What is birth control?

Birth control (contraception) is any method used to prevent pregnancy.

Wait until you're healed before you have sexual intercourse. This takes about 4 to 6 weeks. If you have sex without birth control, there is a chance that you could get pregnant. This is true even if you haven't started having periods again. Even if you breastfeed, you can still get pregnant.

The only sure way to not get pregnant is to not have sex. But finding a good method of birth control that you're comfortable with can help you avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the birth control method that's right for you.

What are the types of birth control?

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). This is the most effective reversible method you can use to prevent pregnancy. LARCs are implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs). While they are being used, they usually prevent pregnancy for years. If you decide you want to get pregnant, you can have them removed.
  • Implants are placed under the skin of the arm. This can be done right after you give birth. They release the hormone progestin. The implant prevents pregnancy for 3 years. In some cases it can be used longer. Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you can use it.
  • IUDs are placed in the uterus by a healthcare provider. This can be done right after you give birth, if you and your healthcare provider discuss it beforehand. Or it can be done at a healthcare provider visit later. There are two types of IUDs. Hormonal IUDs release a type of progestin to prevent pregnancy for 5 years. Copper IUDs do not use hormones and prevent pregnancy for 10 years. In some cases an IUD can be used longer. Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you can use it.
• Hormonal methods. They are very good at preventing pregnancy. Combination birth control pills ("the pill"), skin patches, and vaginal rings release the hormones estrogen and progestin. Depo-Provera is a shot you get every 3 months. Shots, mini-pills, and IUDs release progestin only. They are safe to use while breastfeeding. It's best to use progestin-only options in the first few weeks after you give birth.
• Barrier methods. These don't prevent pregnancy as well as implants, IUDs, or hormonal methods do. Barrier methods include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. You must use them every time you have sex. If you had a diaphragm or cervical cap before you got pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider to see if you need a different size. Diaphragms and cervical caps are not widely available in Canada. Buying the necessary spermicidal jelly to use with them is difficult. Condoms can be used anytime after you give birth.
• Natural family planning. This is also known as fertility awareness or the rhythm method. It can work if you and your partner are careful and you have a regular ovulation cycle. But it doesn't work better than other birth control methods. You will need to keep records so you know when you are most likely to become pregnant. And during those times, you will need to use a barrier method or not have sex. Talk to your healthcare provider about training and support. This method should only be used if the risk of pregnancy is acceptable.
• Permanent birth control (sterilization). It gives you lasting protection against pregnancy. A person can have a vasectomy. A person can have their tubes tied (tubal ligation). But this is only a good choice if you are sure that you don't want any more children.
• Emergency contraception (such as the morning after pill). This is a backup method to prevent pregnancy if you didn't use birth control or if a condom breaks. You can use this method for up to 5 days after you had sex. But it works best if you take it right away. It is safe to use while breastfeeding. A copper IUD can be used for emergency contraception. It can be placed up to 7 days after you've had unprotected sex.

How can you get birth control?

• You can buy:
  • Condoms and spermicides without a prescription. You can get them in drugstores, online, and in many grocery stores.
  • Some forms of emergency contraception without a prescription. You can get these at most drugstores.

• You need to see a healthcare provider or visit family planning clinic to:
  • Get a prescription for birth control pills and other methods that use hormones.
  • Have an implant or IUD inserted. This includes the type of IUD used for emergency contraception.
  • Get a hormone shot.
  • Get a prescription for a diaphragm or cervical cap. Diaphragms and cervical caps are not widely available in Canada. Buying the necessary spermicidal jelly to use with them is difficult.
  • Get a prescription for certain kinds of emergency contraception.