Non-hormonal birth control methods carry fewer side effects than hormonal methods. They are great options for women who do not wish to change their body’s natural cycle, do not have frequent intercourse, or are looking for a backup method along with their hormonal birth control.
Natural Family Planning
Natural family planning is when a woman uses one of three methods — Standard Days Method, Ovulation Method, and Symptothermal Method — to identify the most fertile days of her menstrual cycle. This method is done by tracking when she is ovulating and avoiding intercourse or using a barrier contraceptive method during ovulation.
Learn more about natural family planning now.
Female and Male Condoms
Female and male condoms are barrier contraceptives that are either rolled on the penis or placed within the vagina to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Condoms are the only birth control method that, when used properly, protects against HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. They are also the most readily available and affordable form of birth control and are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if used every time.
Copper IUD
Like a hormonal IUD, a copper IUD is a small, T-shaped device placed within the uterus by a healthcare provider and can prevent pregnancy for up to ten years. A copper IUD does not contain hormones and will not alter a woman’s natural cycle. It works by releasing copper into the uterus and creating a toxic environment for sperm, preventing the sperm and egg from meeting.
Diaphragm
A diaphragm is a dome-shaped silicone cup that's inserted into the vagina several hours before sexual activity. It is a physical barrier for the cervix, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. To be most effective, a woman should use a diaphragm in combination with Spermicide. A prescription is required, and a woman should be properly fitted for a diaphragm by a healthcare physician.
Spermicide
Spermicide is a liquid, foam, or film substance placed into the vagina with an applicator before having sexual intercourse. It works by killing the sperm before it reaches the egg. It is strongly advised to use Spermicide in conjunction with a condom or diaphragm because it provides poor pregnancy prevention when used alone. Spermicide, like condoms, is a less expensive and widely available means of birth control. However, Spermicide can cause vaginal irritation.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal, or the pull-out method, is when a man takes his penis out of a woman’s vagina before ejaculation. The withdrawal method is about 80% effective but can be easily combined with other birth control options to improve pregnancy prevention.
Permanent Birth Control Options
Permanent birth control options include minor procedures that sterilize a man or woman. While these procedures can be reversed, the reversal may not always be successful.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal ligation, often known as "tying your tubes," is a surgical technique in which the fallopian tubes are closed off, tied, banded, cut, sealed with an electric current, blocked by scar tissue from tiny implants, or removed. By closing off the fallopian tubes, an egg can no longer travel to the ovaries, and sperm can not travel up the fallopian tubes to reach the egg. Tubal ligation does not affect a woman's monthly menstrual cycle. Complete removal of the tubes can also decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. Learn more about tubal ligation now.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is an outpatient male procedure where the vas deferens, tubes where sperm travels on its way out of a man’s body, are obstructed to prevent sperm from entering the semen. Once the tubes are tied, sperm can no longer be ejaculated. Following the procedure, it will take 15-20 ejaculations to completely clear the tubes of sperm, so it’s important to continue using birth control methods. The female partner may need to use a backup form of contraception for up to 6 months after a vasectomy. Learn more about vasectomy now.
Based on your preferences, your Moreland OB-GYN can work with you to determine the best birth control options for you and your body. Schedule an appointment today.
At Moreland OB-GYN, we specialize in gynecological and obstetric health care and prioritize the needs of our patients. We hope you’ll connect with us to help answer your birth control questions, and we hope you’ll turn to our experts as a trusted resource for information.
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At the very basic level, there are two types of birth control—hormonal and nonhormonal. Hormonal contraceptives can prevent pregnancy by stopping the release of an egg from your ovaries into the uterus, making the mucus around the cervix thicker so the sperm cannot enter the uterus, or making the lining of the uterus thinner to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching. The pill is the most widely-known version of hormonal contraceptives, but many other options are available.
