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Post-partum contraception: what if men could help?

The post-partum period is a very special time in a woman's life. Focused on the arrival of the baby, preoccupied with breastfeeding and changes to her own body, a mother has to manage a number of parameters, and returning to contraception too early is often not a good idea. The question of post-partum male contraception naturally arises, as a welcome relay from the father. And yet, few parents use it, probably because we know too little about contraception for men. Focus on a contraceptive method that could well relieve mothers and involve fathers in the parent-baby trio in the period following childbirth.

What contraception should I use after giving birth?

Contraception in the post-partum period is a tricky business: it depends on when you come back from childbirth, when you're breastfeeding and when your uterus is settling back into place. It is sometimes difficult to return to a usual contraceptive method, or to think about a temporary contraceptive. Some contraceptives are contraindicated. However, many mothers agree that in the first year after giving birth, they prefer not to start a new pregnancy. What solutions are available?

Contraindications to post-partum contraception

It is not always possible to resume the same contraceptive method after childbirth. Medical recommendations should be taken into account in the following special cases: 

  • breast-feeding,

  • Pregnancy-related pathologies (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, phlebitis, gestational hypertension, etc.),

  • venous thromboembolic risk.

The different contraceptive methods available after childbirth

Very soon after childbirth, doctors suggest that women resume contraception. The mother's state of health enables her to choose an appropriate contraceptive method:

  • hormonal methods (pill, vaginal ring, transdermal patch, subcutaneous implant, intramuscular injection), note that estrogestins are not recommended for 6 months after childbirth;

  • intrauterine devices (IUDS);

  • barrier methods (male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicides, etc.)

Are natural methods suitable for post-partum contraception?

Some couples prefer to use natural methods, especially those who have opted for regular breastfeeding. These are based on lactational amenorrhea, combined with various non-hormonal, low-intrusive methods, which require the couple to be properly informed. Correctly applied, this method generally works very well right up to the return from childbirth.

A second natural contraceptive method, male thermal contraception is ideal for the post-partum period: worn by the man, it relieves the woman of the contraceptive burden.

Male contraception: a relevant proposal for couples

Male contraception methods are currently being developed. They meet a demand from some men to be able to play their part in the choice of contraception, particularly after childbirth.

What are the advantages for men and women? What are the obstacles to the development of these techniques? How can we help to promote them and find an innovative and relevant method of contraception in the context of post-partum contraception in particular, and a better distribution of contraception in general?

The role of men when a baby arrives

Pregnancy and childbirth have long been a woman's business, but men are becoming increasingly involved in child-rearing, infant care, pregnancy progress, childbirth and so on. And yet, some of them need to get more involved to feel on an equal footing with their partner.

Fathers' demands for innovative paternity, birth leave and male parental leave are intensifying, demonstrating a global shift in attitudes and a redefinition of gender and parental roles. The debate on contraception is part of this societal shift. 

What do women need after giving birth?

Male investment in contraception responds to a need on the part of women to share more of the contraceptive burden in order to relieve them mentally and physically.

Female contraception is an implicating, sometimes intrusive, bodily intervention. It is accepted by women only because they have no choice. Most women give in to the need for contraception.

For a man, taking over is one of the best ways of showing his partner that you are deeply, intimately supportive. Sexuality after childbirth is not always easy for a woman. Relieving her of the contraceptive issue is a way of reassuring her and showing her your own commitment to life and the constraints of family life.

There are times when it's ideal for women to stop taking their contraceptives: childbirth, gynecological or hormonal problems, cancer, tumors, after an abortion, and so on. There are plenty of opportunities to ask for a relay.

How do you find out about these contraceptive techniques for men?

Are caregivers ready and trained to respond to these emerging concerns? What are the obstacles to more shared contraception? People interested in natural male contraception often lack information and training in alternative contraception. The active participation of healthcare professionals is essential to the development of natural, responsible contraception.

This site gives you the opportunity to participate in the development of a contraceptive method that suits you. Don't hesitate to spread the word and share your experiences: there are men and couples out there who don't yet know about this method, and who would be relieved to be able to discover it at last.

Marie Leloup - 04-26-2020