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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.

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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.
  • Internal Condom A soft pouch worn inside the vagina that blocks sperm and lowers the risk of STIs, usually obtained with a prescription.
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 lowers the risk of STIs, usually obtained with a prescription.
EfficacyBreastfeeding 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.

Internal Condom 79% typical use

Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

CostBreastfeeding Birth Control $0 Internal Condom $0–$3 per unit Insurance: Usually
DurationBreastfeeding Birth Control Up to 6 months postpartumInternal Condom Single use
ReversibilityBreastfeeding Birth Control ReversibleInternal Condom Reversible
STI protectionBreastfeeding Birth Control NoInternal Condom Yes
How it worksBreastfeeding 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.

Internal Condom

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.

PrescriptionBreastfeeding Birth Control Not required Self-DirectedInternal Condom Required Telehealth Prescription
Side effectsBreastfeeding Birth Control None reportedInternal Condom
  • Mild irritation or discomfort
  • Slippage with incorrect insertion
Who shouldn't use thisBreastfeeding Birth Control
  • Baby over 6 months old
  • Periods have returned
  • Not exclusively or nearly exclusively breastfeeding
  • Use of supplemental formula or solid foods
Internal Condom None reported

Key differences

Breastfeeding Birth Control's effectiveness was measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it is not compared with Internal Condom's. How long it lasts: Breastfeeding Birth Control, up to 6 months postpartum; Internal Condom, single use. STI protection: only with Internal Condom. A prescription is needed for Internal Condom, not for Breastfeeding Birth Control. Breastfeeding Birth Control: costs $0. Internal Condom: costs $0–$3 per unit.