What if I am pregnant?
Contraception options after a pregnancy
Once you decide what option seems best to you, whether you choose to have an abortion or to complete your pregnancy, you will want to think about how that choice will affect your future. At that point, you may be in a good position to begin to consider contraceptive options.
After an abortion
If you have chosen abortion, you may be able to become pregnant again as soon as ten days following your procedure. After aspiration or medical abortion, a variety of contraceptive methods can be used immediately. This includes oral contraceptives, IUDs, the patch, or the ring. Many abortion facilities include an initial supply of contraceptives in the price of the procedure; you may wish to inquire about this during the educational session you have with a counselor at the facility you choose.
If you are uncertain which contraceptive method might be best for you, the Duke Student Health Center offers contraceptive counseling free of charge. You can arrange an appointment for contraceptive counseling by calling 919-681-WELL. You can also read more about different contraceptive options online here.
After delivery
If you complete your pregnancy, the return of your fertility is based on a number of individual factors including whether you choose to breastfeed or not. After having a baby, many women want to be able to prevent another pregnancy in the near future. The contraceptive choices available depend on each woman’s individual needs and whether she is breastfeeding or not.
Women who exclusively breastfeed – that is, do not bottle feed or use other food supplements for the baby – and who have not restarted their periods will have protection from pregnancy for about six months after a birth. However, whenever breastfeeding is supplemented with food, another method must be used to avoid pregnancy. Women planning to breastfeed exclusively should ask their doctor about the conditions under which this will provide adequate birth control. Also, some women who are breastfeeding exclusively may feel more comfortable if they use additional contraceptive methods. There are several contraceptive options for these situations. Your healthcare provider can give you specific information about which contraceptives may be the best option for you.
If you are raising your child, but do not intend to breastfeed exclusively, you should talk to your healthcare provider about what contraceptive method will work best for you. Women who wish to breastfeed may want to use a progestin-only contraceptive product, such as a mini-pill, Depo-Provera, or Mirena, as estrogen has been shown to reduce milk supply. Other methods, such as a copper IUD or spermicide and barrier methods, are also available for use after pregnancy. Women who are not breastfeeding have the same contraceptive options as women who have never been pregnant. If you have questions, it is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
If you decide to put your baby up for adoption, you will not be able to continue breastfeeding, and you may be able to become pregnant as soon as you are able to resume sexual activity after delivery. Therefore, you may want to initiate or resume contraceptive use in the weeks after you have given birth. Women who are not breastfeeding have the same contraceptive options as women who have never been pregnant, but the ideal time to start different contraceptive options after a pregnancy varies from one product to the next. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about when to begin taking birth control after you deliver your baby.
Keep in mind that Duke Student Health can help you decide what contraceptive care is right for you at any time. You can arrange an appointment for contraceptive counseling by calling (919) 681-WELL.
All Duke students who wish to receive a prescription for birth control can be seen for an appointment at the Student Health Center free of charge. A comprehensive physical exam, with a Pap test, is usually suggested annually for women who are sexually active, but it is not required to receive a prescription. You can make an appointment for a full exam or you can make an appointment to only discuss your contraceptive options. To make an appointment at Student Health, call (919) 681-WELL.
Information last reviewed June 2009