Non Hormonal Birth Control

Why Avoid Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal birth control methods include options like Depo-Provera, the birth control pill, mini pills, Mirena birth control, Ortho Evra (the birth control patch), and NuvaRing (birth control ring). Some people count the morning after pill as birth control and it is, although it’s an emergency contraceptive, not an appropriate ongoing birth control method.

There are various reasons why some women opt for birth control methods without the hormones.

• Some women don’t feel it’s natural to mess with their natural body make-up. Hormonal birth control can do things like adjust the hormones that occur naturally in your body, stop ovulation, change conditions in the uterus, and change your menstrual cycle.
• In the case of hormonal birth control, you’ll usually use it all the time whether you’re having sex or not. For example, even if you only have sex once in June, you’d still need to take the contraceptive pill almost every day in June, depending on pill type.
• Some religions are against hormonal birth control.
• You need to see a health care provider to obtain a prescription.
• Hormonal methods are less appropriate for older women; usually health care providers note that after 35, it’s better to use another method, although it varies by method.
• Side effects can be troublesome to dangerous on a case-by-case basis.
• Hormonal birth control is not safe for smokers.
• Hormones can stay in your system and affect fertility even after you stop using the method.

Non Hormonal Birth Control Options Available

Non hormonal options in birth control usually involve barrier methods or chemical options. Most of the time, the prevention is that sperm is kept from contact with a woman’s egg, thus preventing pregnancy.

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods of birth control, used both with or without spermicide, include items like condoms, the cervical cap, and diaphragm. Barrier methods work well when used correctly. However, time and time again studies show that people fail to use barrier methods correctly. Human error is one of the bigger cons of barrier method birth control.

Other negatives include having to plan ahead, having to carry your birth control method with you, allergic reactions to materials (such as latex in condoms), irritation, and more.

Barrier method pros include no hormones and the method does not stay in your system like a pill or shot does. Barrier methods often cost less than hormone options, cause fewer side effects, protect against sexually transmitted diseases when used correctly, and fertility returns the second you stop using the method.

Something to consider about barrier methods is they require you to be comfortable touching your own genitals. For example, both the cap and diaphragm must be inserted into the vagina. If this makes you uncomfortable, you might want to consider a different option. On the other hand, you could also give it a whirl. Hands-on birth control is a great way to start taking charge of your fertility.

Each barrier method also has its own specific pros and cons. Learn more…

• Birth Control Condom
• Over the Counter Birth Control
• Birth Control Effectiveness
• Birth Control Methods

Natural Birth Control Methods

Natural birth control methods, sometimes called “fertility awareness,” such as lactation, taking your basal body temperature, charting your cycle on a calendar, checking your cervical mucus, and only having sex on “safe” days, are all non hormonal birth control choices. They also all have a very high failure rate.

The methods above are inexpensive. Natural methods also put you in charge of your fertility in a very large way. Although this is positive, many women can’t realistically rely on natural methods to prevent pregnancy.

Learn more about the pros and cons of fertility awareness.

Permanent Non Hormonal Solutions

The two most effective non hormonal birth control options include birth control permanent sterilization, also know as a Vasectomy for men or a tubal ligation for women. While in very rare cases these methods fail, they’re usually almost 100 percent effective, non-hormonal, and permanent. If you’re sure you don’t want children or are sure you’re done having kids, then these might be good options for you. Also read: Is It a Good Idea to Get My Tubes Tied.