Birth control for women with Lupus
Women with lupus have many great birth control options!
Recommended by the ACR Reproductive Health Guidelines
Not recommended based on health conditions listed
HIGHLY EFFECTIVE <1% pregnant
each year
Tubal Ligation/ Vasectomy
For all women
with lupus
Implant
For all women
with lupus
IUD
For all women
with lupus
EFFECTIVE 6-9% pregnant
each year
Depo Provera
Low blood
clot risk &
Low or high
lupus activity
High blood
clot risk or
Proteinuria
>3 g
Ring
Low blood
clot risk &
Low lupus
activity
High lupus
activity or
Proteinuria
>3 g
Pill with Estrogen
Low blood
clot risk &
Low lupus
activity
High lupus
activity or
Proteinuria
>3 g
Mini Pill
Recommended for
all women with lupus
Patch
Not recommended for
all women with lupus
INEFFECTIVE 10-25% pregnant
each year
Condom
Lupus with LOW RISK for blood clots
Lupus with HIGH RISK for blood clots
Diaphragm
Lupus with LOW RISK for blood clots
Lupus with HIGH RISK for blood clots
Sponge
Lupus with LOW RISK for blood clots
Lupus with HIGH RISK for blood clots
Cervical Cap
Lupus with LOW RISK for blood clots
Lupus with HIGH RISK for blood clots
Spermicide
Lupus with LOW RISK for blood clots
Lupus with HIGH RISK for blood clots
Fertility Awareness
Lupus with LOW RISK for blood clots
Lupus with HIGH RISK for blood clots
Withdrawal
Lupus with LOW RISK for blood clots
Lupus with HIGH RISK for blood clots
Step 1
Step 2
Work with your primary care doctor or gynecologist to get started on the birth control option that fits best with your goals, your life, and your body.
Emergency contraception is safe!
Accidents happen. Emergency Contraception (the “Morning After Pill,” Plan B,® and similar medications) effectively prevent pregnancy if taken within 3 days of having sex. These are safe for all women with lupus, even women at high risk for blood clots.
No prescription is needed and you can buy it from your local pharmacy or Amazon. Emergency contraception does not cause an abortion.
Your gynecologist has other options for emergency contraception that work up to 5 days after sex.
Want more information? Here are some great online places to go for more details:
www.bedsider.org
www.acog.org/Patients