Sex Objects

Your birth-control choices after having a baby

Mini-Pill
How it works: A pill containing progestin is taken daily. Thickens the cervical mucus, thereby blocking sperm and preventing fertilization; also may prevent ovulation.
Effectiveness: 95% to 99%.
Pros: Safe to use while breastfeeding; high effectiveness rate; convenience; spontaneity.
Cons: Must be taken at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness.

Depo-Provera
How it works: A clinician gives you a high-dose progestin shot every 12 weeks. Suppresses ovulation; also thickens the cervical mucus, thereby blocking sperm and preventing fertilization in case ovulation does occur.
Effectiveness: 99%.
Pros: Safe to use while breastfeeding; high effectiveness rate; convenience; spontaneity.
Cons: May cause altered periods and sex drive, appetite changes and weight gain; increased risk of ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs; it may take longer to get pregnant once shots are stopped.

NuvaRing
How it works: You insert a small, flexible ring into your vagina once a month, where it remains for three weeks; you then remove it on the fourth week. Contains estrogen and progestin to suppress ovulation; also thickens the cervical mucus, thereby blocking sperm and preventing fertilization in case ovulation does occur.
Effectiveness: 95% to 99%.
Pros: High effectiveness rate; convenience; spontaneity.
Cons: Possible increase in vaginal discharge; estrogen can reduce milk supply, so if you’re nursing, your clinician will need to determine whether NuvaRing is an option for you.

 Ortho Evra (The Patch)
How it works: You apply this thin, plastic patch to your buttock, stomach, upper arm or torso. A new patch must be applied once a week for three weeks; no patch is worn for the fourth week. Contains estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation; also thickens the cervical mucus, thereby blocking sperm and preventing fertilization in case ovulation does occur.
Effectiveness: 95% to 99%.
Pros: High effectiveness rate; convenience; spontaneity.
Cons: Possibility of irritation at application site; estrogen can reduce milk supply, so if you’re nursing, your clinician will need to determine whether Ortho Evra is an option for you.