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Breastfeeding Birth Control vs External Condom

A side-by-side comparison of two birth control methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.

Last verified October 11, 2026Updated October 12, 2026

Side-by-side comparison

Breastfeeding Birth Control A natural postpartum method (lactational amenorrhea method, LAM) that relies on exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, effective for up to 6 months.
External Condom A barrier method worn over the penis that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.

Method	Breastfeeding Birth Control A natural postpartum method (lactational amenorrhea method, LAM) that relies on exclusive breastfeeding to suppress ovulation, effective for up to 6 months.	External Condom A barrier method worn over the penis that also lowers the risk of STIs, available over the counter.
Efficacy	Breastfeeding Birth Control 98% typical use, in the first 6 months Measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it cannot be compared directly with first-year rates.	External Condom 87% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Breastfeeding Birth Control $0	External Condom $0–$2 per unit Insurance: Varies
Duration	Breastfeeding Birth Control Up to 6 months postpartum	External Condom Single use
Reversibility	Breastfeeding Birth Control Reversible	External Condom Reversible
STI protection	Breastfeeding Birth Control No	External Condom Yes
How it works	Breastfeeding Birth Control Full or nearly full breastfeeding prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. Frequent suckling suppresses the brain's pulses of GnRH and LH, the hormones that drive ovulation.	External Condom A sheath worn over the penis that keeps sperm from entering a partner's body. Latex and plastic condoms also block contact with semen and vaginal fluids that can carry STIs.
Prescription	Breastfeeding Birth Control Not required Self-Directed	External Condom Not required Over-the-Counter
Side effects	Breastfeeding Birth Control None reported	External Condom Allergic reaction to latex in people with a latex allergy
Who shouldn't use this	Breastfeeding Birth Control Baby over 6 months old Periods have returned Not exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeeding Use of supplemental formula or solid foods	External Condom Known allergy to latex (use polyisoprene or polyurethane instead)

Key differences

Breastfeeding Birth Control's effectiveness was measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it is not compared with External Condom's. How long it lasts: Breastfeeding Birth Control, up to 6 months postpartum; External Condom, single use. STI protection: only with External Condom. Breastfeeding Birth Control: costs $0. External Condom: costs $0–$2 per unit.