Contraception after childbirth - this topicis so mired in stereotypes that many find it difficult to decide. For example, among young mothers there is an opinion that in the first months after childbirth, if a woman breastfeeds and menstruation has not improved, an unwanted pregnancy cannot occur. This is possible, but there is a list of conditions that must be met in this case.

Pregnancy after childbirth: myth or reality?

If immediately after giving birth a woman againbecomes pregnant, then carrying a child can worsen the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. That is why such pregnancies are often terminated artificially, but this, in turn, entails severe physical and psychological trauma. Doctors recommend resuming sexual life no earlier than 3-4 weeks after the birth of the baby. But few people listen to this advice, often intimate relationships are resumed earlier. If you have not yet had a period after giving birth, this does not mean that you are not at risk of pregnancy. Do not delay in consulting a doctor to choose the appropriate method of contraception. Below is a brief description of the main methods of contraception after pregnancy, taking into account the pros and cons of each.

Condoms are the main method of contraception

Male condoms are probably the simplestof all the existing methods. All that is required is to simply have them on hand at the right time. If this method is used correctly, experts guarantee reliability of about 98%. Using male condoms is suitable for you if:

• you have no desire or ability to take hormone pills or other drugs;
• you continue to breast-feed the baby;
• when using various intra-vaginal contraceptives, you do not experience any discomfort;
• do you smoke.

It is better to abandon this method if:

• you are allergic to latex (by the way, there are condoms in which other material is used);
• you do not want to interrupt caresses in order to take advantage of this remedy.

Female condoms are inserted into the vagina in this mannerso that the outer edge remains outside, i.e. around the labia. When used correctly, the protection level against unwanted pregnancy is 95%. Using female condoms is suitable for you if:

• hormonal drugs are taboo for you;
• you continue to breast-feed the baby;
• you do not feel uncomfortable when using intravaginal remedies;
• do you smoke;
• you want to protect yourself from diseases that are sexually transmitted.

It is better to abandon this method if:

• you do not want to use intravaginal contraception;
• you do not want to interrupt the sexual act.

Diaphragm (vaginal cap)

The vaginal cap is somewhat similar tocondom: a thin rubber band is stretched over an elastic rim. Before using it, you should consult a specialist to determine which size is right for you. The diaphragm should be inserted into the vagina before intercourse so that one edge is located under the pubic bone and the other is near the posterior vaginal fornix. This creates a kind of barrier that prevents sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm should be removed from the vagina 3-4 hours after intercourse. When used correctly, they can provide protection of about 92-96%. Vaginal diaphragms and caps can be used if:

• you do not want to drink hormones;
• you are breastfeeding your baby;
• when using intravaginal drugs, you do not feel discomfort;
• do you smoke.

You should not use the cap if:

• you do not want to use vaginal contraceptives;
• you are allergic to latex or spermicides;
• you are uncomfortable using a spermicidal gel or cream;
• you are not going to interrupt caresses for the use of protective equipment;
• you tend to have infectious diseases of the reproductive system, especially the bladder;
• your crotch muscles are weak.

Birth control pills

Combined oral contraceptives containestrogen and progesterone. These pills need to be taken for 21 days (daily), followed by a 7-day break. This method of contraception is suitable for you if:

• you do not want to use this method of contraception, which must be applied in advance;
• hormonal contraceptives are not forbidden to you;
• critical days are painful;
• the menstrual cycle is irregular;
• during menstruation you have heavy bleeding;
• you have a hard time carrying PMS;
• you are prone to acne;
• you do not smoke.

You should not take these medications if:

• you refuse to take hormone pills;
• you continue to breast-feed the baby;
• your age is more than 35 years, while you smoke or got rid of this habit less than a year ago;
• you have heart or vascular disease;
• it is difficult for you to take medication regularly;
• you do not want to change your cycle of menstruation for a certain period;
• you have breast cancer or you got rid of it 5 years ago;
• you suffer from a complicated or usual form of diabetes for more than 20 years;
• you are overweight;
• sometimes you are concerned about migraines;
• you are ill with gall bladder or liver diseases and take medications.

Progestogen-only birth control pills, or mini-pills, are taken continuously - every day. These pills contain only progestogen. You can use this method of contraception if:

• you can take hormone pills;
• your menstrual cycle is irregular;
• you continue to breast-feed the baby;
• critical days are painful for you;
• you do not want to use contraception in advance;
• you are over 35 and smoke;
• you have a hard time carrying PMS.

You should not take this hormonal drug if:

• you can not drink hormone pills;
• you find it difficult to take regular medications;
• you have had breast or liver cancer;
• you cut out the ovarian cyst;
• you suffer from vaginal bleeding between critical days;
• you are familiar with the problem of ectopic pregnancy.

The reliability of both methods of contraception is 99%.

Contraceptive Injection and Band-Aid

Contraceptive injections can be given for 12 or 8 weeks. For this, the hormonal contraceptive is injected intramuscularly, and it gradually penetrates into the blood. You can give yourself such injections if:

• you can take hormonal drugs;
• you are breastfeeding;
• it is difficult for you to take pills every day;
• at least a year you are not going to become pregnant;
• do you smoke;
• you are severely enduring critical days and suffer from PMS;
• you want to be protected for a long time;
• you do not mind if you stop going menstruating.

It is better to refuse hormonal injections if:

• you can not take hormonal drugs;
• you are afraid of injections;
• at least a year later you plan to become pregnant;
• you have a sick liver and problems with blood vessels;
• you are sick or cured of breast cancer 5 years ago;
• after sex you have bleeding;
• you suffer from diabetes for a long time;
• you are afraid to gain excess weight (about 3 kg).

The contraceptive patch releases a dose of estrogen that enters your bloodstream through your skin. It needs to be changed every 7 days. It's right for you if:

• you can take hormonal drugs;
• you are painfully borne by menstruation and PMS;
• it is difficult for you to take regular pills;
• you do not smoke;
• you have heavy bleeding.

It is better not to use the patch if:

• you are not allowed to take hormonal drugs;
• you are breastfeeding your baby;
• you suffer from heart diseases, liver and gall bladder diseases, obesity;
• you are the owner of sensitive skin;
• you often have migraines;
• you have acute diabetes;
• you in parallel accept still any preparations.

The guarantee of protection against unwanted pregnancy in both cases is about 99%.

Intrauterine device and spiral

An intrauterine system is a smalla plastic device that is inserted into a woman's body for 5 years. It allows progestogen to be dosed into the blood. This type of protection is suitable for you if:

• you can take hormones;
• you are breastfeeding;
• it is difficult for you to take regular pills;
• you are not going to get pregnant again in the near future;
• you suffer from profuse painful bleeding;
• you are satisfied with such method of contraception, which stops the monthly.

It is better to refrain from an intrauterine system if:

• you are prohibited from hormones;
• you suffer from a venereal or infectious disease;
• you have an abnormality in the structure of the uterus or a bad smear;
• you have a sick heart, a liver;
• you are cured or have breast cancer.

An intrauterine device, or IUD, canbe in the uterus for 3 to 10 years. The coil prevents sperm from penetrating or, in extreme cases, the attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine wall. The coil can be used if:

• you are breastfeeding;
• it is difficult for you to take regular medications;
• you do not plan to become pregnant the next few years.

You don't need to get an IUD if:

• you are allergic to copper;
• you have an abnormality in the structure of the uterus and you have a bad smear;
• you have venereal or infectious diseases;
• the months are heavy and painful;
• you are afraid that during critical days the bleeding will intensify.

Both methods of protection can provide more than 99% protection against unwanted pregnancy.

The natural way of protection

This method of protection against unwanted pregnancy requires that you count ovulation yourself and avoid sex during this time. This method of protection is suitable for you if:

• you can not take hormonal drugs;
• you are breastfeeding your baby;
• your menstrual cycle is irregular;
• it is not difficult for you to follow the cycle, excretions and urine daily;
• you do not want to use contraceptives, which must be provided in advance.

It is better not to take risks and not to use this method if:

• you are in a decree and it is difficult for you to monitor all indicators (excreta, urine, cycle) or there is no desire to do so;
• you need more reliable contraceptive protection.

It's hard to say how effective this method is,because everything depends on the method you choose and the quality of the calculation. If all the calculations are correct, then this can provide you with protection up to 99%. It is best not to count and not to trust natural contraception, but to consult a specialist. You should not hope that by increasing the interval of breastfeeding, you will definitely not get pregnant. If not in a couple of months, then in a year after childbirth, you must definitely choose a method of protection, if you still continue to practice breastfeeding. To do this, you need to consult a specialist so that the chosen contraception after childbirth is reliable.

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