Breast Feeding
When you breastfeed, your body releases a hormone called prolactin. If the level of prolactin is high enough, your body will not release an egg. You release enough prolactin to protect against pregnancy as long as your baby is under six months, your period has not returned, and breastfeeding is the baby’s primary feeding (you feed your baby breast milk day and night and about 9 out of 10 feedings are breast milk).

But if the level of prolactin decreases, your body will release an egg. If you start giving your baby formula or foods other than breast milk, your level of prolactin will decrease. Also, after your baby is 6 months old, the contraceptive effect of breastfeeding decreases. When your period returns, it is a signal that you are or are about to be fertile, and can become pregnant.

Contraceptive Pills
Contratab The pill has many benefits in addition to prevent pregnancy. Contraceptive Pills For example, it protects against some cancers. There are also some side effects, most of which are experienced in the first few months and disappear as your body becomes used to the pills. On a long–term basis, the pill is considered to be very safe for most women. Serious side effects are rare. However, for women with problems such as high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes, there may be some risk associated with oral contraceptives. Finally, all women, but particularly older women, should take the oral contraceptive which contains the least amount of estrogen and progestin compatible with their needs, because lower doses have fewer side effects.

Advantages of Contraceptives Pills
Pills decrease a woman’s risk for cancer of the ovary and cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Pills also lower the risk of developing benign breast masses (breast masses which are NOT malignant) and ovarian cysts. They decrease menstrual cramping and pain. Combined pills reduce menstrual blood loss and the risk for anemia.
Acne often improves in women taking combined birth control pills. Many women enjoy sex more when taking birth control pills because they know they are less likely to get pregnant.
Some clinicians will allow 3 to 6 months of pills without a pelvic examination.

Disadvantages of Contraceptives Pills

• Pills do not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use a condom if you may be at risk. You have to remember to take one pill every day.
• Nausea and/or spotting are two problems women may have the first month on pills. Pills tend to make periods short and scanty. You may see no blood at all. Most women like this when they understand it is common.
• Some women taking combined pills may experience side effects such as headaches, depression or decreased enjoyment of sex.
• You must use a backup contraceptive for 2 weeks if you have missed pills and are uncertain of the number that you have missed.
• Serious complications such as blood clots may occur but are very rare.
• Pills require a prescription and can be expensive.
• Pills may promote growth of breast cancer but probably do not cause breast cancer.
• They may lead to higher rates of one type of cervical cancer.

Contraceptive Foam
What Foam is?
Contraceptive Foam is a vaginal spermicide, which is placed into the woman’s vagina using an applicator. It has two contraceptive effects. it kills or destroys sperm (which is why it is called “Spermicidal”) and it prevents sperm from reaching the egg by blocking the opening to the cervical canal.

Effectiveness
Among typical couples who initiate use of vaginal spermicidal, about 25% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. If vaginal spermicidals are used consistently and correctly, about 6% of couples will become pregnant.

Advantages

• Foam gives the woman control over contraception.
• It is available over the counter without a visit to a clinician.
• Foam can be put into the vagina up to 20 minutes before sexual intercourse and is effective immediately.
• Foam is safe. There are no hormones involved. It is immediately reversible.
• The man’s penis can remain inside the vagina after ejaculation.
• Foam adds lubrication and moisture
• Foam reduces the risk of getting some sexually transmitted diseases.

Disadvantages

• Contraceptive foam can be irritating to the vagina and some people feel that it is messy.
• It may not be protective against HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). If protection against infection is important, use condoms.
• Some women do not like putting an applicator into the vagina.
• Sometimes you can’t be sure if there is enough foam left in the container to provide protection during the next act of sex. Keep an extra container of foam handy.
• The taste of foam can be unpleasant.

Usage

• Some brands of spermicidal foam are sold in pre–measured, ready to use applicators. If the foam is sold in a separate container, shake the can of foam well before using (about 20 times). Follow the package instructions for filling the applicator.
• Gently insert the applicator completely into the vagina, then withdraw it about one–half inch. Depress the plunger fully, then withdraw it.
• Two full applicators of foam should be inserted no more than 1/2 hour before each act of intercourse. If a condom is used in addition to the foam, only one full applicator of foam is necessary.
• After intercourse, a mini–pad or a panty–liner may be used if the foam drips out. If you decide to douche, wait at least eight hours after intercourse before doing so.
• Practice putting foam into your vagina in advance. This will make it easier at the time of intercourse.
• Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or from the package insert accompanying the foam.
• Foam is sold at most drugstores and some supermarkets.