Women's Health

Maternity

Postpartum - Birth Control

Following the birth of your baby, a soon as you resume sexual intercourse, you are vulnerable to becoming pregnant again, even prior to having your first postpartum menstrual period. Likewise, breastfeeding should not be depended upon as a method of birth control. Unless you are ready to become pregnant again, you should choose a birth control method that will work best for you and your lifestyle.

Listed below are several current methods of birth control. Your health care provider can assist you and your partner in choosing the best method for both of you.

Condom

(A rubber prophylactic) - Latex condoms can prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms can be purchased over-the-counter at any drugstore. When used correctly, condoms have a 12% failure rate. Never use Vaseline or other petroleum lubricants when using a condom, because they can weaken the latex and cause it to tear. Pinch the end of the condom before rolling it on to catch the semen during ejaculation.

Female Condom

(Vaginal Contraceptive Pouch) - A female condom is non-prescriptive and is sold over-the-counter. It is a pouch-like sheath that is inserted into the vagina. the entire vagina is lined with latex. Used correctly, the failure rate is simalr to that of the male condom - approximately 15%.

Diaphragm

Diaphragms can be obtained from your health care provider. A diaphragm is a small, pliable device that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to cover the cervix (the opening to the uterus), and prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. The diaphragm has to be measured and fitted over your cervix by your health care professional at or after your six-week postpartum visit. It takes practice to learn how to insert the diaphragm correctly, and you will need to use a spermicide cream or jelly as well. Used correctly, there is a bout a 18% failure rate with use of a diaphragm.

Cervical Cap

A cervical cap may also be obtained through your health care provider. Like the diaphragm, it has to be measured and fitted at or after your six-week postpartum visit. The cervical cap fits snugly over the cervix. This also has about a 18% failure rate and requires practice to use correctly.

Spermicides

Spermicides are creams or foams that kill sperm, and are available over-the-counter. They may be used alone or with condoms or diaphragms, and increase the effectiveness of each. They must be applied prior to intercourse - follow the directions on the label carefully. Used alone, spermicides have about a 21% failure rate.

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic, copper, or hormonal device that your health care provider can place inside your uterus. It can stay in there for an extended period of time. The IUD is very effective in preventing pregnancy - failure rate for the first year of use is 3%. However, IUDs are not recommended for women who have never been pregnanct, and there are sertain risks associated with the use of an IUD that your health care provider should review with you.

Oral Contraceptives

(The Pill, OCPs, birth control pills) - Birth control pills must be prescribed by your health care provider. The pills must be taken every day, and when taken regularly, they are very effective with only a 3% failure rate. Talk to your health care provider about the best prescription for you, and when to start taking the pills.

Five Year Implants

(Sticks, Norplant) - These implants are contracepptive capsules, which are surgically implanted in your arm by your health care provider. These have a failure rate of less than 1%, and they can be effective as long as five years.

Injectable Contraception

This is an injection that is ordered by your health care provider. Depending on the medication, protection can last one to three months. The failure rate is less than 1%. You can receive your first injection before leaving the hospital or when your health care provider recommends.

Natural Family Planning

There are a number of methods considered as Natural Family Planning, and all are based on following physical indicators of a woman's time of ovulation, and then avoiding intercourse during this fertile time of the month. Ask your health care provider for information on these methods. If not used consistently and correctly, these methods have a very high failure rate. If you are breastfeeding, you will likely not be ovulating regularly so please discuss the use of this method with your health care provider.

Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent method to prevent subsequent pregnancies. Sterilization requires surgery for the partner who is choosing to undergo the sterilization. In women, the procedure is called a tubal ligation (or having her "tubes tied"). Following delivery (vaginal or c-section) your health care provider would tie off your fallopian tubes. In men, the pocedure is a vasectomy. This is an important decision for both partners since it is typically a permanent form of birth control. Likewise, sterilization is the most effective of all of the previously mentioned methods.

Abstinence

(No sexual intercourse) - Deciding not to have sexual intercourse is a method which costs nothing and which requires no pills, devices, or medical assistance to establish and maintain. This needs to be discussed beforehand with your partner. This is a choice to prevent pregnancy. Periods of abstinence from sexual intercourse are used as a form of natural family planning by some couples.

Please talk to your health care provider about any questions you have about birth control.