Methods
Description
Additional Information
Barrier Methods
(condoms,
spermicides,
diaphragm, cervical
cap)
Female condoms are polyurethane sheaths that line the
vagina to stop sperm from going into the vagina. 79-95%
effective.
Male condoms are a thin covering of latex that is rolled onto
the erect penis to stop sperm from going into the vagina.
85–98% effective.
These methods are hormone free, user
controlled and only needed when you are
actually having sex.
Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm and are inserted
into the vagina before sex. 71–82% effective.
Diaphragms/cervical caps are latex or silicone that cover the
cervix to block sperm from going into the uterus. These
must be used in combination with spermicide. Diaphragm
84-94% effective; Cervical cap 40-91% effective
Condoms can be used immediately after
birth. Only condoms prevent sexually
transmitted infections
Diaphragms and cervical caps cannot be
used until 6 weeks post delivery and
should be fitted or refitted postpartum.
Non-Hormonal
Intrauterine Devices
(IUD)
Hormonal
Intrauterine Systems
(IUS)
A small T-shaped device, usually wrapped with copper, that
is inserted into the uterus by a health care provider. It works
by stopping sperm from reaching an egg. 99.1% effective.
A small T-shaped device containing a hormone that thickens
cervical mucus. It stops sperm from reaching an egg and
may stop an egg from being released. A health care
provider inserts this into the uterus. 99.8% effective.
Can be inserted immediately after delivery
or 4 weeks after birth.
Progestin Only Birth
Control (progestin
only pills, Depo
provera)
Progestin only birth control comes as either a daily oral minipill or an injection (Depo provera) which is given by a health
care provider every 10-13 weeks. They contain a hormone
that thins the lining of the uterus, thickens the cervical
mucus and may stop an egg from being released. Pill 92–
99.7% effective; Depo provera 97-99.7% effective.
Can be started anytime following birth.
Combined Hormonal
Birth Control (the
pill, the patch,
vaginal ring)
Contain small amounts of hormones (progestin and
estrogen) that stop an egg from being released each month
and thickens cervical mucus. 92–99.7% effective.
Not recommended until at least 3 weeks
after birth if not breastfeeding.
Surgical Sterilization
Procedures
(permanent)
Female sterilization is when a doctor cuts or blocks the
tubes that carry the eggs to the uterus. This is done in a
hospital. 99.5% effective.
Male sterilization is when a doctor cuts or blocks tubes that
carry sperm from the testicles. This may be done in a
doctor’s office. 99.9% effective.
Emergency
Contraceptive Pills
(ECP) (Plan B)
Does not terminate or
interrupt a pregnancy
These pills must be taken as soon as possible and within 5
days of unprotected sex . This is an emergency method.
Effectiveness ranges from 95% on Day 1, to 58% on
Days 3–5.
Lactational
Amenorrhea Method
(LAM)
Breastfeeding can be used as a natural form of birth control
for the first 6 months after giving birth as long as specific
criteria are met.
Effectiveness varies and depends on the user’s
adherence to criteria.
Efficacy rates for these methods vary from typical use to perfect use. Reliable, long-term birth control for up to 5
years, but can be removed at any time
Does not impact breast milk supply
Does not impact breast milk supply
Not recommended for breastfeeding
moms until at least 6 months after birth.
Research shows estrogen may decrease
milk supply.
Female sterilization can be done 48 hours
after delivery or wait until at least 4 weeks
after delivery.
Male sterilization can be done at anytime.
Can be used anytime following birth.
Available over the counter at drug store
(pharmacy) or Sexual Health Clinic.
Effectiveness may be less in women
over 165lb (75kg). Talk to a health care
professional before use.
Consult with a Public Health Nurse or
Lactation Consultant before starting
this method.
Questions? Contact the Sexual Health Program at 519‐883‐2267 or your health care provider. For more information visit http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/healthyLivingHealthProtect
ion/sexualhealth.asp