1.5. Combined hormonal methods

Combined hormonal methods, which contain estrogens and progestins, are among the most commonly utilized methods among women in the United States. All hormonal contraceptives primarily prevent pregnancy by stimulating the cervix to produce thickened impenetrable mucus, which prevent sperm from entering the upper reproductive tract. Combined hormonal contraceptives often also prevent ovulation. Limited data suggests that estrogen-containing products may decrease the quantity of milk production or shorten the duration of breastfeeding [15]. An eight-year follow-up of children whose mothers took combined hormonal contraceptive pills and breastfeeding demonstrated no effect on the child's intelligence, behavior, or development of subsequent diseases [16]. The CDC MEC considers combined hormonal methods (such as pills, patches, vaginal rings, and injectables) to be category 4 until 21 days postpartum for breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women. Among breastfeeding women it is category 3 after 42 days until 6 months postpartum. In non-breastfeeding women, it is category 2 from approximately 22 days until 42 days. After 42 days it is category 1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the World Health Organization recommend delaying initiation of combined hormonal methods until 6 months postpartum for reasons related to breastfeeding.

#### 1.6. Progestin-only methods

breastfeeding continuation or infant outcomes saw no significant impact. However, evidence

Furthermore, research supports that estrogens, but not progestins, contribute to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during the immediate postpartum period, approximately 30 days after delivery. At baseline women of reproductive age are at risk for VTE at a rate of 50/ 100,000 women-years. During pregnancy and postpartum, this increases fourfold to 200/ 100,000 women-years. Incidence of VTE is highest in the first week after delivery, and half of all postpartum VTE occurs during the first 2 weeks postpartum. There are increased serum concentrations of clotting factors synthesized in the liver during pregnancy and postpartum. Estrogen-containing contraceptives increase risk of VTE two- to fourfold because they further

Guidance regarding the risks of various contraceptives in different populations is delineated in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (MEC), as well as the US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use [12, 13]. Both documents score the safety of a method in a specific population or scenario. There are four numeric categories: category 1 indicates that the method is safe and can be used without restrictions, category 2 may have some theoretic or proven risks and advantages generally outweigh the risks, category 3 indicates the theoretical or proven risks that outweigh the benefits in most scenarios, and category 4 is consistent with unacceptable health risk to women using this contraceptive method (Table 1). Due to the global burden of infant morbidity and mortality related to diarrheal illness and unclean water, the importance of lactation and the nutritional benefits for the infant heavily guide the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations regarding contraception in the postpartum period. In the absence of data, many committees feel it prudent to ensure that lactogenesis is safely established so as to mitigate the risk of infant malnutrition.

stimulate the liver to synthesize more clotting factors and serum globulins.

Figure 5. Post placental intrauterine device placement immediately following vaginal delivery.

remains limited [11].

248 Family Planning

Progestin-only methods include pills, implants, injections, and a vaginal ring. Progestin-only pills (POP) are taken continuously and without a pill-free, withdrawal bleed cycle, and contraceptive efficacy is approximately 87% with actual use. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a progestin-only injection given every 1 or 3 months (depending on the dose) that inhibits ovulation (Figure 6). Trace amounts are transferred in the milk to the infant; however, no adverse events have been reported after decades of widespread global use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists POP and DMPA as category 2 for the first 30 days postpartum for breastfeeding women, predominately due to theoretic concerns regarding lactogenesis and lactation. After 30 days postpartum, both of these methods are a category 1 among postpartum women who are breastfeeding. They are both category 1 among postpartum women who are not breastfeeding immediately postpartum. There is a progestinreleasing vaginal ring, which is intended for use among breastfeeding women after 30 days

1.7. Levonorgestrel intrauterine device

including IUDs.

Figure 8. Levonorgestrel intrauterine device.

The levonorgestrel (LNG) intrauterine device (IUD), a progestin-releasing hormonal IUD, is approximately 3–3.2 cm wide at the arms (Figure 8). In the U.S. there are a range of products that contain different doses of LNG and are approved for 3–5 years. The first product was approved in 2000 in the United States. Cervical mucus is thickened, and over time some users continue to ovulate depending on the product. It is also an effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. The CDC MEC lists the LNG IUD products as category 2 for the first 30 days postpartum for breastfeeding women, predominately due to theoretic concerns regarding lactogenesis and lactation. After 30 days postpartum, they are category 1 among postpartum women who are breastfeeding. They are category 1 among postpartum women who are not breastfeeding immediately postpartum. Increasing clinical trials and observational evidence demonstrate no impact on milk supply and continuation when initiated after

Postpartum Family Planning: Methods to Decrease Unintended Pregnancies

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.73534

251

Both the copper and the LNG IUDs lower a woman's lifetime risk of endometrial cancer and ectopic pregnancy [20]. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that our current IUDs do not cause pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. Intrauterine devices may be offered to women with a history of ectopic pregnancy. Same-day screening and insertion of IUDs reduce barriers to care and do not present a risk to women. Sexually transmitted infection testing should not delay placement of an IUD. Women with a history of sexually transmitted infections or HIV can safely use an IUD, and antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended before IUD insertion. Women who are unmarried, nulliparous, or adolescents can safely use most contraceptives

Insertion of an IUD or implant immediately after a delivery does not alter the recovery, bleeding, and infection risk and is overall very safe and effective. It is often convenient for both the woman and her clinician as most women are motivated to delay pregnancy for several months or years following a delivery [6]. There are barriers to IUD and implant due to issues surrounding stock, payment, or provider skill set even among women who present for a

6 weeks postpartum or immediate postplacental at the time of the birth [19].

Figure 6. Progestin-only injection (USAID and PATH).

postpartum. In clinical trials it was effective among women breastfeeding at least four times a day. The product is predominately registered in South American countries.

There are several contraceptive implants on the market. Internationally, levonorgestrel products are packaged as a two-rod implant system. In the United States, the progestin-only implant is a 4-cm, single rod that contains etonogestrel. It was approved in 2006, for up to 3 years of use (Figure 7). Implants are typically placed on the medial aspect of the arm with placement and removal being extremely safe and fast. Mechanism of action entails thickening of the cervical mucus as well as inhibition on pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which prevents ovulation. Failure rates are less than 1%. Changes in bleeding patterns are common. It is recommended to offer anticipatory guidance and ongoing support to women who choose this method. The CDC MEC classifies both implants as category 2 among breastfeeding women until 30 days postpartum. Among non-breastfeeding women, it is considered category 1 at any time postpartum [13]. Postpartum placement can be anytime during hospital stay or postpartum. Provision of the implant prior to discharge from the hospital significantly lowered rates of rapid repeat pregnancy in adolescents (19 vs. 3%) [17]. Clinical trials have demonstrated no difference in time to lactogenesis in women who received the implant within 3 days of delivery versus those who waited 6 weeks; there also are no differences in breastfeeding rates though 6 months postpartum [18].

Figure 7. Etonogestrel contraceptive implant.

#### 1.7. Levonorgestrel intrauterine device

postpartum. In clinical trials it was effective among women breastfeeding at least four times a

There are several contraceptive implants on the market. Internationally, levonorgestrel products are packaged as a two-rod implant system. In the United States, the progestin-only implant is a 4-cm, single rod that contains etonogestrel. It was approved in 2006, for up to 3 years of use (Figure 7). Implants are typically placed on the medial aspect of the arm with placement and removal being extremely safe and fast. Mechanism of action entails thickening of the cervical mucus as well as inhibition on pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which prevents ovulation. Failure rates are less than 1%. Changes in bleeding patterns are common. It is recommended to offer anticipatory guidance and ongoing support to women who choose this method. The CDC MEC classifies both implants as category 2 among breastfeeding women until 30 days postpartum. Among non-breastfeeding women, it is considered category 1 at any time postpartum [13]. Postpartum placement can be anytime during hospital stay or postpartum. Provision of the implant prior to discharge from the hospital significantly lowered rates of rapid repeat pregnancy in adolescents (19 vs. 3%) [17]. Clinical trials have demonstrated no difference in time to lactogenesis in women who received the implant within 3 days of delivery versus those who waited 6 weeks; there also are no differences in breastfeeding

day. The product is predominately registered in South American countries.

rates though 6 months postpartum [18].

Figure 6. Progestin-only injection (USAID and PATH).

250 Family Planning

Figure 7. Etonogestrel contraceptive implant.

The levonorgestrel (LNG) intrauterine device (IUD), a progestin-releasing hormonal IUD, is approximately 3–3.2 cm wide at the arms (Figure 8). In the U.S. there are a range of products that contain different doses of LNG and are approved for 3–5 years. The first product was approved in 2000 in the United States. Cervical mucus is thickened, and over time some users continue to ovulate depending on the product. It is also an effective treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. The CDC MEC lists the LNG IUD products as category 2 for the first 30 days postpartum for breastfeeding women, predominately due to theoretic concerns regarding lactogenesis and lactation. After 30 days postpartum, they are category 1 among postpartum women who are breastfeeding. They are category 1 among postpartum women who are not breastfeeding immediately postpartum. Increasing clinical trials and observational evidence demonstrate no impact on milk supply and continuation when initiated after 6 weeks postpartum or immediate postplacental at the time of the birth [19].

Both the copper and the LNG IUDs lower a woman's lifetime risk of endometrial cancer and ectopic pregnancy [20]. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that our current IUDs do not cause pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. Intrauterine devices may be offered to women with a history of ectopic pregnancy. Same-day screening and insertion of IUDs reduce barriers to care and do not present a risk to women. Sexually transmitted infection testing should not delay placement of an IUD. Women with a history of sexually transmitted infections or HIV can safely use an IUD, and antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended before IUD insertion. Women who are unmarried, nulliparous, or adolescents can safely use most contraceptives including IUDs.

Insertion of an IUD or implant immediately after a delivery does not alter the recovery, bleeding, and infection risk and is overall very safe and effective. It is often convenient for both the woman and her clinician as most women are motivated to delay pregnancy for several months or years following a delivery [6]. There are barriers to IUD and implant due to issues surrounding stock, payment, or provider skill set even among women who present for a

Figure 8. Levonorgestrel intrauterine device.

postpartum visit to request contraception. IUDs may be placed at the time of a vaginal delivery by a skilled provider using sterile techniques. For women who request IUD insertion at the time of delivery, the risk of expulsion, symptoms, and follow-up should be discussed. When an IUD is placed immediately after a vaginal delivery, it should be done within 10 min of delivery of the placenta, and it may be subsequently expelled 20–30% of the time. There is some concern that the LNG IUD may have a higher expulsion risk than the copper IUD. When placed at the time of cesarean, it is expelled approximately 8%. When placed at a later interval greater than 4 weeks postpartum, the expulsion rate is 3–5% (Table 2). The use of instruments, IUD modifications, and suturing the IUD in situ do not alter expulsion rates [21–23]. Additionally, as the uterus involutes, the IUD strings may lengthen and extend out of the vagina. A patient should be educated that she may need to return to have the strings trimmed and should try not to remove the IUD accidentally. Contraindication to postplacental IUD includes intrauterine infection, uterine anomalies, hemorrhage, and cervical or uterine cancer.

implant 69%. Continuation for other short-acting methods including combined and progestinonly methods such as pill, patches, and shots, was 41%. Among postpartum patients continuation at 1 year for the copper IUD was 91 and 89% for the LNG IUD. For the implant it was 74% at 1 year postpartum [28]. A cost parity and public health impact model in the United States demonstrated that the cost of paying for IUDs and the cost of paying for the IUDs and implants is offset by preventing approximately 191 unintended pregnancies per 1000 women. This type of dramatic public health impact supports expanded access to IUDs and implants in the immediate postpartum setting. This would offer compelling and cost effective benefits even if theoretic expulsion/discontinuation rates were as high as 70% or the 1 year continuation

Postpartum Family Planning: Methods to Decrease Unintended Pregnancies

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.73534

253

The principal factor in prescribing one method of contraception over another should be the patient's choice. Women who receive contraceptive counseling during the postpartum period have increased rates of contraceptive use and fewer unplanned pregnancies [30]. In the United States, providers and healthcare systems should strive to engage women in care prior to the 6 week postpartum visit and ideally within 3 weeks. There are a wide variety of contraceptive options available, and all women, including adolescents, have the right to decline any method of contraception. LARC methods should be offered as first-line contraceptive methods and encouraged as options for most women. LARC methods have few contraindications, and immediately postpartum and postabortion are ideal times for initiation [31, 32]. The importance of quality and patientcentered contraceptive counseling is crucial as women and families identify their reproductive

\*, Isha Kachwala<sup>2</sup> and Karina Avila<sup>2</sup>

1 Montefiore Medical Center and Einstein School of Medicine, New York City, New York,

[1] Healthy People. Healthy People 2020. Family Planning Objectives [Internet]. 2017. Available from: https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/family-planning/

[2] Zhu BP, Rolfs RT, Nangle BE, Horan JM. Effect of the interval between pregnancies on perinatal outcomes. The New England Journal of Medicine. Feb 25, 1999;340(8):589-594

\*Address all correspondence to: jatrio@montefiore.org

objectives [Accessed: Dec 1, 2017]

2 Einstein School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA

rate was as low as 30% [29].

goals.

USA

References

Author details

Jessica Maria Atrio<sup>1</sup>

There is a robust body of research demonstrating that IUDs and hormonal contraceptive arm implants are methods that are able to reduce unintended pregnancy rates because they are not user dependent or coitus dependent, removing the need for adherence or maintenance. IUDs and implants are collectively referred to as long-acting reversible contraceptive methods or LARC. They are placed and removed by a practitioner, are extremely discrete, and do not require any ongoing effort from the user. Additionally, return to fertility and conception can occur within days of removal of the device. LARC methods are not only the most effective contraceptive methods but also have the highest satisfaction, cost efficiency, and continuation rates when compared to other forms of family planning [24]. Uptake of IUDs and the implant in the United States has almost tripled over the last decade. In 2002 less than 3% of women using contraception used an IUD or implant; in 2009 that increased to 8.5% women [25, 26]. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that LARC methods are offered as the first-line contraception for the majority of women, including adolescents and women with complex medical problems. Increased uptake of these methods has the potential to decrease the rate of unintended pregnancy in the United States as well as around the globe [24, 27]. There are very few contraindications to immediate postpartum LARC. Institutions and healthcare systems should work to ensure that the resources, processes, and infrastructure are in place to offer LARC to postpartum women at the time of delivery.

A clinical trial in the United States entitled the Contraceptive CHOICE Project demonstrated that adolescents and adults both had high continuation rates for IUD and implant methods. At 24 months continuation for the copper IUD was 77%, for the LNG IUD 79%, and for the


Table 2. United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Medical Eligibility for Contraceptive Use for IUDs in breastfeeding women.

implant 69%. Continuation for other short-acting methods including combined and progestinonly methods such as pill, patches, and shots, was 41%. Among postpartum patients continuation at 1 year for the copper IUD was 91 and 89% for the LNG IUD. For the implant it was 74% at 1 year postpartum [28]. A cost parity and public health impact model in the United States demonstrated that the cost of paying for IUDs and the cost of paying for the IUDs and implants is offset by preventing approximately 191 unintended pregnancies per 1000 women. This type of dramatic public health impact supports expanded access to IUDs and implants in the immediate postpartum setting. This would offer compelling and cost effective benefits even if theoretic expulsion/discontinuation rates were as high as 70% or the 1 year continuation rate was as low as 30% [29].

The principal factor in prescribing one method of contraception over another should be the patient's choice. Women who receive contraceptive counseling during the postpartum period have increased rates of contraceptive use and fewer unplanned pregnancies [30]. In the United States, providers and healthcare systems should strive to engage women in care prior to the 6 week postpartum visit and ideally within 3 weeks. There are a wide variety of contraceptive options available, and all women, including adolescents, have the right to decline any method of contraception. LARC methods should be offered as first-line contraceptive methods and encouraged as options for most women. LARC methods have few contraindications, and immediately postpartum and postabortion are ideal times for initiation [31, 32]. The importance of quality and patientcentered contraceptive counseling is crucial as women and families identify their reproductive goals.
