Birth Control After Pregnancy

When determining a method for birth control after pregnancy, it is important for the woman or couple to decide whether or not any more children will be wanted. This is because some methods of birth control, including tubal ligation, vasectomy, and Essure, are permanent and non-reversible.

Birth Control During A Cesarean Section

If delivery was by cesarean section, sometimes a women may request that a tubal ligation procedure be performed right away because the fallopian tubes are already exposed during the surgery.

Tubal Ligation Procedure

 

Family Planning: Birth Control After Pregnancy

Many women and couples decide on a permanent method of birth control after pregnancy once they have had several children and feel their family is complete. This leaves the three options of Essure, tubal ligation, and vasectomy. The most invasive procedure of the three is tubal ligation, requiring general anesthesia and a possible hospital stay. Essure is the least invasive of the three.

If the woman or couple is unsure whether or not they should have any more children, permanent sterilization should be avoided. Instead, it is recommended to use a temporary method. Although regular breastfeeding can greatly decrease the likelihood of pregnancy, it is not 100% effective.

 

Temporary Methods For Birth Control After Pregnancy Include:

* Birth Control Injections (Depo-Provera) - a hormone injection that prevents pregnancy for three months. To be effective, the regimen of shots must be kept on time.

* Birth Control Pills - daily pills taken orally for contraception.

* Birth Control Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing) - a small, flexible ring inserted into the vagina once a month to prevent pregnancy.

* Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra) - a thin, beige plastic patch that sticks to the skin. A new patch is used once a week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week.

* Other Birth Control Options - Couples can also use condoms (male or female), diaphragms, cervical caps, IUD's (intra uterine devices) or sponges.

IUD (Intra Uterine Device)

To learn more about birth control after pregnancy, contact Dr. Ghodsian today.