Non-Hormonal Methods  

• Abstinence
• Withdrawal
• Condoms (Male/Female)
• Diaphragm
• Spermicide
• The Sponge
• Copper (non-hormonal) IUD
• Fertility Awareness/Natural Family Planning
• Sterilization

Many non-hormonal methods of birth control are accessible, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use.  They do, however, require some thought and preparation!

Abstinence 

This is a personal choice.  Not everyone wants or needs to have sexual intercourse with another person.   It is a conscious decision based on your own values.

Why use it?

• No cost, no clinic appointment
• No risk of pregnancy or STD’s

Why not?

• May be hard to convince your partner (talk about it in advance)
• Hard to remember if you are drunk
• It gives you a chance to explore other options

What else do I need to know?

Withdrawal

Known as the “pull out method,” this requires that the man remove his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates.  Easier said than done.

Why use this?

• No cost
• No equipment
• No clinic visit or prescription

Why not?

• Many men cannot control when they ejaculate
• The first drop of fluid that occurs at the tip of the penis when a man is aroused is loaded with sperm
• High failure rate

What else do I need to know?

Male Condom

One of the most popular methods of birth control and protection from STD’s, a condom slips over the erect male penis PRIOR to vaginal contact. 

Why use one?

• Pregnancy prevention
• STD protection
• Inexpensive
• Easy to obtain (free from many agencies)
• No prescription or health care appointment needed
• Many choices of style, color, size, with and without spermicide
• Can prolong a man’s pleasure and minimize premature ejaculation

Why not?

• Allergic to latex (check out the polyurethane condoms)
• “They decrease sensation”  (try it, you might like it!)

What else do I need to know?

 

Female condom

 

The female condom is a latex or poly sheath that fits in the vagina.  The end of the sheath positions outside of the vagina.

Why use one?

• Pregnancy prevention (sperm stays inside the sheath)
• STD protection
• No prescription needed
• Can be used with lubricant
• No prescription or clinic appointment needed

Why not?

• Not available in all retail outlets (check online for them)
• May cause irritation
• May be cumbersome to insert and remove
• Funny looking
• More expensive than male condoms

What else do I need to know? 

Diaphragm 

 

The diaphragm is a latex cup that is inserted into the vagina and up against the cervix.

Why use it?

• Doesn’t affect your hormones or menstrual cycle
• Does not contain hormones
• Once properly inserted, you can’t feel it
• Excellent method if you are only occasionally sexually active

Why not?

• Requires clinic appointment for fitting and prescription for the proper size
• Initial cost is somewhat higher than other methods, but insurance will usually cover it
• Some women are uncomfortable with inserting and removing it
• Must be used with spermicide (purchased separately)
• Must be left in place for 6 hours after the last sexual contact

What else do I need to know?  

Another version of the diaphragm, the cervical cap, is rarely prescribed and difficult to obtain.  To the best of our knowledge, no one in our immediate area fits and prescribes them.  For more information, visit this site.

Menstrual cups are designed to catch menstrual flow and are not to be used as contraception.

Spermicide

 

A spermicide is a cream, gel, foam, film or suppository that contains certain chemicals that stop sperm from moving.

Why use it?

• As a second form of contraception, two are always better than one!
• No prescription or clinic visit needed to obtain
• Can be used with condoms and must be used with diaphragm
• Does not contain hormones

Why not?

• Can be messy
• Some women get irritation or skin allergies from the chemicals
• Less effective than most other methods when used alone

What else do I need to know?

The Sponge

 

The sponge is a small round device made of absorbent foam that contains spermicide.  Once activated with water, it is inserted in the vagina and up against the cervix.   It both immobilizes the sperm and prevents some from entering the cervix.

Why use it?

• No hormones
• Available without a prescription or clinic appointment
• You can put it in up to 24 hours before sex (and left in for 6 hours after)
• It inserts like a tampon
• You can’t feel it
• Increases pregnancy prevention when used with a condom

Why not?

• Allergy to latex, sulfa, or spermicide
• Might be hard to insert or remove (it just takes practice!)
• Costs about $5 per sponge

What else do I need to know? 

Paraguard (non-hormonal IUD)

 

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device that resides in the uterus.

Why use it?

• It prevents the movement of sperm and fertilization. 
• Paraguard has a small amount of copper, and is hormone free. 
• No daily pills to take.

Why not?

• Must be inserted by health care provider.
• It may increase your menstrual flow or cramping.
• IUD’s do not protect you from STD’s.  
• IUD’s are expensive but provide long term, reliable contraception. 

What else do I need to know?

Fertility Awareness/Natural Family Planning

 

The key to these methods is knowing when you are fertile so you can avoid intercourse or use other birth control methods.  Unfortunately, understanding WHEN those days occur can be difficult.  It takes a fair amount of body awareness to really monitor your fertility.

Why use this?

• No hormones
• No prescription or clinic appointment needed
• Inexpensive (you might need a special thermometer or some other gadgets)
• You can learn about it online and from some churches

Why not?

• High failure rate since Mother Nature can change her mind!
• Menstrual cycles often change when you get to college
• Takes a lot of work to understand and monitor your cycles
• Does not protect you from STD’s.

What else do I need to know?