Discussing birth control methods with your provider is important, especially if you recently gave birth. Rapid repeat pregnancy (pregnancy occurring <1 year from prior delivery) is associated with an increased risk of pre-term delivery and other complications.
When choosing a birth control method it is important to discuss your medical history with your provider. Some women with certain medical conditions cannot take methods that contain estrogen (included in the pill, patch and ring). Some medications will interact with hormonal birth control methods and lower their efficacy. Discussing your menstrual cycle is also important as many methods can be used to improve bleeding, cramping and other period symptoms such as premenstrual syndrome, acne or cycle irregularities.
There are a variety of methods to choose from, and every woman is different in what method is best for their lifestyle and future reproductive health planning.
Method | How to Use It | Effectiveness | Benefits | When to Start After Delivery |
Barrier Methods (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps) | Worn over penis or inserted into vagina as a barrier to sperm | 79-98%* | Only methods providing protection from sexually transmitted infections | Immediately postpartum |
Oral contraceptive (“The pill”) |
Take one pill daily | 91-99.7%* | Improved periods; cycle predictability | 6 weeks postpartum |
Progestin-only pill (“mini pill”) |
Take one pill daily | 91-99.7%* | Improved cramping; period suppression over time | Immediately postpartum |
Birth control patch | Apply one patch to your skin weekly | 91-99.7%* | Improved periods; cycle predictability | 6 weeks postpartum |
Vaginal ring | Insert the ring into the vagina once a month | 91-99.7%* | Improved periods; cycle predictability | 6 weeks postpartum |
Shot/injection | Shot given every 3 months in the buttocks or arm | 94-99.8%* | Improved periods; period suppression over time | Immediately postpartum |
Implant | Health care provider places under skin of upper arm; lasts for 3 years | 99.9% | Long-term protection; improved cramping | Immediately postpartum or at postpartum visit |
Intrauterine Device (IUD) | Health care provider inserts into the uterus; lasts 3-10 years depending on type (copper or progestin) | 99.2-99.8% | Long-term protection; period suppression over time (for progestin containing IUDs); non-hormonal option (for copper IUD) | Immediately postpartum or at postpartum visit |
Tubal ligation (“getting tubes tied”) | Health care provider removes or surgically blocks the fallopian tubes | 99.5% | Permanent birth control; no effect on periods | During time of C-section, after vaginal delivery or 6 weeks from delivery |
Vasectomy | Health care provider surgically blocks passage of sperm | 99.9% | Permanent birth control; male option |
Consultation with a urologist can be scheduled at any time |
*First percentage refers to “typical use” and the second percentage refers to “perfect use”.
Long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are very safe and the most effective reversible birth control methods. These methods include intrauterine devices (IUD) and subdermal implants. IUDs can be placed at the time of C-section or immediately after a vaginal delivery depending on insurance coverage. Implants can also be placed while in the hospital postpartum. Alternatively placement can be done at the postpartum visit in the clinic 6 weeks following delivery.
Tubal ligation is permanent sterilization for women not desiring further pregnancies. Some insurances will require paperwork completed 30 days prior to this procedure. This procedure can be done at the time of C-section or following a vaginal delivery. If done after a vaginal delivery a small incision is made below the belly button. If this procedure is done 6 weeks after delivery, it is performed laparoscopically.
Males can have a vasectomy performed as an outpatient procedure with a urologist. To contact Marshall Urology, call 304-691-1900.