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Contraception After Delivery

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Timing & Choices - Postpartum Planning

  • Immediate Initiation (<48h):
    • Cu-IUD, LNG-IUD, Implants, Progestin-Only Pills (POPs).
    • Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL) if opted.
  • Delayed Initiation:
    • Breastfeeding (BF) Women:
      • LAM: Up to 6 months (📌 Lactation-exclusive, Amenorrhea, baby <6 Months).
      • POPs, Implants, DMPA, IUDs (Cu/LNG): Anytime.
      • Combined Hormonal Contraceptives (CHCs): Generally after 6 weeks (WHO MEC 2); some wait 6 months.
    • Non-Breastfeeding (NBF) Women:
      • POPs, Implants, DMPA, IUDs: Anytime.
      • CHCs: From 3 weeks (WHO MEC 1 if no VTE risk); from 6 weeks (WHO MEC 2 if VTE risk factors present).
  • Key Factors: Breastfeeding, WHO MEC for VTE risk, return to fertility desires.

⭐ LAM offers >98% protection if criteria (exclusive BF, amenorrhea, baby <6 months) are met.

Progestogen-Only Picks - Safe for Milk

  • Key Advantage: No estrogen; no adverse effect on lactation or infant health. Preferred for breastfeeding.
  • **Progestogen-Only Pills (POPs):
    • Norethindrone/LNG.
    • Thickens cervical mucus.
    • Start: Anytime postpartum. Strict daily intake. 📌 "POP on time!"
  • **Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA):
    • Inj. 150 mg IM q 3 months.
    • Inhibits ovulation.
    • Start: After 6 weeks (BF); anytime (Non-BF).
    • SE: Irregular bleeding, delayed fertility.
  • **Implants (Etonogestrel):
    • Subdermal, 3-yr efficacy.
    • Inhibits ovulation.
    • Start: Anytime postpartum.
  • **Levonorgestrel-IUS (LNG-IUS):
    • Intrauterine, 3-8 yr efficacy.
    • Local action: cervical mucus, endometrium.
    • Start: Post-placental or after 4-6 weeks.

Exam Favourite: LNG-IUS can significantly reduce menstrual blood loss, making it a good LARC option for women seeking lighter periods.

Combined Hormonal Contraceptives - Timing is Key

  • Why delay CHCs?
    • ⚠️ ↑ VTE risk postpartum (peaks <3 weeks).
    • Potential ↓ milk supply if CHCs started <6 weeks in breastfeeding women.
  • Key CHC Contraindications (Postpartum Focus):
    • Prior VTE, known thrombophilia.
    • Severe HTN (≥160/100 mmHg).
    • Smoker ≥35 yrs (≥15/day).
    • Migraine with aura.

⭐ Non-breastfeeding: CHCs are UKMEC Cat 4 (do not use) if <21 days postpartum due to high VTE risk.

Non-Hormonal & Permanent Methods - Barrier & Beyond

  • Barrier Methods:
    • Condoms (male/female), diaphragms, cervical caps, spermicides.
    • Use: Anytime postpartum.
    • Efficacy: User-dependent.
  • Copper IUD (e.g., CuT 380A):
    • Mechanism: Spermicidal, inhibits implantation.
    • Timing: Post-placental, within 48 hrs, or after 4-6 wks.
    • Duration: Up to 10 yrs.
    • Copper T 380A IUD with scale
  • Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM):
    • Criteria:
      • Amenorrhea.
      • Exclusive breastfeeding (day & night).
      • Infant < 6 months old.
    • Efficacy: ~98% if all criteria strictly met.
  • Permanent Methods (Sterilization):
    • Female (Tubal Ligation):
      • Timing: Postpartum (within 7 days or after 6 wks), interval.
    • Male (Vasectomy):
      • Requires backup contraception for ~3 months.
    • Highly effective; counsel re: irreversibility.

⭐ Copper IUD insertion is ideal immediately post-placentally or within 48 hours postpartum; alternatively, it can be done after 4-6 weeks.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Progestin-only methods (POPs, implants, injectables) can start immediately postpartum.
  • Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs): avoid for 3-6 weeks due to VTE risk; may affect lactation.
  • IUDs (Cu-IUD, LNG-IUD): insert immediately (within 48h) or after 4 weeks postpartum.
  • LAM: effective with exclusive breastfeeding, amenorrhea, infant < 6 months.
  • Postpartum sterilization: permanent option, done at delivery or interval.
  • Barrier methods: safe anytime; counsel on correct use for efficacy.

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Practice Questions: Contraception After Delivery

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A 24 year old lactating female with an 18 month old child comes with a history of irregular, heavy bleeding seeking contraceptive advice. Which is the contraceptive of choice?

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WHO guidelines for AMTSL include postpartum abdominal _____ assessment for early identification of uterine atony

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WHO guidelines for AMTSL include postpartum abdominal _____ assessment for early identification of uterine atony

uterine tonus

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Contraception After Delivery – NEET-PG Obstetrics and Gynecology Notes | Oncourse