Can postpartum women take birth control pills during lactation? Can there be any better contraceptive measures during lactation

Is it good to take contraceptive pills during lactation?

If breastfeeding a baby, do not take birth control pills. Because birth control pills can have adverse effects on infants through milk., It can also reduce the secretion of milk. Postpartum breastfeeding can inhibit ovulation, temporarily stop menstruation, and have a certain contraceptive effect. But this contraceptive effect is not 100% effective. Some people ovulate first and become pregnant before menstruation resumes. Therefore, contraceptive measures should be taken when resuming sexual activity for the first time after childbirth and lactation.

Breastfeeding women are not suitable for taking oral contraceptives containing estrogen. Because the intake of estrogen can cause gastrointestinal reactions in lactating women, affect appetite, and reduce the content of protein, fat, and trace elements in milk, which has a significant impact on the growth and development of infants., Infants consuming milk containing estrogen can cause abnormal side effects such as breast development in male infants and vaginal epithelial hyperplasia and labial hypertrophy in female infants., Breastfeeding women who take 3 to 6 weeks of estrogen will have about half of their milk volume reduced, which is extremely detrimental to breastfeeding infants.

2. Best contraceptive measures during lactation

2.1. Male Condoms

Not only can it block sperm from entering the female reproductive tract, but it can also achieve contraceptive effects and effectively prevent the infection and transmission of bacteria, fungi, trichomonas, protozoa, gonorrhea, and viruses, which is particularly important for preventing sexually transmitted diseases.

2.2. External contraceptive pill (spermicide) nonoxynol ether

Surfactants are surfactants that interact with sperm cell protein membranes, alter the permeability of spermatogonia, kill sperm, and achieve contraceptive purposes. External contraceptive pills do not affect sexual pleasure, endocrine and menstrual functions, and do not inhibit milk secretion.

2.3. Intrauterine device

Contraceptive methods are safe, easy to use, and cost-effective., About 40% of women of childbearing age use intrauterine devices. For women who are still breastfeeding six months after giving birth, intrauterine devices can be considered for placement.

2.4 Sterilization surgery

This is a permanent sterilization method. It involves minor surgery to ligate the vas deferens or fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from entering the semen or preventing the egg from meeting sperm through the fallopian tubes. This method does not affect male sexual function, female menstruation, and sexual activity; But it is not suitable for lactating women with severe neurosis, sexual diseases, or reproductive system inflammation.

3. Precautions for contraception during lactation