Breastfeeding Birth Control
vs
Internal Condom

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

Side-by-side comparison

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.	Internal Condom A soft pouch worn inside the vagina that blocks sperm and protects against STIs, available over the counter.
Efficacy	98% typical use Moderately effective: over 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.	79% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	$0–$300 Insurance: Varies	$2–$4 /per unit Insurance: Varies
Duration	Up to 6 months postpartum	Single use
Reversibility	Reversible	Reversible
STI Protection	No	Yes
How it works	Exclusive breastfeeding suppresses the hormones that trigger ovulation. High prolactin from frequent nursing keeps estrogen and progesterone low, preventing the return of menstrual cycles.	A soft, loose-fitting nitrile pouch lines the vagina and collects semen. The inner ring anchors it at the cervix and the outer ring stays outside the vaginal opening.
Prescription	OTC No prescription / OTC	OTC No prescription / OTC
Available Products	No branded products yet	1 product
Side effects	None reported	Mild irritation or discomfort Noise during use if not positioned correctly Slippage with incorrect insertion
Who shouldn't use this	Baby over 6 months old Periods have returned Not exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeeding Use of supplemental formula or solid foods	Sensitivity to nitrile (rare)