5 Non-hormonal Contraception Options

Perhaps you tried hormonal birth control, and the side effects made it a less-than-desirable option for you. Maybe you just don’t like the idea of altering your hormones and would prefer a less systemic approach to family planning.

Around 65% of reproductive-aged women in the United States use some sort of birth control, and the good news is that there are options that fit most every goal.

To help you sort through the options that don’t rely on hormonal controls, the team of women’s health experts here at Bay Area Physicians for Women’s Health reviews five great contraceptive options that can protect against an unplanned pregnancy. 

1. Copper intrauterine device (IUD)

One of the more popular non-hormonal birth control options is copper IUDs, namely the Paragard® IUD. These IUDS are wrapped in copper wire that hampers the motility of sperm — they simply don’t swim as well and can’t reach your eggs.

Not only do copper IUDs prevent fertilization, but they also last up to 12 years. You can use it for as long as you want. Whenever you’re ready, we simply remove the IUD, and your fertility should be back on track.

1. Cervical caps and diaphragms

Under the barrier category — a birth control that creates a barrier between your eggs and sperm — we find diaphragms and cervical caps, which work similarly. 

Before you have intercourse, you insert the diaphragm or cervical cap into your vagina and then remove it afterward.

To increase the efficacy of these non-hormonal birth controls, it's important to use them in combination with spermicide. 

1. Condoms

Whether you use male condoms or female condoms (internal condoms), this form of birth control is effective and doesn’t alter your hormones. Another advantage of condoms is that they’re the only birth control method outside of abstinence that protects you against sexually transmitted infections.

2. Fertility awareness

This means tracking your ovulation and only having sex when the conditions are right. There are several ways to track your fertility, such as with a calendar, by taking your temperature, or monitoring your cervical mucus.

If you’re interested in this approach, we’re happy to sit down with you to discuss how to best track your fertility.

3. Gels and sponges

We’ve already discussed spermicides with diaphragms and caps, but we also want to touch on sponges and gels. As the name suggests, sponges are foam pieces that you insert into your vagina before sex. They come soaked in spermicide, and you can easily remove them with a pull tab.

The gel, which is marketed under the name Phexxi®, comes in a prefilled applicator that you use before intercourse. The gel works by changing the pH balance in your vagina to immobilize sperm.

This list of non-hormonal birth control options isn’t complete, but it gives you an idea about the many available options.

To hone in on what would work best for your family planning needs and goals, you can start by contacting our office in Mobile, Alabama, to schedule an appointment today.