Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options

While I’ve primarily dedicated this website to the everyday experience of being a mama, not everyone wants a large family. Some women feel their family is complete and it’s not in their plan to become pregnant again (or at all). Here are the non-hormonal birth control options I’ve used in my own family planning.

Birth control is common these days for a variety of reasons. According to the CDC, almost 25% of women aged 15 to 49 currently use a hormonal contraceptive. These include “the pill,” a diaphragm, or intrauterine devices (IUDs).

So it’s no surprise that I’ve gotten dozens of requests for natural birth control options. Women are constantly asking for natural alternatives to hormonal contraceptives. As an introvert, I tend to shy away from controversy. Still, I decided to tackle this head-on.

How Do Hormonal Contraceptives Work?

I have a plethora of non-medical reasons for avoiding hormonal contraceptives. But there are some solid medical/scientific reasons to make this decision, too. Hormonal contraceptives are artificial hormone-like substances that mimic the effects of naturally-occurring hormones. According to the FDA, these contraceptives work by:

Interfering with ovulation. Estrogen and progestin in the pills stop the ovaries from releasing eggs.
Thickening the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg in the fallopian tube.
Disrupting the ability of the fallopian tubes to move fertilized eggs from the ovaries toward the uterus.
Preventing the buildup of the uterine lining which, inhibits implantation of a fertilized egg.

For me, the possibility that you could conceive but the fertilized egg wouldn’t implant is disturbing. It’s enough to keep me from ever wanting to use hormonal contraceptives. And there’s a long list of other reasons. But it turns out artificial hormones also damage women’s health.

(They also damage environmental health when they end up in the water supply).

Why Avoid Hormonal Contraceptives?

There are plenty of health reasons to avoid hormonal methods of birth control. Hormonal contraceptives impact way more than your hormones. Using them can undermine your health over time or even lead to new health conditions.

May Cause Nutrient Depletion

Many medications affect how we absorb nutrients, which can cause deficiencies. Hormonal contraceptives are no different. Researchers have found these medications deplete key vitamins and minerals. This can be detrimental to reproductive health, bone health, the brain, the immune system, and more.

A 2011 randomized controlled trial found hormonal contraceptives deplete certain nutrients. This includes vitamin B6, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium. These deficiencies can lead to other health problems thanks to the important role these nutrients play.

Vitamin B6 and magnesium are critical for hormone balance. The minerals zinc and selenium are crucial for the immune response. Phosphorus makes strong bones.

Another hormonal birth control method is a transdermal patch. This method delivers synthetic estradiol directly into the bloodstream. It may cause significantly lower levels of coenzyme Q10 and alpha-tocopherol. When the body is low in these nutrients, it can lead to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and calcification.

Besides depleting these nutrients, the pill can also lead to an excess of copper, calcium, and iron. This can then exacerbate deficiencies in other nutrients.

May Cause Depression or Anxiety

Depending on the type of pill and its ingredients, hormonal contraceptives can cause or worsen depression or anxiety. This seems to occur more often in those with a personal history of mood disorders or a family history of mood disorders.

May Lead to Low Libido, Sexual Dysfunction, and Infertility

While women often take hormonal contraceptives to help them enjoy sex risk-free, it doesn’t always turn out that way. The use of these pills may compromise your sexual health. A 2001 study in Human Reproduction found hormonal birth control may decrease your interest in sex.

A 2014 study reports it may also cause issues down there that decrease pleasure. Plus, if you decide you want to have a baby down the road, it may be more difficult.

May Cause Blood Clots

Blood clots are a significant risk of certain pills. While blood clots from taking the pill are rare, they’re a big deal because they can be fatal. Yaz and Yasmin in particular have been linked to blood clots. According to a 2011 warning by Health Canada, a woman using Yaz has a 1-½ to 3 times increased risk of blood clots compared to other birth control pills.

May Contribute to Cardiovascular Disease

Women who use low-dose oral contraceptives have double the risk of a fatal heart attack compared to those who don’t. A 1990 review found ladies who use oral contraceptives and smoke have 12 times the risk of fatal heart attacks. Their rate of fatal brain hemorrhages is three times higher.

The British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology conducted a clinical trial of women with a history of migraines. They found that those who take combined oral contraceptives have 2-4 times the risk of stroke compared to those who don’t take the pill.

May Lead to Blood Sugar Issues

A 2003 journal article found oral contraceptives may aggravate insulin resistance. This is because they decrease insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. As a result, these medications may increase your long-term risk of diabetes and heart disease.

May Increase Your Risk of Cancer

A study by the World Health Organization tied contraceptive use to cervical cancer. Women who have HPV and have taken the pill for five to nine years have a higher cervical cancer risk. They’re nearly three times more likely than non-pill users to develop cervical cancer.

HPV affects a third of all women in their twenties. And women with HPV who have taken the pill for more than ten years are four times more likely than non-users to develop the disease.

Scandinavian researchers looked at women who use the pill after age 45. They found this age group has a 144% greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who have never used the pill. That’s 144 percent!

With all these potential problems, are hormonal contraceptives worth it? Is it worth risking cancer to regulate your cycles and improve the look of your skin? Thankfully there are much better options!

Taking The Pill For Balanced Skin and Hormones?

Many women use hormonal contraceptives to help “balance hormones,” or “regulate their cycle.” They may even use them just to prevent acne. The problem is that this treats the symptoms but doesn’t address the root cause. The body naturally moves toward balance, so if hormones are out of whack, it’s not from a contraceptive deficiency. It’s that the body isn’t producing optimal levels of natural hormones.

Treating some symptoms of hormonal imbalance with these medications fails to fix the root of the problem. It can also lead to more significant health issues in the future. The underlying imbalance can still cause other problems in the body.

I used to have horrible acne problems! Clean eating and the oil cleansing method really helped clear up my skin. If hormone balance is the goal, check out this article to learn many ways to balance hormones naturally.

Supplements For Hormone Balance

I’ve also found some supplements that help a lot.

Maca – This hormone-balancing root has a long history of use in Peru. It can help with fertility, reduction in PMS, and better skin and hair. It can also boost male fertility. Maca is a good source of minerals and essential fatty acids so I like using it in smoothies or coffee. You shouldn’t take it during pregnancy though.
Magnesium – This mineral is vital for hundreds of functions within the human body. Most of us are deficient, but there are several different ways to get magnesium. I like this magnesium powder, especially for staying regular. Ionic liquid magnesium or magnesium oil are both really good.
Vitamin D – A pre-hormone that supports hormone function. It’s best to get it from the sun if possible, or you can take a D3 supplement. Ideally, get your serum Vitamin D levels checked to track your levels.
Gelatin or Collagen – A great source of minerals and necessary amino acids. These powders support hormone production and digestive health in various ways. Gelatin powder can actually “gel.” It works well in recipes like homemade jello and probiotic marshmallows. Collagen powder doesn’t gel but easily stirs into soups, smoothies, coffee, tea, or any other food.
Natural Progesterone Cream – Menstrual troubles are often due to hormone imbalances, like low progesterone. Progesterone cream is especially helpful for those with short cycles. It can also help if you have a short second phase of your cycle (ovulation through the start of menses). If you do use progesterone cream, do your research. Opt for soy-free and only use it during ovulation through menses. Check with a doctor or healthcare provider before using any hormone supplement.

There are some non-hormonal birth control methods I don’t recommend. This is due to their potential toxicity, effect on the body, or potential for miscarriage.

Birth Control Sponge

The contraceptive sponge is non-hormonal but it has chemicals. It’s made of polyurethane — a squishy plastic. Then it’s doused with a chemical called Nonoxynol-9. This chemical can irritate your vagina, increasing your risk of infection. Nonoxynol-9 is considered safe for use in personal care products in the United States. But for some reason, the European Union has banned them…

Copper IUD

Gynecologists often recommend copper IUDs as a natural type of birth control. While they’re technically non-hormonal, copper has a major effect on hormones. Copper, when it gets out of balance with zinc, can cause all kinds of health problems. Some of these include estrogen dominance, PCOS, and breast cancer.

Tubal Ligation or Vasectomy

Tubal ligation and vasectomies are both forms of sterilization. They’re 99% effective but can come with risks.

Women often refer to tubal ligations as “getting your tubes tied.” Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure that blocks or removes a part of your fallopian tubes. It prevents eggs from your ovaries from meeting up with sperm in the fallopian tubes. That’s where they would otherwise be fertilized and implant themselves in the uterus.

A vasectomy is also a surgical procedure of blocking or removing tubes. In this case, the small tubes in a man’s scrotum are blocked or removed. The result is sperm cannot leave the body and cause a pregnancy.

Vasectomies can increase the risk of prostate cancer and autoimmune disease. And women with tubal ligations have a higher chance of dangerous ectopic pregnancies.

Any Form of Emergency Contraception

Copper IUDs are sometimes used as emergency contraception. Emergency contraception, whether it’s a Plan B pill or a copper IUD has abortion-inducing properties. While it is a non-hormonal birth control option, I don’t recommend copper IUDs as emergency birth control.

Some herbs can work as contraceptives, but I will not list them or recommend them for several reasons:

Many have abortifacient properties that can lead to early miscarriage.
Most also impact the body in the same way that hormonal contraceptives do. So, they can cause similar problems for the mother as well. Herbs are effective and potent, and should be used with care. It’s important to avoid certain herbs for these reasons.
None of the “contraceptive” herbs are 100% effective. They have side effects, and many can cause birth defects if conception does occur.

Natural Ways to Prevent or Delay Pregnancy

Artificial hormones aren’t something I want to take. But what if balancing hormones isn’t the reason for taking hormonal contraceptives? Maybe you truly need to delay or prevent pregnancy. In that case, there are better birth control options.

The following methods of contraception are much better for your body.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control: Natural Family Planning (NFP)

Natural Family Planning (NFP) or Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) are natural methods of pregnancy prevention. But they can also help you get pregnant. They do this by focusing on natural hormonal cues.

These methods carry no side effects and help women get to know their bodies better. Some women discover problems (endometriosis, anovulation, etc.) from practicing these methods. A side benefit is that they help women be more in touch with their natural hormonal cues.

While these methods get a bad rap, they have come a long way from the Rhythm Methods of the past. Many are now as effective as hormonal methods (and more effective than barrier methods) when used consistently. It’s non-hormonal birth control that can either delay or achieve pregnancy. So if you decide to get pregnant, you don’t have to worry about infertility, birth defects, or delayed fertility after discontinuing.

The basic concept is to use cues to predict ovulation and avoid sex when you’re fertile. These are things like basal body temperature (using a basal or BBT thermometer), mucus production, and cervical position. You can also use an ovulation calculator to find the fertile window in your menstrual cycle.

There are classes teaching how to practice these methods across the country. But for those who can’t find a class, there are websites like Fertility Friend. This free website allows users to chart their symptoms and pinpoint ovulation. There are even apps and mobile features for easy tracking.

High Tech NFP

After one of my pregnancies, I decided to go high-tech. I used a computer to do the NFP tracking and calculation for me. Thanks to emerging technology, there are several excellent options available now (I might use all listed):

The Kegg fertility monitor relies on electrolyte level changes in cervical mucus so it’s more accurate than basal body thermometers alone. You can use their free app to look at your daily readings, trends, and fertility predictions. It only connects with the app via Bluetooth once it’s outside of your body, so there’s no EMF exposure.
You can do NFP without a computer. All you need is a simple Basal Thermometer. Then you follow the method manually.
Methods like ClearBlue monitors measure Luteinizing Hormones and estrogen to pinpoint ovulation. Though cheaper upfront, these require buying more ovulation strips, which you use daily. So, they can be more expensive in the long run.
Fertile Focus – This is a simple and inexpensive fertility detector. The basic idea is that this microscope shows changes in saliva before ovulation. By examining saliva each day, you can predict when ovulation occurs.

Check out my complete reviews of these different fertility monitors here.

Good Old Fashioned Condoms

Male condoms are still the most popular form of non-hormonal birth control around the world. People like condoms because they’re both simple and effective and available over the counter. But they need a proper fit. To ensure a good fit, have your partner go to myONE Perfect Fit to find one that fits well. They have ten lengths, nine sizes, and 60 total options.

While condoms are a popular option based on medical information, they may not be a good option based on your faith or religious beliefs.

Caya Diaphragm for Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Using a diaphragm is another type of hormone-free birth control to look into. It’s a reusable cup that fits inside the vagina and over the cervix. The idea is to create a barrier between the uterus and sperm.

Most diaphragms are latex, which some people have allergies to. The Caya Contoured Diaphragm is silicone. Because it’s one-size-fits-all, it doesn’t need to be fitted by your doctor. You can buy it directly online or get a prescription from your pharmacist. It’s eco-friendly and gives you the option of occasional protection. It just requires a water-based spermicide. There are natural versions like lemon juice and others.

Be aware that because diaphragms can put pressure on your urethra, they are linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cervical Cap

A cervical cap is similar to a diaphragm in that it fits inside the vagina and over the cervix. The one available in the United States is called FemCap® and is made of silicon. For the best performance, it should be combined with a spermicide of some kind. Again, you can use a more natural version of this non-hormonal birth control.

Withdrawal or “Pull-Out” Option

If you prefer unprotected sex, you can have your man pull out his penis before ejaculation. You have to make sure to do it correctly every time. That is likely why it has a 22% failure rate. This form of non-hormonal birth control is popular but risky. You can make it more effective by combining it with a male condom.

What do you think? Ever used natural methods for balancing hormones or delaying pregnancy? Have other suggestions? Share below!

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). FastStats – Contraceptive Use. National Center for Health Statistics.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Birth Control. Consumer Information.
Mishell D. R., Jr (1976). Current status of oral contraceptive steroids. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 19(4), 743–764.
Akinloye, O., et al. (2011). Effects of contraceptives on serum trace elements, calcium and phosphorus levels. The West Indian medical journal, 60(3), 308–315.
Palan, P. et al. (2010). Effects of oral, vaginal, and transdermal hormonal contraception on serum levels of coenzyme q(10), vitamin e, and total antioxidant activity. Obstetrics and gynecology international, 2010, 925635.
Mu, E., & Kulkarni, J. (2022). Hormonal contraception and mood disorders. Australian prescriber, 45(3), 75–79.
Oinonen, K. A., & Mazmanian, D. (2002). To what extent do oral contraceptives influence mood and affect? Journal of affective disorders, 70(3), 229–240.
Caruso, S., et al. (2001). A prospective study evidencing rhinomanometric and olfactometric outcomes in women taking oral contraceptives. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 16(11), 2288–2294.
Smith, N. et al. (2014). Hormonal contraception and female pain, orgasm and sexual pleasure. The journal of sexual medicine, 11(2), 462–470.
CBC News. (June 11, 2013). Yaz, Yasmin birth control pills suspected in 23 deaths.
Thorogood, M., et al. (1991). Is oral contraceptive use still associated with an increased risk of fatal myocardial infarction? Report of a case-control study. British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 98(12), 1245–1253.
Thorogood, M., & Vessey, M. P. (1990). An epidemiologic survey of cardiovascular disease in women taking oral contraceptives. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 163(1 Pt 2), 274–281.
Lidegaard O. (1995). Oral contraceptives, pregnancy and the risk of cerebral thromboembolism: the influence of diabetes, hypertension, migraine and previous thrombotic disease. British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology, 102(2), 153–159.
Diamanti-Kandarakis, E., eta l. (2003). A Modern Medical Quandary: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Oral Contraceptive Pills. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 88(5), 1927–1932.
Moreno, V. et al. (2002). Effect of oral contraceptives on risk of cervical cancer in women with human papillomavirus infection: the IARC multicentric case-control study. Lancet (London, England), 359(9312), 1085–1092.
Federation Of European Cancer Societies. (2002, March 26). The Pill May Increase Risk Of Breast Cancer, According To Large Study Of Younger Women. ScienceDaily.
Ebede, T. et al. (2009). Hormonal treatment of acne in women. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 2(12), 16–22.
Sun, Y., et al. (2019). High copper levels in follicular fluid affect follicle development in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: Population-based and in vitro studies. Toxicology and applied pharmacology, 365, 101–111.
Feng, Y., et al. (2020). Serum copper and zinc levels in breast cancer: A meta-analysis. Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology: organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS), 62, 126629.
No authors listed. Silicone rubber Femcap proves desirable to women. (1993). Contraceptive technology update, 14(5), 78–80.

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

233 responses to “Natural Alternatives to Hormonal Contraceptives”

Amy Smellinger

May 9, 2013

I have 6 kids and my husband and I do not want any more. For that reason I have been using a Mirena IUD. 2 yrs ago I noticed swelling in my nether regions followed by intense itching that to this day really has only subsided a little. All tests for std’s and infections and yeasts came back negative. No cause found for intense itching. At the same time I started to gain weight (40 lbs in 6 months). I also cannot lose it no matter what I do. I am thinking the hormones in my IUD may be a culprit from what I have read so far. I will check into these methods since I am now opposed strongly to hormones from birth control. The accuracy rate you have stated has opened my mind to NFP. Thanks for this post.

Reply
Renee Sanchez

May 5, 2013

My husband takes neem pills and it seems to work effectively. Thoughts?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  May 5, 2013
  
  There are some concerns with internal use of neem, especially long term…
  
  Reply
  1. Matthew
    
    April 26, 2014
    
    What would some of those be? It’s something I’ve got in mind for future, do you have any links for that etc.?
    
    Thanks if you can help! 🙂
    
    Reply
Virginia Miner

April 26, 2013

I love NFP! I have weird cycles, so the mid wife’s due date calculator is worthless, but since I know my ovulation date, I know my due date! I recommend getting familiar with the method and then using one of the many smartphone symptom trackers out there (free!) to track once you know what to look for. It is awesome, and it really helps you to know what is going on with your body beyond just fertility.

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Krissy Schiber Manwaring

April 26, 2013

I just want to say how refreshing it is to have so many people not blindly following what doctors tell them. my female problems started when I was 12 and I was put on birth control by the time I was 13. I was on the pill for more than six years before I decided to take myself off of it. after several surgeries my problems persisted. I wish I would have known about the possible long term side effects when I was just a teenager. but doctors never tell you about all of that. it’s so good to have people like you out there spreading this knowledge! after refusing doctors plans for me i started my own road to recovery through diet and lifestyle changes now have two beautiful children the doctors told me I would never have( and planning for more).

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Kristin Jones

April 23, 2013

Yes, I love this! I got off my IUD due to terrible reactions with the hormones and my doctor wanted to put me on the pill. But I refused because of the aforementioned adverse reaction to hormones. So glad I found FAM – I’ve been using the LadyComp since last October and I love it.

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Jamie Baker

April 21, 2013

I started the pill when I was 13 and did not stop until I 26. The reason was because I suffered from severe cramps and the pill made them more manageable, but they never went away. I tried to get off of the pill several times do to bad circulation, low sex drive and hair thinning. Every time I tried to get off of them the pain would come back 10 fold. Growing up I loved milk and would drink several glasses of it everyday. It wasn’t until the last maybe 2 years I stopped and cut out all dairy except organic yogurt. I also eat all organic food now. I have been off the pill finally for over a year and no pain. As crazy as it sounds I believe it was the cows milk. I believe the hormones in it where not reacting well with my body. I was also suffering from endometrial hyperplasia which went away right after I stopped milk. I am 27 pill free and pain free. I love your site btw, I wish my mother would have been more into natural alternatives.

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Kristen

April 21, 2013

Thanks so much for posting! Birth control is definitely not good for the body. When I was younger my doctor recommended going on it to help ‘regulate’ my period and I chose to do so. Ten years later and now I’m working to reverse its devastating effects =/ After 1.5 years of bio-identical hormones and supplements and lots of money working with a holistic practitioner that actually knows what’s going on, I finally had a period! yay! Anyone thinking about getting off bc or starting, please find natural alternatives, it’s not worth it!

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Laelle Martin

April 21, 2013

Thanks for this post! Used the LadyComp for 2-3 years before the birth of my first child and loved it. Did not ever get around to using it before this pregnancy since my cycle didn’t return for almost 2 1/2 years once I stopped all night nursing.

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Alexandra

April 21, 2013

Thank you for addressing the fact that hormonal contraceptives do not address the CAUSE. As a soon to be chiropractor, this is what I’ve been rediscovering… The nervous system is what controls your entire body, which is protected by the bones in your back. When there is a misalignment or interference to your nervous system, your body responds in many different ways, usually with a symptom like pain, but less obvious, hormonal imbalances can occur. Chiropractic allows for you to experience and express more life, we live through our nervous systems. I urge everyone who wants more life to seek out a chiropractor who sees you as a perfect being, who has perfectly adapted to the stresses you have undergone in life, not see that something is WRONG with you. I get checked several times a week and adjusted, because my nervous system controls my entire body and I want to function at my full potential, doesn’t matter if I’m experiencing health (symptoms) or not. A body without interference is better than a body with interference. Thanks a million!

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Suzy B

April 21, 2013

I’ve used the Sympto-Thermal method of NFP, using basal body temp and cervical mucus observations. I’ve also used the Creighton Model with is super indepth. All these are free systems that you just need training on. Each woman’s cycle is different than anyone else’s and even her own, sometimes. Through charting, I learned that I have low progesterone, endometriosis and fibroids. I had 3 surgeries last year to remove the fibroids and endometriosis. I recommend NFP! I haven’t been able to get pregnant, due to my issues, but I’m working on it.

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1. Cassie
  
  April 23, 2013
  
  Thanks for the recommendation!
  
  Reply
Nicolette H

April 21, 2013

Great post! Thank you for sharing;) Question for you…. I am 25 years old and have been told that I have high testosterone levels. Unfortunately, my husband and I have not had any luck with conceiving these past 2years. Is Maca effective in lowering testosterone/androgen levels in females? If it is, what is the dosage amount of it in powder form? What other supplement could I take that are effective in lowering testosterone levels?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  April 21, 2013
  
  It should help, but using a natural progesterone cream in the second half of the cycle might also help. Fermented cod liver oil and magnesium would also be good pre=pregnancy…
  
  Reply
Jessica

April 21, 2013

I have used NFP in the past. My husband doesn’t trust it though, so I have the non hormonal IUD. It’s the most I’m willing to do. NFP also kind of sucks because its when I’m fertile that I’m the horniest! Lol.

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Deb

April 19, 2013

I personally use the Lady Comp. Although I do highly recommend it ,you have to have a regular cycle. So until a regular cycle is achieved it will be futile. Also you have to put in about 6 cycles before it really startes to know your cycle. I started using this method after my husband and I were married. We tried birth control first because we did not want a child our first year of marriage and it was terrible! I was crying almost every other day (far from my norm). However, the the deciding factor to stop was that I developed 17 fibroid adenomas all since starting birth control. This resulted in a ton of Doctors appointments (many comments on how lumpy my breast were) and the result of no more BC ever.They are very painful and will not go away….ever. I stopped it, went on lady comp and its been a year and half with no babies. What is also good about this machine is if you wanna have babies you can reverse it and have sex on the “red” days.

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Norma Oliver

April 19, 2013

I am SO in agreement with this article and glad to see someone taking the time to share this information. I’ve thought for years that there is a huge connection to synthetic hormones and the huge increases in breast and other female cancers. It’s funny how many are into eating healthier, going organic, non gmo etc, then flood their bodies repeatedly and regularly with synthetic hormones. 🙁

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/10/real-contraceptive-choices-alternatives-to-risky-hormone-pills-patches-and-shots.aspx

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/15/the-pill-at-50-sex-freedom-and-paradox.aspx

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Allie

April 19, 2013

Very nice post, thank you 🙂 I have been using neem oil as a natural contraceptive. It is a tree from India and has a wide variety of uses and benefits. I use this because it’s what feels safest for my body and effective.

Reply
1. chin
  
  October 15, 2017
  
  I’m surprised no one has replied to your comment about neem oil. I’ve read that it’s not only a good contraceptive for women but for men as well.
  
  Reply
Kristin Spirek

April 18, 2013

I’m so glad you posted about this! I have been using both the Ovacue and Clearblue fertility monitors (love self-experimentation) for the past five months while exclusively breastfeeding. The Clearblue has gotten my fertile days right each cycle (that is, it agrees with my Ovacue and other symptoms), but the Ovacue has given me soooo much more information about my hormones. I thought my hormones were pretty well balanced, since I eat like you and have been cycling very regularly since 12 weeks postpartum after each my last two babies, but my “rocky-mountain” Ovagraph chart at 7 months postpartum (my first cycle using that device) showed me otherwise! The first thing I did was review your tips to balance hormones, and I started supplementing Maca, Vitex, FCLO and magnesium, and things have slowly improved. Five cycles later, my chart looks very close to a model chart… even though I’m still breastfeeding quite a lot! I will say that it seems most breastfeeding mothers on the Ovacue forums get multiple “cue peaks” in their saliva in each cycle, and so we can’t rely on the color coding and MUST use the vaginal sensor as well. I’ll be curious to see if you post a review of the Ovacue and especially using it before your cycle returns. I’m sure it’s possible and the company is just protecting itself by saying it can’t be used before the return of menstruation…

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lyss

April 18, 2013

Totally agree. Natural methods are SO worth learning so you don’t have to take hormones!

I have successfully prevented pregnancy with just keeping track of my mucus. Temperature taking seemed too variable to me(I read that you can’t get up at night and you have to wake at the same time each day…which would be nice, but not happening with babies and toddlers!). But I guess I can’t really have an opinion since I’ve never tried it.

My only problem with my method is that it doesn’t work post-baby before the cycle returns. I got pregnant with my 2nd before I got my period (at 9 months), and I had no idea I had ovulated! After my 2nd baby, my period returned at 6 weeks, but if that doesn’t happen again, I’m unsure what I’ll do for preventing pregnancy postpartum next time around. Is there any reliable method for checking for ovulation before your period returns besides expensive devices? Actually, I just reread what you said about them, and sounds like they only work once you have your cycle.
If anyone has suggestions for a natural method for post-baby contraceptive, I’d love to know…

Reply
1. Natalie Heskamp
  
  May 12, 2013
  
  I’m not sure if anyone answered your question in following posts, but being a certified NFP instructor, I couldn’t help chiming in here. While figuring our your fertility post partum can be super tricky, it can be done! It just requires even more diligence and being even more “conservative” with which days you use for intercourse. For instance, you might have 40 days in a row of “ambiguous” type mucus while breastfeeding, before your cycle has returned. Here’s where you have to decide, how serious are you about not getting pregnant? If very, you better abstain. Yes, for that long 🙂 Have you taken a class, or met with an instructor? If not, I would highly recommend doing so, as some of the “rules” can seem overwhelming. I’ve been practicing NFP for over 5 years now, and instructing for a couple of years, and I still have to keep going back and rereading my texts and double checking. We have 2 children, one on the way, all “planned” :-), if you will. I would be happy to chat more with you, or at least I encourage you to find a class in your area.
  Another important thing to remember (especially when trying to sell your OB on the effectiveness of NFP!!), is that there are “failures” with contraceptives, just as there are failures with NFP. The METHOD effectiveness rate (the method being used perfectly) of NFP is about 98%, the same as the METHOD effectiveness of the pill. So, if someone forgets to take there pill and gets pregnant, it’s the same as if someone made a mistake in their mucus charting and gets pregnant. No one one claim that the pill is ineffective, so we shouldn’t claim that NFP, when practiced well isn’t effective!
  Anyways, I hope this isn’t redundant or too preachy! Just thought I’d put in my two cents, hoping that it is helpful!
  Peace
  Natalie
  
  Reply
  1. Wellness Mama
    
    May 13, 2013
    
    Hi Natalie… thanks for weighing in 🙂 I actually am a sympto-thermal isntructor myself and while we’ve gotten pregnant each time before my cycle returned, we weren’t that serious about preventing 🙂
    
    Reply
2. Zeni
  
  May 16, 2013
  
  I had this problem too. I was using NFP but post-partum ups and downs, irregular sleep patterns, and breastfeeding made it impossible to accurately chart any fertility signs…and I got pregnant when my baby was only 5 months old. My suggestion? Use condoms until you feel you can safely use NFP again.
  
  Reply
Sarah Nicholas

April 18, 2013

Well done! Thank you for sharing this truth.

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Johanna Lamb

April 18, 2013

Thank you for your thoughtful article on this heavy topic.

It’s important to empower women with this information so that they can be in full control of their health. It’s sad that this information is not made more readily available.

I was on hormonal contraceptives for 10 years to manage PCOS until I decided enough was enough. When I stopped taking the Pill it launched a physically and spiritually transforming journey that has allowed me to take back my health and I now enjoy a vibrancy to life that was unimaginable before. I find it interesting that the Pill is sold to woman as a panacea but science really is starting to show that it has important consequences to consider. (In more crass terms- you take the Pill so that you can have sex whenever you want, but it changes your body so much suddenly you don’t want to anymore!) Thanks for listing all your sources at the end.

Love your blog!

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Shannon Fossett

April 18, 2013

Thank you! I am saddened by the number of young women I know who have been taking artificial bc since their teens/early twenties without being informed about the serious risks, or aware of the effectiveness of alternatives such as NFP. Many in the medical community are part of the problem. I have encountered condescension and rudeness after stating that I do not use artifical bc. After the birth of my daughter, I was asked about my birth control plans, and I respondend: “I hope to have another child as soon as is healthy for me and my family.” Currently 36 weeks along with daughter #2!

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