Effectiveness of lactational amenorrhoea in prevention of pregnancy in Manila, the Philippines: non-comparative prospective trail.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the contraceptive efficacy of the lactational amenorrhoea method.


METHODS
Non-comparative prospective trial.


METHODS
Urban Manila, the Philippines.


METHODS
485 lower income, educated women with extensive experience of breast feeding.


METHODS
Women were offered all available contraceptives for use after birth. Those who chose the lactational amenorrhoea method were taught the method, screened for the study, and followed for 12 months to determine the risk of pregnancy when the method was used.


METHODS
Life table pregnancy rates during correct and incorrect use of the method, censored monthly in the event of sexual abstinence or the use of another contraceptive method.


RESULTS
The lactational amenorrhoea method was 99% effective when used correctly (that is, during lactational amenorrhoea and full or nearly full breast feeding for up to six months). At 12 months the effectiveness during amenorrhoea dropped to 97%.


CONCLUSIONS
The lactational amenorrhoea method provided as much protection from pregnancy as non-breast feeding women experience with non-medicated intrauterine devices and barrier methods. The contraceptive effect of lactation cannot be attributed to lactational or postpartum abstinence.
Ramos
R
R
Comprehensive Family Planning Center, Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
Kennedy
K I
KI
Visness
C M
CM
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003267:Contraception; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D015993:Life Tables; D008598:Menstruation; D010679:Philippines / Q000453:epidemiology; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012746:Sexual Abstinence