Frequently Asked Questions
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCs)
Progestin-only Contraceptive Pills (POPs)
Yes, she does not need to wait until 6 weeks postpartum. POPs are safe for both the mother and the baby and do not affect milk production.
Yes. There is no minimum or maximum age for POP use.
Progestin-only injectable contraceptives
No. There may be a delay in regaining fertility after stopping progestin-only injectables, but in time the woman will be able to become pregnant as before, although fertility decreases as women get older.
Progestin-only contraceptive implants
Progesterone-Releasing Vaginal Ring
Emergency Contraception
Yes. If needed, ECPs can be taken again, even in the same cycle. A woman who needs ECPs often may want to consider a longer-acting and more effective family planning method.
Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices
Female voluntary surgical contraception /Bilateral Tubal Ligation
No. Most research finds no major changes in bleeding patterns after female sterilization. If a woman was using a hormonal method or IUD before sterilization, her bleeding pattern will return to the way it was before she used these methods.
Male voluntary surgical contraception (Vasectomy)
No. In vasectomy the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles are blocked. The testicles remain in place.
Male Condoms
No. On average, about 2% of condoms break, tear, or slip off completely during sex, primarily because they are used incorrectly. Used properly, condoms seldom break.
Female Condoms
No, but it does require practice and patience.
Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)
Yes. Women who are able to keep their infants with them at work or nearby and are able to breastfeed frequently can rely on LAM as long as they meet all 3 criteria for LAM. Women who are separated from their infants can use LAM if breastfeeds are less than 4 hours apart. Women can also express their breast milk at least every 4 hours, but pregnancy rates may be slightly higher for women who are separated from their infants.
