Cystic Fibrosis: Contraception

• Long-term method of birth control (protects against pregnancy for 3 years after insertion–it can be removed by a health care provider when you want to or you can wait for 3 years when it’s time for a change of implant)
• May cause light or no menstrual periods or irregular menses
• Requires minor surgery to insert the tiny rod(s) underneath the skin and to remove the device

• Safe and effective for use by women with CF
• Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi), may make this method less effective. If you are taking Orkambi, non-hormonal contraceptive methods are recommended.

• Long-term method of birth control that protects against pregnancy as long as it is in place in your uterus (anywhere from 3 to 10 years depending on the type of IUD)
• Needs to be inserted by a healthcare provider
• Hormonal IUDs lessen menstrual flow and can be used to treat heavy periods
• Copper IUDs can have side effects such as menstrual cramping, longer and/or heavier menstrual periods, and spotting between menstrual periods
• Can fall out or can rarely puncture the uterus
• Can be removed at any time and you can get pregnant right after removal

• Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi), may make hormonal IUDs less effective. If you are taking Orkambi, non-hormonal contraceptive methods are recommended.
• Copper IUDs are not affected by Orkambi and are a very effective form of contraception.

• Permanent (although it is possible to undo sterilization with major surgery, it’s not always successful)
• Requires minor surgery
• Only should be used by women who are absolutely sure that they do not want any or any more children

• This method of birth control is permanent.
• Essure, a form of tubal ligation in which coils are placed in the fallopian tubes, may not be effective if you are taking steroids such as prednisone.

• Each injection provides 3 months of protection against pregnancy
• Need to see your health care provider every 3 months for an injection
• Many women stop getting their menstrual period while getting injections. (This is not a medical problem and menstrual periods usually return 6-18 months after you stop taking injections)

• Generally NOT recommended in CF as it may cause loss of bone density and increase the risk of low bone mass, such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, in women with CF.
• Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi) may make hormonal contraceptives less effective. If you are taking Orkambi, non-hormonal contraceptive methods are recommended.

Perfect Use

99%

• Makes menstrual periods more regular and lighter
• Decreases menstrual cramps and acne
• Need to remember to take every day at the same time

• Birth control pills have to be taken at the same time every day and may add on to your CF care routine.
• If you are pancreatic insufficient, not taking your enzymes as directed can make birth control pills less effective. If you have major issues with malabsorption, birth control pills may also not be as effective.
• Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi), may make hormonal contraceptives less effective. If you are taking Orkambi, non-hormonal contraceptive methods are recommended.
• Some antibiotics (i.e., rifampin) and other drugs used to treat HIV, certain anti-seizure and antifungal medicine, and some herbal medicine will make hormonal contraceptive methods less effective. A second contraceptive method, such as condoms, should be used to prevent pregnancy while you are taking these medications.
• Hormonal birth control with estrogen may increase your risk of blood clots and may not be a good option if you have CF-related liver disease or have an implanted device such as a port.

Perfect Use

99%

• Makes menstrual periods more regular and lighter
• Decreases menstrual cramps and acne

• Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi) may make hormonal contraceptives less effective. If you are taking Orkambi, non-hormonal contraceptive methods are recommended.
• Some antibiotics (i.e., rifampin) and other drugs used to treat HIV, certain anti-seizure and antifungal medicine, and some herbal medicine will make hormonal contraceptive methods less effective. A second contraceptive method, such as condoms, should be used to prevent pregnancy while you are taking these medications.
• Hormonal birth control with estrogen may increase your risk of blood clots and may not be a good option if you have CF-related liver disease or have an implanted device such as a port.

Perfect Use

99%

• Makes menstrual periods more regular and lighter
• Decreases menstrual cramps and acne

• Lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi), makes hormonal contraceptives less effective. If you are taking Orkambi, other contraceptive methods are recommended.
• Some antibiotics (i.e., rifampin) and other drugs used to treat HIV, certain anti-seizure and antifungal medicine, and some herbal medicine will make hormonal contraceptive methods less effective. A second contraceptive method, such as condoms, should be used to prevent pregnancy while you are taking these medications.
• Hormonal birth control with estrogen may increase your risk of blood clots and may not be a good option if you have CF-related liver disease or have an implanted device such as a port.

• Backup method of birth control for preventing pregnancy after unprotected sex.
• Even though it’s commonly called the “morning-after pill,” there is both a pill and an intrauterine device that can be used within 5 days (120 hours) of unprotected intercourse.
• The sooner you take it, the more likely it will work.
• Side effects are usually mild and may include nausea and irregular periods.
• This is a good back-up method to always have available if you have any issues with your regular contraception.
• In the United States any woman can get EC at most pharmacies without a prescription. If you want to use an intrauterine device as EC, you will need to be seen at a clinic to have the device inserted.

• Safe and effective for all women with CF.
• If you are pancreatic insufficient not taking your enzymes as directed can make the pill form of EC less effective.
• You can use the EC website to find a health care provider or pharmacy if you have questions about emergency contraception or talk with your PCP, gynecologist, or CF team.