How can I prevent myself or my partner from getting pregnant?
Use effective birth control while you or your partner are getting cancer treatment if there is any chance of getting pregnant.
Remember: The only birth control method that is 100% effective is not having penis-in-vagina sex. All other birth control methods have some risk
of pregnancy. Some birth control methods are more effective than others.
Birth control methods that are MOST effective
These methods are most effective at preventing pregnancy. When used correctly and consistently, 99 of 100 people using these methods will not get pregnant. Follow the instructions carefully to make sure you are using the method correctly.
The partner who has menstrual periods can:
- take hormone birth control to prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), such as the birth control pill, patch, shot or implant.
Important: Talk to your cancer doctor before starting hormone birth control. Some hormone treatments can affect cancer medications or chemotherapies. Some cancer medications or chemotherapies can make hormone birth control less effective. - use mechanical devices to prevent sperm from implanting an egg (fertilization), such as vaginal rings (small, flexible ring put inside the vagina) and intrauterine devices (IUDs, tiny device put into the uterus). Some mechanical devices also have hormones to prevent ovulation.
Either partner can:
- have a medical procedure to become sterile (“get your tubes tied”).
The sterilization procedure is called “vasectomy” in people with testes and “bilateral tubal ligation” in people with ovaries.
Important: Sterilization procedures are permanent. Do NOT use this method if you may want to have a baby in the future.
Birth control methods that are LESS effective
These methods are not as effective at preventing pregnancy. Use these methods with another birth control method. Follow the instructions carefully to make sure you are using the method correctly.
The partner who has menstrual periods can:
- use a diaphragm (a shallow, bendable cup that covers the cervix) with spermicide (a gel or liquid that stop sperm from reaching an egg).
- use a cervical cap (a small cup that covers the cervix) with spermicide.
- use a vaginal sponge (small round sponge that covers the cervix) with spermicide.
- take progestin-only birth control pills. This type of birth control makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg. It does not prevent ovulation like other birth control pills.
Either partner can:
- use a condom with or without spermicide. An external condom
is worn on the penis. An internal condom is a soft plastic pouch
inserted in the vagina.
Important: Use either an external condom or an internal condom.
Do NOT use 2 condoms at the same time because the condoms are more likely to break.
Birth control methods that are NOT effective
Do not use these methods to prevent getting pregnant. They are not reliable.
- Fertility awareness methods such as the temperature method (tracking your body temperature every day) or the calendar method (tracking your menstrual cycle on a calendar).
Fertility awareness methods estimate what days you are able to get pregnant during the menstrual cycle. - Pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation (“withdrawal” or
“the pull out method”). - Using spermicide by itself.
- Nursing a baby. It is a myth that you cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
How long after treatment do I need to prevent getting pregnant?
It differs depending on the cancer treatment. Ask your doctor when it is safe for you or your partner to get pregnant. You may need to continue using birth control for a few weeks after the last cancer treatment.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about pregnancy and cancer treatment. Your doctor will speak with you about ways to prevent pregnancy that are right for you.
