Abortion is an emotionally and hormonally upsetting procedure. Clinics and hospitals which are not usually frequented by foreigners may have a limited ability to provide appropriate counseling to farangs (foreigners) due to language barrier and cultural differences. Hence women who do not speak Thai would be well advised to go to one of the larger international hospitals, or at the least, bring along a close friend who is a fluent Thai speaker.
If became aware of the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy within two weeks of possible conception, over-the-counter 'morning after' pills (popular brand names in Thailand are Madonna and Postinor) should be used. While these to be used within 72 hours of possible conception, the latest research has shown that they are still worth taking for up to two weeks. Their effectiveness drops, but may still prevent a pregnancy in 50% of cases. During the first 72 hours they prevent the vast majority of pregnancies. These precluding a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, and so from a medical standpoint, prevent a pregnancy from taking place at all. Menstruation will occur as usual and it will not be possible to tell if the fertilization (conception) had taken place or not.