Alternatives to Birth Control Pills
As a pelvic PT, I am seeing the ways in which hormones can profoundly affect bodies. For some, hormones allow us to feel more like ourselves. And for others, hormones can make us feel less like ourselves and thus it is important to understand possible alternatives to birth control pills. Keep in mind please that I am still researching and understanding all the options around birth control and there is SO MUCH to learn. I want to thank my colleague and friend Ashley Hartman Annis for help with this blog as she is a Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) instructor and just all around cool human!
Intrauterine Device (IUDs)
These devices are inserted into the uterus and you can choose a hormonal or non-hormonal option.
Hormonal (such as the Mirena) - People tend to incorrectly believe these hormones act locally on the reproductive organs however these hormones have been found to have more systemic effects, just as with The Pill! So all the things that can sometimes occur due to hormones from The Pill can also occur with a hormonal IUD. This IUD is 99% effective, a bit invasive to get in/out however for some people it can also be easy, and can last up to 5 years
SIDE EFFECTS and RISKS: Ovarian cysts, depression, boob soreness, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, absence of period, perforation, expulsion, pelvic pain, infection, heavy/irregular periods
Non-hormonal (Paraguard) - Made from copper which is toxic to sperm! This IUD can be removed at any time and fertility resumes quickly. It is 99% effective, can be a bit invasive to get in/out for some people and can last up to 10 years
SIDE EFFECTS: cramps, spotting between periods, heavier bleeding but these may all decrease over time
Natural Family Planning (NFP) - This method helps you realize when you are ovulating so you can decide to have intercourse or not have intercourse on certain days based on your pregnancy goals. This method includes monitoring your cervical mucus and measuring your basal body temperature. With average use, according to the Center For Disease Control, it is 76% effective. Often, because of the foundations NFP is rooted in, it may be an acceptable form of birth conrol for religious affiliations, is generally targeted for heteronormative and married couples and may not condone use of condoms (or other barrier methods) during fertile days.
SIDE EFFECTS: NONE
Fertility Awareness Method (FAM): This method is based on similar science to NFP however tends to be more inclusive of all bodies, orientation, gender and relationships. It teaches you body-awareness through monitoring your cervical mucus, measuring your basal body temperature and even assessing your cervix in order to understand the cycles of the body, which is valuable for anyone to learn! The above techniques can then be used to understand when you are ovulating in order to either avoid sex or choose protected or unprotected sex in this more fertile time, depending on pregnancy goals.
Effectiveness varies on the specifics of the method one is using, but a study in 2007 showed sympto-thermal method to be 99.4% effective at preventing pregnancy if users chart every day, follow the guidelines for when unprotected intercourse can and cannot lead to pregnancy and work with an instructor. Typical use varies from person to person depending on how dedicated someone is to learning their cycle, if they follow the guidelines and if their cycle is clear enough to interpret.
**With all non-hormonal methods, make sure you and your partner(s) are having regular conversations about STIs, getting tested, and having safe(r) sex. Methods like fertility awareness do NOT protect against STIs, so keep that in mind and use a condom!
SIDE EFFECTS: NONE
Other options: Condoms both internal and external condoms, spermicide, sponge, diaphragm, and more permanent options such as vasectomy and tubal ligation (surgical).
Have you tried hormonal and/or non-hormonal birth control methods? What are your experiences? For those that have more experience here, what would you add or modify?
All women’s bodies are unique. If you would like to know more about how the above relates to your specific condition, email me here. Please also follow us on Instagram or join our private Facebook Group for a ton of free support on common women’s health concerns.