The device is about two inches long and can be placed through the vagina, with no incisions required. To place an IUD, the doctor will insert a T-shaped device made of copper (no hormones) or plastic (contains hormones) into your uterus. The hormones control ovulation, similar to how the birth control pill works, but you don't have to do anything to keep it working. To place an implant after delivery, the doctor will make a small, relatively painless incision in the inner arm and slide a matchstick-sized tube that contain hormones under the skin. The Contraceptive CHOICE Study showed that nearly 90% of LARC users keep using their device after a year, compared with less than 60% of patients who choose short-term methods such as the pill.

They're also one of the easiest reversible contraceptives to use long term. LARCs are more than 99% effective and are reversible. This category includes intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants placed under the skin, such as Nexplanon. Make certain you are done having babies before committing to this procedure. While surgery is available to try reversing it, there is no guarantee it will work. It's important to note that, for most women, tubal ligation is permanent. Knowing their baby is healthy makes them feel more comfortable about having their tubes tied. Some women choose to wait until the day after delivery to have the procedure, after their baby's physical exams are complete. The doctor can tie off and remove a small segment of the tube in just a few minutes. Because of the larger uterine size after delivery, the tubes are nearby. To do the procedure immediately after delivery, the surgeon will make a one-inch incision in or near your belly button. However, that risk is less than if you used no birth control at all. You will still have a period, and there is a slightly increased risk for ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus). This form of long-term contraception, also known as 'getting your tubes tied,' involves a procedure that closes off the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from moving down the tubes and combining with sperm.Īccording to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), this form of permanent sterilization is more than 99% effective within the first year after surgery. Here's a quick run-through of each type of long-term birth control to help you start the conversation with your provider.ģ birth control options you can get after delivery 1. That way, the care team will be prepared to give you what you need. We recommend discussing your preferences with your provider prior to heading to the delivery room. Your birth control method is your choice – your Ob/Gyn specialist can give you information to help in the decision process. Facing reproductive coercion: Women whose partners tamper with their birth control might be inclined to choose an inconspicuous long-term option.You can get pregnant during this time, even if you are breastfeeding and haven't had your first post-delivery period. Approximately 40% to 57% of women resume sex prior to six weeks after delivery. Likely to resume sex before the postpartum visit.However, some patients forget, have trouble arranging transportation, or cannot arrange childcare for older kids. We absolutely recommend attending this important appointment. Unlikely to attend the postpartum visit.

If it's tough to get to the doctor, it will likely be difficult to start short-term or long-term contraceptives. Limited access to ongoing Ob/Gyn care.Patients who relate to these factors may benefit most: Any patient who is done having babies or would prefer not to get pregnant again right away might be a good candidate for these effective, long-term options. We typically recommend three types of birth control options for women who want to avoid pregnancy after childbirth: the Depo Provera shots, which last about three months long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) devices, which are effective up to 10 years and tubal ligation, which is considered permanent.Įach of these can be given in the delivery room or before you go home with your new baby, and there’s no extra recovery time if you get a device or procedure.

Many women choose long-term contraceptive options so they don't have to worry about taking a daily pill or relying on natural birth control (ovulation tracking) while caring for a newborn. But ovulation often resumes before this time – which means a patient can get pregnant before she is ready. That's why we recommend planning for contraceptives around the time of your 36-week prenatal visit.ĭuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many prenatal and postpartum appointments are conducted through video visits, the latter of which typically occurs six to 12 weeks after delivery. After you have a baby, birth control will probably be the last thing on your mind.

Birth control options