Birth Control
  • Before delivery, every woman should consider and decide on which birth control method is best for her once the baby is born. 
  • If you plan to breastfeed after delivery, speak with your doctor to determine which birth control option is safest for you and your baby.
  • Remember that breastfeeding by itself is not a form of birth control.  You can still become pregnant even if you breastfeed.
  • Remember that nothing protects 100% against sexually transmitted diseases except for abstinence.
  • By your postpartum check-up at six weeks you should have decided on a form of birth control, and you should discuss this with your doctor on that visit.
Birth Control Options:

Method
How It Works
Strong Points
Weak Points
Health Concerns
Abstinence
  • Not having sex
  • Works very well
  • May be hard not to act on sexual feelings
  • Friends, boyfriend, or girlfriend may pressure you
  • None
  • Condoms
  • Fits over penis
  • Prevent sperm from entering vagina
  • Place on erect penis before sex
  • Works well if used right
  • Can buy in drug stores and is fairly cheap
  • Helps to prevent STDs
  • Easy to use and easy to carry
  • Must have partner's support
  • May reduce pleasure
  • May have a bad reaction to the material
  • Diaphragm
  • Small rubber cup that is placed in the vagina before sex
  • Coat with spermicide (cream
    or jelly), which kills sperm.
  • Can be left in place for 6-8 hours
    after sex.
  • Works well if used right
  • Helps prevent some STDs, but not HIV
  • Can be put in 2 hours before sex
  • Must be fitted by a doctor
  • May be costly
  • May have a hard time putting it in and taking it out
  • Not comfortable and messy
  • Need a new one if you gain or lose weight
  • Few health problems
  • May cause bladder infections
  • May cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
  • Film, Foam, and
    Suppositories
  • Put in the vagina before sex
  • Made of chemicals that kill sperm
  • Easy to use and easy to carry
  • Can buy in drug stores
  • Helps prevents some STDs, but not HIV
  • Must be put in right before sex
  • Can be messy
  • Does not work as well as other forms
  • None
  • The Pill, The Patch,
    and Vaginal Ring
  • Releases artificial hormones
  • Stops ovaries from releasing egg
  • Hard for sperm to enter uterus
  • Works well and safe
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Milder periods
  • Does not interfere with sex
  • Does not protect against STDs or HIV
  • May cause weight changes, moodiness, or spotting
    between periods
  • Do not use if breastfeeding
  • Do not use if over 35 and smoke
  • May cause high blood pressure
  • Small chance of blood clot, heart attack,
    or stroke
  • Depo-Provera
  • Hormone is given in the form of a
    shot
  • Stops ovaries from releasing egg
  • Slowly released over 3 months
  • Works well and safe
  • Milder periods
  • Lasts for 3 months
  • Does not protect against STDs or HIV
  • May not be able to get pregnant for several months
    after stopping
  • May cause weight changes, moodiness, headaches,
    or dizziness
  • Few serious problems for most women
  • May cause heavy, irregular, light, or no
    period at all.

  • Lunelle
  • Hormone is given in the form of a shot
  • Stops ovaries from releasing egg
  • Slowly released over 1 month period
  • Works well and safe
  • Milder periods
  • Lasts for 1 month
  • Does not protect against STDs or HIV
  • May cause weight changes, moodiness, spotting
    between periods
  • Do not use if breastfeeding

  • Few seriuos problems for most women
  • May cause blood clot, heart attack,
    or stroke
  • IUD
  • Small device that is place in the uterus
  • Hard for sperm to move in the uterus
  • Works well
  • Easy to use
  • Lasts for 5-10 years
  • Must take it out if you get pregnant

  • Does not protect against STDs or HIV
  • Must be put in and taken out by a doctor
  • May cause light, heavy, or no period at all

  • May cause spotting and cramping

  • with more than 1 partner
    should not use

  • Information obtained from TLC's "Which Birth Control Method Works Best for You" handout. 

    Sources:



    Disclaimer:  This information is meant for educational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice.  Contact your doctor about any concerns you have.