Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Problems with Hormonal Birth Control

Hormone-based birth control includes options such as oral contraceptives (better known as the Pill), Norplant implant, and the DepoProvera Contraceptive Injection. These are effective birth control methods, it’s true, but some people would rather avoid it.

Here are some reasons why people may not want to take hormone-based birth control:

• It’s not conclusive, but many studies show that the hormone based birth control can increase the risk of some cancers, such as liver and cervical cancer.
• Health care providers suggest you take a break from the pill after five years of use, which may not be convenient.
• Hormones do change your body somewhat. Some women don’t like having their body altered like this.
• Some women have trouble conceiving after taking hormonal birth control.
• Hormone-based birth control can be deadly for women who smoke.
• This option is simply not safe for women with specific health situation or who have birth control pill side effects.
• Studies consistently go back and fourth about weight gain and hormones. A study will come out that says the pill can make you fat only to be rebuked the next week.

Along with that last con, hormonal birth control in the grand scheme of things is still a pretty new deal. It can take decades to realize that a medication is bad for your body. Since the pill and other hormone-based birth control is so new, we really don’t know as much as we could about it. That’s likely why you see so many conflicting studies about it. One week it’s safe and the next there’s breaking news saying, “It’s not safe!” Some women worry about dealing with this conflicting information.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options

This is a short article; there’s no way to go fully into all birth control options and their pros and cons. Before starting a new birth control option, you should always make an appointment to discuss your plan with your health care provider.

Condoms

Basics: Condoms are possibly the most well-known non-hormonal birth control method. Male condoms are placed over the penis and prevent body fluids (such as sperm) from coming into contact with another person. There are also female condoms that are placed inside the vagina to block fluid contact.

Effectiveness: Male condoms are noted as being around 98 percent effective when used consistently and properly. The actual male condom success rate is only about 85 percent, though. Female condoms score lower, at only 79 percent successful.

Pros: Inexpensive, easy to obtain, plus they protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Cons: Some people are allergic to latex condoms. More education surrounding proper use and disposal is needed. Studies show that males tend to take condoms off incorrectly and some couples re-use the same condom (both can cause pregnancy). Female condoms are notably more complicated to use and more expensive. Some people feel they reduce sexual pleasure – however, so might a baby.

Learn more: Condom Effectiveness or Birth Control Condom

Fertility Awareness

Basics: This non-hormonal birth control is sometimes called the rhythm method and means a woman keeps track of her "safe" days to have sex and "unsafe" days (i.e. days she can become pregnant). You can keep track by tracking your menstruation cycle.

Effectiveness: According to most research, about 9 out of every 100 women will become pregnant using this method. However, that’s with perfect use and there is no perfect use birth control.

Pros: Puts a woman in charge of her fertility and really allows her to become involved with her body and health. It’s a positive method for female self-empowerment.

Cons: Cycles vary so much: medications, foods, time of year, illness, weight gain, even the girlfriends you hang out with, can affect your cycle timing. It can be almost impossible for some women to track their cycle. You need to be very regular for this method to work.

Learn more: SmarterSex – Timing Method

Abstinence

Basics: Abstinence means abstaining from sexual intercourse. This does not mean you aren’t sexual or can’t be close with your partner. You can be sexual without actually having intercourse.

Effectiveness: Pretty darn effective. The main problem with the effectiveness of this method is that people get carried away. If a couple does not have a back-up birth control plan, it can result in a surprise pregnancy. Also, it’s not unheard of for a woman to become pregnant if sperm gets too close to the vagina, even without actual prenetration.

Pros: When it comes to taking charge of your fertility, abstinence is a winner. This method truly puts you in charge.

Cons: Many people lack the self-control to use this method 100 percent of the time. This is not a bad thing: sex in a healthy relationship shouldn’t be looked down on, but if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, it’s something to consider.

Learn more: SmarterSex - Abstinence

Other Methods

Here are some other methods of hormone free birth control you can research:

• Cervical barriers
• Birth Control IUD
• Birth Control Sponge
• Spermicides