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Breastfeeding Birth Control vs Spermicide

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.
Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, 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.	Spermicide A chemical gel, foam, or film inserted into the vagina before sex to disable sperm, 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.	Spermicide 79% typical use Least effective: under 90 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.
Cost	Breastfeeding Birth Control $0	Spermicide $16–$18 per package Insurance: Varies
Duration	Breastfeeding Birth Control Up to 6 months postpartum	Spermicide Single use, one dose before each act of sex (gel works for up to 1 hour; film goes in 15 minutes to 3 hours before sex)
Reversibility	Breastfeeding Birth Control Reversible	Spermicide Reversible
STI protection	Breastfeeding Birth Control No	Spermicide No
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.	Spermicide A chemical (usually nonoxynol-9) immobilizes or kills sperm on contact. Inserted into the vagina before sex.
Prescription	Breastfeeding Birth Control Not required Self-Directed	Spermicide Not required Over-the-Counter
Side effects	Breastfeeding Birth Control None reported	Spermicide Vaginal or penile irritation Increased risk of UTI Allergic reaction
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	Spermicide Sensitivity to nonoxynol-9 High risk of HIV exposure, or HIV in you or a partner (frequent use may increase transmission risk)

Key differences

Breastfeeding Birth Control's effectiveness was measured in the first 6 months, not over a year, so it is not compared with Spermicide's. How long it lasts: Breastfeeding Birth Control, up to 6 months postpartum; Spermicide, single use, one dose before each act of sex (gel works for up to 1 hour; film goes in 15 minutes to 3 hours before sex). Breastfeeding Birth Control: costs $0. Spermicide: costs $16–$18 per package.