Birth Control for Women with Lupus

Birth Control for Women with Lupus2024-10-07T15:08:28+00:00

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

To choose the best method for you, talk with your doctor to find out if you:
  • Have high lupus activity
  • Have urine protein (proteinuria) >3g
  • Are positive for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL)
  • Are at high risk for blood clots, including have a prior clot

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