Non-hormonal birth control options

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Birth control pills are the most commonly used method of birth control. However, it is not applicable in all cases. Non-hormonal birth control methods are gaining more attention and preference, because of their safety and effectiveness.

1. Limitations of Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal methods of contraception such as the IUD, the pill, the patch or the implant offer convenience to the user. However, they may not be an ideal choice for you, for the following reasons:
You must remember to take your pills every day at a certain time. You need to see your doctor to prescribe medication, get advice on how to use birth control safely. Hormonal contraceptives cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They can increase the risk of blood clots, breast cancer, or cause other side effects like mood swings or weight gain. Hormones can be passed on to your baby through breastfeeding.

2. Non-hormonal birth control options

2.1. Diaphragm The diaphragm is a small cup, made of silicone or latex. The diaphragm cup has a dome shape and a flexible rim that does not contain any hormones. When inserted safely into the vagina, it becomes a barrier covering the cervix.
Before starting insertion, the diaphragm and its ring should be coated with spermicide. You need to put the cup in the correct position before having sex. Before the next sexual act occurs, you need to add more spermicide.
The main job of the diaphragm is to block the entrance to the uterus, while the spermicide will hinder the movement of sperm, helping to prevent pregnancy.
However, the diaphragm cup cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Plus, it increases the risk of vaginal or urinary tract infections.

2.2 Uterine Hat The uterine cap is a popular female contraceptive, made from soft rubber and shaped like a hat. The uterine cap is placed deep in the vagina, grabs the cervix, helps prevent sperm from entering the uterus, has a very good effect in preventing pregnancy. However, this method will be more effective if used with spermicide.
You can leave the uterine cap on for up to 48 hours after having sex. The downside to this method of birth control is that it doesn't offer any safe protection against STDs, and it can increase the chance of a bladder infection. It's best not to opt for this method if you have sex at least three times a week or have a history of pelvic problems.

2.3. Contraceptive sponge Contraceptive sponge is used to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It is a disc-shaped device, made of polyurethane foam and contains spermicide. Before having sex, you can insert the contraceptive sponge deep inside the vagina, through the nylon loop, which will help you easily remove the sperm immediately.
You can find birth control sponges over the counter and without a prescription. However, the drawback of this method of contraception is that it increases the risk of yeast infections and toxic shock syndrome. There are also some other common side effects and allergic reactions such as vaginal dryness. You should not leave the sponge in the vagina for more than 30 hours to avoid unwanted side effects.

2.4. Copper IUD The IUD is a temporary method of contraception that is widely used in developing countries because of its effectiveness and low cost. IUDs are usually T-shaped, are placed deep inside the uterus, and can be used for many years.
The IUD is one of the most effective forms of birth control. This IUD has copper- which acts as a spermicide, coiled around it. The main mechanism of action of the IUD is to stimulate the lining of the uterus, making implantation more difficult. In addition, it acts as an irritant, causing white blood cells to migrate to the inflamed uterus and possibly helping to destroy sperm.
In addition to its ability to effectively prevent pregnancy, this method also causes some serious side effects such as allergy to copper, uterine perforation, IUD expulsion (intrauterine device), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and ectopic pregnancy . In particular, the IUD is not able to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

2.5. Spermicide Spermicide is a chemical that inactivates sperm, most of which contain a chemical called nonoxynol-9. Spermicide is used alone or in conjunction with any other barrier method of contraception except the contraceptive sponge, because it already contains spermicide. Spermicides come in different varieties, including creams, soaps, creams, suppositories, and films.
When used alone, you should place the spermicide in the vagina near the cervix. The medicine will start to work 10-15 minutes after you put it in your vagina.
Note that spermicides do not prevent STDs. You should only use this method if you are having healthy sex with 1 person and both are at low risk of contracting HIV. In addition, using spermicide can cause some irritation or burning of the vagina.

2.6. Condoms As can be seen, condoms are a simple, convenient, highly effective and widely used method of contraception today. It is a physical barrier method of birth control that prevents sperm from entering the uterus to meet an egg.

3. Pros/cons of non-hormonal methods of birth control

3.1. Advantages of Non-hormonal Methods of Birth Control If your need for birth control is not frequent, you can use non-hormonal methods of birth control. These methods of birth control are for women who cannot use hormones for medical reasons, are breastfeeding, or for some other reason. Inexpensive, over-the-counter (OTC).

3.2 Disadvantages of Non-hormonal Contraceptives Except for the copper IUD, these methods need to be used with great care and consistency to prevent pregnancy. Plus, it has a higher failure rate than using the Pill or other birth control options Some methods can't be used during menstruation Causes discomfort because Some people don't like to put or leave devices in their vaginal canal. Measures such as diaphragms or condoms can interfere with sexual spontaneity.

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Article referenced source: Webmd.com