Contraception after pregnancy
August 25, 2021

After having a baby, the contraceptive options you have will depend on your individual needs and whether or not you are currently breastfeeding. It is important to remember that no contraceptive method is 100% effective and some methods are more effective than others. If you aren’t breastfeeding, you are safe to use most methods of contraception however please speak with the POGS doctors to confirm this.


Here are some of your options:


The contraceptive implant

The contraceptive implant is a small hormonal rod (4cm long, 2 mm wide) inserted under the skin of the arm (usually on the inner side of the arm, at the top) and can be inserted straight after you have had your baby. It is more than 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy and is immediately effective when inserted in the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle.


Intra Uterine Device (IUD)

These devices, which are fitted into the uterus (womb) by a trained doctor, are small, plastic and T shaped with a nylon string at the end. There are two types – a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD (The Mirena). Both types last for 5 to 10 years. They start working quickly and are at least 99% effective. Usually, both types are easy to remove if you are having problems or if you want to have another baby.


The mini pill

The mini pill can be started straight after you have had your baby and is 91-99.7% effective in preventing pregnancy. However the timing of taking a tablet is very strict which can be difficult with a young baby. The combined pill and vaginal ring These methods contain oestrogen and cannot be used until your baby is at least 6 weeks old. These methods are 91-99.7% effective.


Condoms

Condoms are 79-98% effective in preventing pregnancy. As well as helping to prevent pregnancy, condoms provide the best available protection from sexually transmissible infections (STIs).


Breastfeeding to avoid pregnancy

Breastfeeding is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, but only if:

 • you have not had a period since your baby was born and

• your baby is less than six months old and

• you are only breastfeeding, meaning your baby is not having any other food or drink


Natural family planning

Natural family planning involves monitoring a range of changes that happen during your menstrual cycle. It is 76-99.5% effective, depending on how well you use it and the monitoring method you choose.


Chat with the POGS team for more information, and to organise an appointment for the Mirena or Implanon or a script for the Pill or Mini Pill.

Need more advice or information? Call POGS on (08) 6270 0123 or email: reception@pogs.com.au if you need to make an appointment.

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