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Birth Control Without Hormones

A lot of women don’t want hormones in their birth control. There are as many reasons for not wanting the hormones as there are people. I just don’t see the need to alter my body’s already perfect chemistry when there are so many other options available. Some women are offered tremendous relief from things like the birth control pill for those of you who aren’t here’s a list of non hormonal birth control options.

Cervical Cap: There’s FemCap, it’s a latex free barrier to the cervix. Used with spermicide you’re looking at a 92% effectiveness rate.

Condoms: I know… this is so high school. The male condom can be irritating for everyone involved but if you are not monogamous they are an absolute must, and I know a few married couples who happily use them. There’s a female condom too but it doesn’t seem to be popular, I’ve never tried or seen one which leads me to believe that they might be cumbersome and unsexy.

Diaphragm: I think they talked about these in 6th grade sex ed but I honestly don’t know anyone from my generation who has ever used one. If you have used a diaphragm and have feedback leave it in the comments, go anonymous I won’t out you.

Film: The vaginal contraceptive film is a great one that no one seems to have heard of. This is the only brand I’ve ever seen. We used it in between kids and there were no accidents. It’s 94% effective when used properly (it’s easy to use but I wouldn’t suggest it for teen who might not be familiar with her body).

Intrauterine Device (IUD): Paragard has a small bit of copper that the doctor inserts into your uterus. It can stay there for up to 10 years. Cramps and bleeding can be horrible the first few months, but if you can bite the bullet (and it might not even be that bad for you) you’ll have up to 10 years of birth control that you never have to think of.

Spermicide: You’ll want to use this with some of the barrier methods for better birth control.

Sponge: It’s part barrier and part spermicide. Used correctly 1 in 10 women will get pregnant and accounting for user error the numbers go to 1 in 7. This might be a good choice if you think you might be open to being a parent.

You can always use the rhythm method or have the guy pull out but it’s reasonably likely that you’ll end up pregnant.

I know I’ve missed some options so please share what you know in the comments. If you leave a link it won’t show up immediately but don’t worry I’ll get in there and approve it soon.

 

 

 

 

10 thoughts on “Birth Control Without Hormones”

  1. The Sympto Thermal Method. It’s NOT rhythm, and much more scientific. You take your basal temperature same time every morning and chart it (there’s a free app for that), and also monitor your mucuous. People use this to conceive, but it also works the other way around. Yes, it sounds high-maintenance, but you REALLY tune into your body after awhile, and know when you are fertile, and when you’re not. And it costs less than other methods (pay for thermometer). Obviously, this should only be used for monogamous couples.

    My husband and I have been using it for 12 years, and have had no “accidents”. Our children, 8 and 3, were planned.

  2. I used a diaphragm for years. I won’t say I LOVED it, but I couldn’t take the pill, so it was a great option for me. I currently LOVE my IUD – it’s given me no trouble and no unwanted pregnancies for years.

  3. Thanks for posting this!  I second what Melanhead said about the Symptothermal method.  Here’s a link to some effectiveness studies.  
    http://ovaova.com/educate/effectiveness-studies/

    The best thing about this method is its 1) Obviously hormone free 2) Helps you understand your body and identify potential fertility related issues sooner 3) Lets you have condom-free (or other barrier-free sex) for the majority of your cycle.  Then during those fertile days you can either abstain or use the barrier that works for you.I think that there are a lot of misconceptions about this method… probably because the right tools to make this easy to use and practice haven’t always been available.  That’s why I founded Ova Ova (www.OvaOva.com).  A website dedicated to helping women practice hormone-free birth control.  Check it out – would love everyone’s feedback.Amanda

  4. I can not recommend tubal ligation enough.   It’s quick, relatively free of discomfort, and then you’re done.  When I had it, they were using nitrogen to inflate the abdomen for visibility.  The first day the gas will push against your collar bones and it’s uncomfortable.  Stay prone and have people bring you food and drink and that will mitigate the side effects.   I felt like I had been set free of fear, anxiety over unwanted pregnancies, and the crazy making birth control pills.

  5. Like @3bbe28e524f05924ad879792978d1656:disqus , I was a diaphragm user and I didn’t love it — but it worked. I also used the sponge (which I liked better, because it was more convenient). I was much luckier with it than @Adriennevh:disqus . This discussion makes me glad I don’t have to worry about this any longer.

  6. I got pregnant with the sponge AND the film. Birth control pills gave me a blood clot. Good thing I discovered I was gay before I became I ended up on the Duggars.

  7. hello, I am early 30-something and used the diaphragm when I got married….and 6 months later we found out we were expecting our first kiddo. Paraguard #2 now (had a another kid in between) and couldn’t be happier.   

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