Non Hormonal Birth Control
Planning when and if you have children is very important, and there are many ways that you can take control of your fertility. Hormonal methods, such as oral contraceptives, implants, and injections, are effective at preventing pregnancy, but many women prefer birth control strategies that do not involve hormones. Some women are concerned about age, health problems, and side effects and choose to avoid any exposure to extra hormones. Fortunately, there are a variety of non-hormonal methods to choose from.
Condoms
Condoms are possibly the most well-known barrier 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. 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
As a birth control method, condoms have the following advantages:
- They are inexpensive.
- Condoms are easy to obtain at any drug store.
- Condoms help protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Cons
There are a few disadvantages to condoms as well:
- There is a significant incidence of allergies 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 condoms reduce sexual pleasure.
Other Barrier Methods
Besides condoms, you could also use other barrier methods of birth control. The cervical cap and diaphragm can be used either with or without spermicide. These methods work well when used correctly. For the cervical cap, 14 out 100 women who have not delivered a baby vaginally previously will get pregnant each year. For women who always use the diaphragm properly, 6 out of 100 women will become pregnant each year.
Pros
Other barrier methods have the following advantages:
- There are no hormones involved.
- These methods carry no risk from long-term exposure.
- Barrier methods often cost less than hormone options.
- These methods cause fewer side effects.
- Fertility returns the second you stop using the method.
Cons
There are a few disadvantages associated with barrier methods:
- They are susceptible to human error.
- You have to plan ahead to effectively use them.
- Your birth control method needs to be on your person.
- There's some possibility for irritation.
- You'll need for a doctor's appointment to get fitted for the device.
Another thing to consider about barrier methods is that 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.
Fertility Awareness
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. According Planned Parenthood, about 24 out of every 100 women will become pregnant using this method. As noted by WebMD, this method can be a little more successful -- with a success rate of 75-87%.
Pros
Fertility awareness had the following advantages:
- It puts a woman in charge of her fertility.
- This method allows her to become involved with her body and health.
- This is a positive method for female self-empowerment.
Cons
There are also some reasons you may not want to use this method:
- Menstrual cycles vary so much due to medications, foods, time of year, illness, weight gain, even the girlfriends you hang out with.
- It may be almost impossible for some women to successfully track their cycle.
- Cycles need to be very regular for this method to work.
Abstinence
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. This method can be very effective. The main problem with the success 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 penetration.
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.
Permanent Non Hormonal Solutions
The two most effective non-hormonal birth control options include permanent sterilization, also known 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.
Choosing Birth Control Without Hormones
For some women, choosing a non-hormonal method of birth control may be related to religious views, the need for a prescription, inconvenience, side effects, and the sense that it's simply not natural to interfere with your body's make-up. Additionally, doctors often caution against using hormonal birth control in women over the age of 35, smokers, and those with certain health conditions like high blood pressure. If you're planning to get pregnant soon, you may also be concerned about hormones remaining in your system and affecting your fertility even after you stop using the method.
Whatever your reason, you have many options when it comes to non-hormonal contraceptives. Non-hormonal birth control options usually involve barrier methods or chemicals. These methods rely on keeping a man's sperm from contacting a woman's egg, thus preventing pregnancy. Before starting any new birth control option, you should always make an appointment to discuss your plan with your health care provider.
Selecting a Birth Control
While hormonal birth control methods are generally safe and effective for most women, many people are uncomfortable with products that can alter the hormones that occur naturally in the body, stop ovulation, change conditions in the uterus, and change their menstrual cycle. No matter your lifestyle or preferences, there is a non-hormonal birth control method that may work for you. You may have to experiment with different methods to figure out which one may work best for you. Speak with your health care provider for guidance.
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