Korean Job Discussion Forums

[eIn07912]

just want to throw my 2 cents in here...

my k-gf had an IUD, and it worked great. we were at it like rabbits for months and never had a problem.

one thing to note though, if ur male partner is a liitle "large" (as i am) especially in gurth, he can feel it. its not the most comfortable thing to be rubbing up against and can sometimes kill the whole mood.

there were times it was just too uncomfortable and i had to quit. so keep that in mind. my k-gf was really tiny, petite, maybe that had something to do with it or not. but just keep that in mind.

[loggerhead007]

Put a piece of gum on it.

[nicam]

You can get Mercilon and Triquilar at a pharmacy for cheap.

I tried Mercilon and it made me feel terrible. I was sick, depressed, gained a bunch of weight, etc. Two other foreigners here had the same experience with Mercilon.

So, I switched to Triquilar, and while that didn't have any of the psychological side effects I experienced extreme pain and frequent heavy spot bleeding. It was so bad I rushed to the hospital one morning for an ultrasound totallly convinced I had a cyst. The doc told me to stop taking the pills immediately.

If you are sensitive to birth control be careful! I'm moving on to the IUD. Stoked!

[Nierlisse]

My IUD is awesome; I had insurance thanks to my husband and it only cost me the $15 co-pay. Also no periods!

However, like other posters, the process was extremely painful. I think for the Mirena, they recommend that you've had children before. I haven't and according to my doctor, that's why it hurt so much. It was like a very very bad cramp, worse than I've ever had. I hobbled around for the rest of the day (I still had to go to work) but the next day I felt much better. By the day after, I was totally fine. My husband hasn't said anything about being able to feel it, either.

Basically, we were planning to be in Korea for 3-4 years, and I didn't want to worry about where I was going to get my BC from, and I definitely didn't want to get pregnant while I was here. This was the easiest option for me and in the end, I'm glad I did it.

[sarahbeara_413]

I went to the international clinic in Itaewon to find out how to get birth control here and he gave me a 3 month prescription but it's not necessary. It's over the counter and cheap, I get Triquilar for 12,000 won a pack. If you're unsure or not confident enough to go in and ask for it, just go to the doctor, ask for a prescription and then just use the box to get more in the future, it's worked for me.

[eac02]

Its OTC and cheap. I take Mercilon (around 6000 won) and have had no problems.
Expect the pharmacist to give you a dirty look though

Here's the Korean translation for some common brands
Alesse (앨리스 'ae-lee-seu')
Cerazette (세라제트 'seh-lah-zhehteu')
Diane35 (다이안느35 'dah-ee-ahneu sam-ship-oh')
Marvelon (마베론 'Mah-beh-lohn')
Mercilon (머시론 'meo-shi-lohn')
Minivlar (미니보라 'mee-nee-boh-lah')
Minulet (미뉴렛 'mee-nyu-leht')
Nuvaring (누바링 'Noo-bah-leeng') -might need a prescription for this.
Sexcon (쎄스콘 'sexseu kohn')
Triquilar (트리퀼라 'teu-lee-kwee-lah')

http://wiki.galbijim.com/Birth_Control

[amberflannery]

i live an hour from my work. and who asked you anyway.

[zpeanut]

for the mean time, try one of the brands mentioned but every considered getting an Implanon implant in your arm? maybe you can get it done the next time you're home.

There are of course side-effects like any other product.

http://www.fpv.org.au/pdfs/ImplanonApril06.pdf

a little outdated, might be more recent info on it elsewhere.

[wylies99]

Be smart and handle birth control purchases away from the area or town where you work. Many Korean pharmacists will call your school and seem to have no idea how to handle things with discretion.

[Ruthdes]

[DorkothyParker]

On the topic of discretion:

I find the insinuation of promiscuity when taking birth control very interesting. In the US, many women take birth control even when not sexually active to regulate menstruation and what not. In fact, I knew several girls back in HS whose mothers put them on the pill pretty much when they hit 15 for hormonal reasons. And trust me, these good little nerdy LDS girls were FAR from sexually active. They'd probably freak if a boy tried to hold their hand.

I apologize for comparing Korea to the US. I wonder if the view there will change eventually as well?

[tzechuk]

[KuroBara]

Honestly, I give myself the shot of Depo-Porvera. I just want to know if I can buy the vial itself from the pharmacy or if I need to find a clinic and get a prescription.

[NightSky]

how does an adult not know what an IUD is?

[crossmr]