Is Ethinylestradiol compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Ethinylestradiol?

Ethinylestradiol

February 15, 2016 (Low Risk)

Synthetic estrogen that has a similar action as estradiol. Used in combination with progestogens for contraception.

Ethinylestradiol is excreted in small or no amount into breast milk.
There is evidence (albeit inconsistent) that estrogen-containing pills may decrease milk production, especially during the first few weeks postpartum with a daily dose above 30 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol.
It may reduce the protein content of the milk.
No problems have been observed in infants whose mothers were treated, except some cases of transient gynecomastia in infants whose mothers were receiving a higher dose than usual.

During lactation progestin-only drugs are preferred or in combination with estrogen for birth control, but whatever, the ones with the lower doses of estrogen should be used.
For the first 6 weeks postpartum, non-hormonal methods are of choise.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Writings

  • Αιθυνυλοιστραδιόλη (Greek)
  • إيثينيلإيستراديول (Arabic)
  • Этинилэстрадиол (Cyrillic)
  • 炔雌醇 (Chinese)
  • エチニルエストラジオール (Japanese)
  • C20H24O2 (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

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  5. Berens P, Labbok M; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #13: Contraception During Breastfeeding, Revised 2015. Breastfeed Med. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. Department of Reproductive Health and Research World Health Organization. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. WHO/RHR/15.07. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 2013: adapted from the World Health Organization selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use, 2nd edition. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
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  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). U S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2010. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2010Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
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