What an
expert explains about 7 hormone-free contraception options?
Hormone-free
contraception is becoming more popular than ever, with applications like
Natural Cycles and copper-based Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) becoming more
popular than ever. When it comes to choosing a non-hormonal means of preventing
pregnancy, many people declare they don't want their weight, sex drive,
menstruation, or mood altered, but Dr Elise Dallas, a Babylon GP, believes it's
important asking yourself a few questions beforehand.
Dr.
Dallas says, "I always tell patients that many hormonal contraceptive
adverse effects, including weight gain and mood problems, might be caused by
other factors." "Consider whether or not you're certain it's the
contraceptive that's causing you problems." Hormonal methods of
contraception, she says, are still a viable option for some.
In
reality, they can greatly improve the quality of life for women who suffer from
acne and painful periods. As a first step, I recommend speaking with your
doctor about the concerns that are most important to you when it comes to birth
control (for example, the impact on your menstruation). It's quite normal for
your contraception needs to alter as you progress through life, she says. So,
what are the alternatives?
Which
non-hormonal contraceptive methods are the most popular?
1.
Male condoms
What
are they?
Male
condoms are thin latex sheaths that go over the penis during sex and are
probably the most well-known type of non-hormonal contraception. They're an
excellent alternative if you're dating or hooking up with new individuals
because they're the only techniques that protect you from STIs (together with
female condoms).
Pros
and cons:
Sue
Burchill, head of nursing at sexual health charity Brook, adds, "They're
incredibly easy to use and you only need to use them when you have sex."
"They shield you from sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) and pregnancy.
Additionally, Brook services (for those under the age of 25), some youth
clinics, contraception and sexual health clinics, and some GPs offer them for
free. Even if you're under the age of 16, you can buy them at any time of day
from supermarkets, vending machines in public restrooms, and gas stations. They
also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, colours, and flavours,
making sex more enjoyable."
Condoms
are the only method of contraception that allows a guy to manage his own
fertility, although they do have certain drawbacks. Condom latex can cause
allergic reactions in some persons. Although unusual, latex-free polyurethane
condoms can be used if you or your partner are allergic to latex, Sue
continues. They can split or fall off at any time; if this happens or you are
concerned, you may require emergency contraception.
2.
Female condoms
What
is it?
Female
condoms, often known as 'femi-doms,' are similar to male condoms, with the
exception that they are worn internally, inside the vagina, rather than over
the penis.
Pros
and cons:
Female
condoms, like their male counterparts, protect against STIs and pregnancy and
are accessible for free through many of the same services. You can also use
them before having sex (up to eight hours before).
Female
condoms, on the other hand, might slip or get pushed up into the vaginal canal
if not worn properly, necessitating the need for emergency contraception. Sue
advises, Make sure your penis slides into the condom, not between the condom
and the vagina. Female condoms are also not always available at every
contraception and sexual health clinic, and they can be more expensive to
purchase than normal condoms.
3.
IUDs
What
is it?
IUDs,
or intrauterine devices, are t-shaped plastic implants containing copper that
prevent an egg from implanting in your uterus. Your doctor or nurse will have
to fit them.
Pros
and cons:
Copper-based
IUDs are a long-term option that, once put in place, can prevent pregnancy for
up to ten years (depending on what type of IUD you go for). They don't
interfere with sex or your fertility, and, most importantly, you don't have to
remember to take a pill every day for them to work. "Unlike other types of
contraception, the IUD is unaffected by vomiting, diarrhoea, or other
medicines," Sue explains, adding that it can even be used as an emergency
contraception device.
This
isn't to argue that the IUD is without its drawbacks. It doesn't protect
against STIs, she says, and your periods may be heavier, more painful, or last
longer. There are a few hazards associated with fitting and using the IUD,
though they are minimal and unlikely. For example, you could get an infection
when it's implanted, it could be pushed out or displaced, and there's a small
potential of uterine perforation. If you get pregnant while using one, there's
a chance you'll have an ectopic pregnancy.
4.
Cervical caps or diaphragms
What
is it?
These
are dome-shaped devices that resemble diaphragms, however, diaphragms fit into
the vagina and over the cervix, whereas caps must be placed directly on the
cervix. For best effectiveness, they should be fitted by a professional the
first time and used in conjunction with spermicide.
Pros
and cons:
"They
can be put in before intercourse so they don't disrupt the moment," Sue
explains. "If you have sex more than three hours after putting it in,
you'll need to add extra spermicide." "They are unaffected by any
medications you take orally, and they do not interfere with your menstrual
cycle" - nevertheless it is recommended that you do not use the
diaphragm/cap during your period, therefore you will need to use another method
of contraception at this time.
What
about the drawbacks? They don't provide protection against STIs, and they're
not as successful in preventing pregnancy as other methods, with the exception
of condoms (around 92-96 per cent, compared with 98 per cent for male condoms,
for instance). "Some women can acquire the bladder infection cystitis when
using diaphragms or caps – check with your doctor or nurse for further advice
if you need it," Sue confesses. Latex or the chemical used in spermicide
may cause allergic reactions in certain persons."
5.
Sponges
What
is it?
This
alternative does exactly what it says on the tin: it's a spermicide-laced
sponge that you insert to assist prevent pregnancy. They're a one-time use
option with maximum utilisation of 30 hours.
Pros
and cons:
Sponges
protect you from pregnancy in two ways: the spermicide slows down sperm and
prevents them from reaching the egg, and the sponge itself covers your cervix,
preventing them from getting there. They're simple to use, but they do take
some preparation: you must wet the sponge to activate the spermicide, then
insert it as far as you're comfortable. You must also leave them in your
vaginal canal for at least six hours after having intercourse, so remember to
factor that into your 30-hour estimate. It shouldn't happen, but if the sponge
breaks into pieces as you pull it out, you should immediately see your doctor.
There's
no STI protection, and you can't use them if you're on your period or have any
type of vaginal bleeding, since this could put you at risk of toxic shock
syndrome. They're also not advised for women who have recently experienced
physical trauma in the area, given birth or had a miscarriage or abortion. If
you're unsure, see a specialist before purchasing (sponges, unlike many other
items, aren't given away for free).
6.
Natural family planning
What
is it?
Natural
family planning, also known as Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM), includes apps
such as Natural Cycles, which track your fertility indications like cervical
secretions and basal body temperature to determine when you can have sex with a
lower risk of pregnancy. According to Dr Dallas, FAM can be as successful as 98
per cent with ideal use, but it's more likely to be in the range of 76 to 88 per
cent with usual use, depending on the approach you employ. The NHS recommends
this as a procedure for women who don't have a problem getting pregnant.
This
is Instagram content that has been imported. On their website, you might be
able to access the same stuff in a different format, or you might be able to
find more information.
Pros
and cons:
If
you're thinking about establishing a family, it may be used to both plan and
avoid conception – and if you're not, it doesn't require the use of hormones or
other chemicals, or the use of physical equipment, as many other ways do. The
NHS claims that if the procedure is followed correctly, it can be up to 99 per
cent effective - but you'll need good training on the signs, and because it's
difficult to perfect, mistakes happen, so it's usually around the 75 per cent
figure instead.
If
you want to have sex throughout your fertile periods, you'll need to consider
STI protection and a different kind of contraception. "You must keep daily
records," Sue explains, "and some factors, such as illness or stress,
might make results difficult to understand." "If you have an irregular
cycle or have stopped using hormonal contraception, it may take longer to
recognise your fertility indications. It necessitates a great level of
dedication on both sides."
7.
Tubal occlusion
What
is it?
Tubal
occlusion, often known as female sterilisation, is a surgical form of
contraception that involves blocking your fallopian tubes with clips or rings.
It's estimated to be 99 per cent effective and has no influence on hormone
levels. If you have it done, you'll still get your period (sorry).
Pros
and cons:
If
you're convinced that sterilisation is the best option for you, you won't have
to worry about getting pregnant (though you'll still need protection from
STIs). There should be no influence on your sexual desire, and it rarely has
any additional long-term health consequences.
Internal
bleeding, infection, or injury to your other organs are all possible risks, as
they are with any procedure. The chances of sterilisation failing are about 1
in 200, but it can happen, and if it does, the pregnancy is more likely to be
ectopic. Surgeons are more likely to perform sterilisation on women over 30 who
have already had children, although you can seek it regardless of your
situation. Because of the permanent nature of the decision you're making,
you'll almost certainly be referred to counselling before making your final
decision.