Go to page content

Contraception for women with diabetes

It is important to take care of contraception when you do not want to get pregnant. You should discuss family planning and your possible wishes for pregnancy during diabetes follow-up appointments.

The principles of pregnancy prevention are not drastically different for a person with diabetes. In addition to your personal preferences, the choice is informed by your age, preliminary gynaecological information, potential complications related to diabetes, duration of birth control as well as your future plans for becoming pregnant. As a pregnancy should be planned, the reliability of birth control is important, especially in the case of diabetes.

  • When properly used, a condom is often a good contraceptive. In occasional sexual relationships, it is important to use a condom to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

  • A woman can use a combined contraceptive pill as long as her blood sugar balance is at recommended levels and she does not have any significant complications related to diabetes. However, using it involves a slightly higher risk of deep vein thrombosis.

  • Mini pills or progestin-only pills can often be a viable option.

  • An intrauterine device (IUD) can be a good choice for a person with diabetes. You can use an IUD that releases a hormone or copper even if you have not given birth before.

  • Sterilisation may be an option if you are certain that you want to permanently prevent pregnancy.

Updated 30.9.2023