[Contraception in breastfeeding women: place for spermicides]

Any contraceptive method prescribed to a breastfeeding woman should be not only adapted to her physiological condition after delivery and to the health of her newborn, but should also meet her expectations. According to the French guidelines, combined hormonal contraception is prohibited up to 6 weeks after delivery in breastfeeding women and is not recommended within 6 months. Intrauterine devices and oral progestin alone may be utilized only from the fourth week after delivery. Spermicides have a privileged indication in breastfeeding women. Indeed, they have no restriction in national and international guidelines. In France, spermicides primarily include myristalkonium chloride and benzalkonium chloride that does not pass into maternal milk according Liebert. In addition to their safe use, the lubricant effect of some specialties can be useful. Spermicides can be used in combination with a condom as well as with the lactational amenorrhea method. The acceptability and success of spermicides in breastfeeding woman depends largely on the information of users, their motivation and understanding of the conditions of use.