Postpartum contraception
You're just home with your new baby, happy but exhausted... and you may not necessarily want to have another baby right away! Time to think about contraception... and when it comes to contraception, it's best to do things properly.
Some false ideas to do away with
© Jupiter
"You shouldn't resume sexual relations immediately after childbirth..."
Why not? If you want to, don't deprive yourself! There are no medical restrictions stopping you from resuming sexual activities. It is best however, to wait at least a week or two for bleeding and discharge to end, so that the cervix has closed again to avoid all risks of infection. And if you've had an episiotomy, wait until it has healed, otherwise... ouch! Anyway, in most cases, you're not really in the mood straight away, nature's way of saying - "take a little break". And that's normal; you're very tired and have other things to think about. Don't worry; your libido will come back.
"No need to think about contraception until you get your periods back"
False... Resumption of menses, when your period begins at the end of a menstrual cycle, means you have already ovulated. It is possible to ovulate 2 weeks after giving birth, even though in most cases, ovulation takes place later (45 days after childbirth on average). So you need to be careful as a woman can become pregnant again right after giving birth.
"Breastfeeding is a sure method of contraception"
False! Of course, breastfeeding does delay ovulation, but it is impossible to predict the exact date it will reoccur. It is therefore risky to rely on this method. However, the fact that you are breastfeeding needs to be taken into account when choosing the right contraceptive method.
Which contraceptive method to use after the birth?
In a few weeks time, you will most likely return to your usual method of contraception. But for the time being, you need to take some precautions, especially if you're breastfeeding.
Condoms and diaphragms
Condoms can be used without any problem after childbirth, as well as spermicides (gels and sponges to be reapplied every time you have intercourse, vaginal tablets which last 24 hours).
Diaphragms are hardly used these days, and should be avoided anyway after childbirth as they can block discharge and cause infection.
The coil (intra-uterine device)
IUDs are not recommended for immediate use after childbirth. You need to wait for the uterus to return to its normal size otherwise if the cervix is still dilated, the IUD could be expelled from the uterus. You must therefore wait 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, more if you are breastfeeding, and 6 months after a caesarean.
Hormonal contraceptives
You can resume your usual hormonal contraception (Pill, ring, implant) if you are not breastfeeding and do not present any other contraindications. However, it is better to avoid hormonal contraceptives immediately after childbirth as blood coagulates easier and phlebitis risks are higher. It is best to use another method of contraception until you get your periods back.
If you breastfeed however, everything you ingest is passed through your milk... you should therefore also consider using other methods of contraception in this case, until you've finished nursing your baby. Ask your doctor for advice.
Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo
Posted 30.06.2010
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