Use of emergency contraception while breastfeeding

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Hoang Thi Anh Tuyet - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Birth control pills are a method that many women trust because of their convenience and effectiveness. However, many postpartum mothers still do not know how to use emergency contraceptive pills for breastfeeding to ensure safety.

1. Breastfeeding type emergency contraceptive pill overview

Birth control pills are one of the most effective birth control methods a woman can use. If used correctly, this drug can be up to 99% effective. However, taking birth control pills while breastfeeding is safe is a question that many people wonder. Most women after giving birth worry that the ingredients in birth control pills will affect the baby through breast milk.
Around the issue of choosing a safe type of emergency contraception for breastfeeding, doctors say that there are 2 forms of emergency contraception:
The form of the drug contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel: The trade name is Postinor 1 or Postinor 2 ; The form of the drug contains the active ingredient mifepriston 10mg: Trade name Mifestad 10, Mifentra 10... In which, emergency contraceptive pills for nursing mothers containing the active ingredient mifepristone 10mg are contraindicated. Therefore, women who are breastfeeding can use the active form of levonorgestrel, Postinor 1 or Postinor 2, without fear of affecting the baby.
Although a lactation emergency contraceptive pill contains only a small amount of progestin, it does not cause too much harm. However, both women who are breastfeeding and all women in general should only use emergency contraception in cases where it is absolutely necessary. This option should not be considered or abused as often as possible if other methods of contraception are available.

2. How to use Postinor

Postinor emergency contraception has been used and proven effective around the world. The manufacturer says that if you take Postinor exactly as directed, you are 99% sure that you have successfully prevented pregnancy.
Women need to take 1-2 doses of this emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours (3 days) after having unprotected sex or failed birth control methods used. However, the sooner it is taken, the more effective it will be. Preferably within 24 hours of intercourse - the period when the drug will be most effective.
Note, should not use Postinor in the following cases:
Women who are already pregnant (although not harmful to you or the fetus, but the drug is no longer effective in preventing pregnancy); are allergic to Levonorgestrel or any of the ingredients; Want to prevent transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In general, emergency contraception should not be used regularly. If used more than 1 time in a cycle, women are more likely to have irregular periods.
Although there are very few side effects, about 1% of women will vomit after taking the emergency contraceptive pill. If you vomit within 3 hours of taking the medicine, you need to take another pill to make up for it. See your doctor if your period is more than 5 days late, or you have irregular menstrual bleeding, as well as sudden pain in your lower abdomen.

3. Other types of birth control pills for breastfeeding women

3.1. Progestin-only birth control pills (POPs) In addition to levonorgestrel-containing emergency contraceptive pills, women can also choose progestin-only hormonal birth control pills (POPs). The drug currently on the market is Embevin, used daily, very effective and safe in the group of nursing mothers.
POPs are also known as mini birth control pills, even though they only contain a small amount of progesterone, they are nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, users must be careful and pay attention to take the medicine at the right time every day. Because delaying or forgetting to take a medication by as little as 3-4 hours can also cause problems. The daily progestin-only birth control pill thickens cervical mucus and prevents sperm from reaching an egg. Some types even help prevent ovulation. Experts say that using POPs birth control pills for 6 months postpartum is a wiser choice than the rest.
3.2. Combination birth control pills Combination birth control pills are also very effective at preventing pregnancy, but contain both the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Although these hormones don't directly affect babies, they do reduce breast milk production by up to 41.9%. If you want to use combined oral contraceptives, you need to wait until the baby is 6 months - the period when the baby learns to eat solids and is not affected much if the amount of breast milk is reduced. In contrast, the first half of life is the time when a newborn baby needs a lot of breast milk.
3.3. Other types of birth control If you do not intend to use oral contraceptives or are forgetful when taking POPs, you can also consider other types of birth control such as:
Injectable contraceptives: Depo-Provera; Hormonal IUDs: Mirena, Skyla; Implanted birth control pills: Implanon, Nexplanon.

4. Some notes when taking birth control pills for breastfeeding

If you want to use birth control pills while breastfeeding, women need to keep the following points in mind:
Consult your doctor - pharmacist first for guidance on the most suitable method of birth control (even when using only low-dose lactation emergency contraceptives); Some side effects when taking hormonal contraceptives during lactation include: decreased milk secretion; the baby becomes irritable and irritable (common but not well researched); increased risk of type 2 diabetes (especially if there is a history of gestational diabetes); Consider choosing another method of birth control if decreased milk production affects the baby's weight, or the mother is sleep deprived and exhausted making the pill ineffective; Condoms should be used to prevent pregnancy and prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

In fact, women who are breastfeeding still have the ability to get pregnant, so they need to actively apply safe contraceptive methods. The emergency contraceptive pill for breastfeeding contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel which will not harm the baby, so women can safely use it when it is really needed. If women continue to breastfeed, women should see a doctor for advice on choosing the most suitable and long-term contraceptive method for the nursing mother.

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