The topic of sex has long been taboo for Singaporeans…
And with sexual education classes preaching abstinence rather than the practice of safe sex,
The recurring costs of birth control is rarely discussed when it comes to coitus (sex).
But for those of us who have a healthy sex life, it’s a cost that we don’t really give much thought about.
So unless you’re actively trying for a child, the big question is:
How much do you really need for a safe and active sex life in Singapore?
TL;DR: Birth Control Singapore
- The most cost-effective birth control method is the utilisation of condoms.
- Most Singaporeans with an active sex life can expect to fork out $2.40 to $8 per month on condoms or $28.80 to $96 annually.
- Be prepared for safe sex with condoms or you may have to fork out an additional $20 – $60 each time you forget.
- If you’re sure about not having children, permanent birth control methods cost from $200 to a few thousand dollars, depending on the hospital you choose.
- The one-off payment for permanent birth control methods are worth it so long as you have at least seven child-bearing years left (before the age of 45).
Jump to:
- Types of birth control
- How active are the sex lives of Singaporeans
- The cost of an active sex life in Singapore
Types of Birth Control
Before we go into the actual recurring costs, let’s explore the various types of contraceptives available in Singapore.
Contraceptive | Cost per usage | Effectiveness (If used correctly) | Availability |
---|---|---|---|
Temporary | |||
Condom | $0.80 - $2 | 98% | Widely available at convenience stores, supermarkets, online stores etc. |
Birth Control Pills | $15 - $50 (one month supply) | 99% | Only prescribed by doctors |
Morning after Pills/ Emergency Pills | $20 - $60 | 75% - 89% (if taken within three days of unprotected sex) | |
Birth Control Patch | $30 - $50 (one month supply) | 99% | |
Contraceptive Injection | $150 - $200 (for three months) | 98% | |
Permanent | |||
Contraceptive Implant | $400 - $600 (lasts for three years) | 99% | Only prescribed by doctors |
Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs) | $400 - $500 (three to six years for hormonal IUCDs or up to 12 years for copper IUCDs) | 99% | |
Vasectomy | $200 - $2,000 (depending on your choice of a public or private hospital) | 99% | |
Ligation | $1,000 - $10,000 (depending on your choice of a public or private hospital) | 99.5% |
Source: NHS UK
Depending on your life situation, some of us may want to opt for more permanent methods of birth control which are a one-off payment.
However, for those of us who plan to have an active sex life and keep the possibility of bearing a child later on in life, the costs of birth control can be hard to determine.
How Active Are The Sex Lives of Singaporeans?
Before we get into theĀ nitty gritty, let’s first establish how often Singaporeans have sex on average, and then determine the various levels of sexual activity.
According to a study conducted by Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) Assistant Professor Tan Poh Lin, it was discovered that couples in Singapore had sex an average of 0.78 times a week in 2020.
That works out to be three times a month on average.
As sexual activity is completely dependent on your relationship with your partner, we will use this number as a baseline and come up with two other groups, namely, “conservative” and “very active” (hardcore).
Conservative | Average | Very Active | |
---|---|---|---|
Frequency (per month) | 1 - 2 | 3 - 4 | 5 - 15 |
Birth Control Cost: The Cost of An Active Sex Life in Singapore
With the various birth control methods available, here’s how much it’ll work out to be per month, based on how frequently coitus occurs:
Conservative | Average | Very Active | |
---|---|---|---|
Frequency (per month) | 1 - 2 | 3 - 4 | 5 - 15 |
Cost per month using condoms | $0.80 - $4 | $2.40 - $8 | $4 - $30 |
Cost per month with morning after/emergency pills | $20 - $120 | $60 - $240 | $100 - $900 |
Cost per month with birth control pills | $15 - $50 | $15 - $50 | $15 - $50 |
Cost per month with birth control patch | $30 - $50 | $30 - $50 | $30 - $50 |
Cost per month with contraceptive injection | $50 - $66 | $50 - $66 | $50 - $66 |
As seen above, condoms are the most cost-effective birth control method, even for “very active” couples.
Most Singaporeans with an active sex life can expect to fork out $2.40 to $8 per month on condoms or $28.80 (roughly the price of three bundles of 12 condoms from Durex on Shopee) to $96 annually.
However, if you’re careless and have to go for the oh sh*t or emergency pills, the costs could add up to $240 per month, if you forget to use a condom every time (assuming you had coitus one time each week).
For those of us who areĀ c*ckĀ sure about not having children, the one-off payment for permanent birth control methods are worth it so long as you have at least seven child-bearing years left.
Since it is unnatural for most women above 45 years old to bear children, those under the age of 38 who are sure that they do not want children will find permanent birth control methods more cost-effective.
Additional Costs Associated With An Active Sex Life
Aside from birth control costs, there are other costs associated with sex if you have had multiple partners before.
These include getting vaccinated against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD screenings.
Based on Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic, here are the costs of various STD screenings
- Basic I STD Screen (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B): $60
-
Standard STD Screen (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis A, B and C, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type I and II): $200
-
Essential STD Screen (HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type I and II, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea): $280
- Other packages range from $60 – $580.
For those of us a little moreĀ kinky, you’ll also have to factor in costs of lubes, sex toys and props.
Here’s a quick overview of how much these cost in Singapore:
- Lubricant: $8 – $40
- Female vibrators: $11 – $360
- Masturbators: $4 – $700
How Much You Need For An Active Sex Life in Singapore
All in all, having a healthy sex life is quite affordable unless youĀ screw up and have to buy emergency pills.
Otherwise, other related costs really depends on your personal preferences.
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