Effective birth control is a must when you’re sexually active and need to avoid unplanned pregnancy. But not everyone feels good about using hormonal birth control. You might experience unwanted side effects, or have other health reasons for avoiding hormone-based medication.
So, if hormonal birth control options like the pill aren’t right for you, what should you use for birth control? Approaches like the rhythm method, natural family planning, or “pulling out” might not be effective or reliable enough in terms of preventing pregnancy.
At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin, located in Odessa, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges supports you in finding the right birth control method for your body, lifestyle, and reproductive plans. Here are four highly effective, nonhormonal forms of birth control that you should know about. Could these types of birth control be what you’re looking for?
Barrier methods, most notably internal and external condoms, are inexpensive, easy to come by, flexible, and highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Condoms and dental dams also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), making them a great option for people with multiple sexual partners.
Condoms must be used correctly to be effective. If you’re relying on condoms for your primary form of birth control, be sure to use a new condom every time you have penetrative sex. And, with internal condoms that fit around the penis, always use a condom that’s the right size to prevent breakage or slippage, which can reduce effectiveness.
A few forms of nonhormonal birth control fit discreetly into the vaginal canal, where they protect against pregnancy while remaining undetectable. You may prefer a silicon cervical cap or a diaphragm.
Cervical caps cover your cervix, preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg after sex. It’s important to get a cervical cap that fits you properly, or it may not work as well. Dr. Bridges prescribes the right size for you. Diaphragms are similar. The larger, soft silicon cup also creates a barrier around your cervix.
If you want to boost the effectiveness of barrier methods of birth control without taking hormones, spermicide is your new best friend. You can use spermicide alongside condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms.
While the name sounds deadly, spermicide doesn’t actually kill sperm. The active ingredient simply makes it more difficult for sperm to move, preventing conception and pregnancy.
Spermicides come in gels, creams, and foams, typically inserted into your vagina before sex. Dr. Bridges can recommend the best brand for you to try.
A type of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC), copper IUDs are hormone-free. Talk to Dr. Bridges about the benefits of a nonhormonal copper IUD by Paragard®.
Copper functions as a natural, nonhormonal spermicide. The presence of the device also prevents implantation. That means you’re doubly covered.
Dr. Bridges inserts this T-shaped device into your uterus through your cervix. The Paragard IUD is FDA-approved and long-lasting, preventing pregnancy for as long as 10 years. You can also choose to have it removed at any time, which will return your ability to become pregnant.
With the right information and approach, you can stick to your reproductive plans without needing to use synthetic hormones or hormonal medications. Consult with Dr. Bridges about your birth control needs. Schedule your initial consultation appointment online or over the phone today.
