Natural Birth Control: Exploring Your Options After Coming Off the Pill

If you're one of the many women who want to avoid upsetting your hormonal balance while still using protection, you're not alone. The good news is that there are plenty of alternative, hormone-free methods of family planning available that won't interfere with your natural cycle. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular options and leave hormonal contraception in the past where it belongs.

Listening to your body: The power of Natural Family Planning.

Natural family planning, or NFP for short, is the umbrella term for a variety of different methods of natural birth control which are used in combination, for effective family planning. Whether the temperature method, rhythm or calendar method or the sympto-thermal method, they all have one very important common denominator – close observation of the menstrual cycle and the signals the body gives at different phases of the cycle.

To use NFP correctly it is important to monitor and document your cycle accurately so that you know in which cycle phase symptoms can be expected. Changes and signs can be recorded on paper or in an app. The femSense app has been designed so that, in combination with the femSense sensor patch, you can record a wide range of symptoms and cycle relevant details.

The effectiveness of NFP is dependent on how meticulous you are in measuring and charting, how long you have been using it and how well you can recognize and interpret your body’s signals. When used correctly NFP is a very reliable form of contraception and has a Pearl Index of 0.4 to 1.8 which is in fact comparable to that of the pill.

The Pearl Index is a way of reporting the effectiveness of a birth control method. It shows the number of women, out of 100, who get pregnant within the period of one year while using a specific form of contraception. For example, the number of women, out of 100, who get pregnant in a year while using the copper IUD.

Copper: The long-term solution for hormone-free contraception.

If you're looking for a hormone-free contraceptive option that provides long-term protection against pregnancy, a copper IUD (Intrauterine device), also known as a copper coil, may be just what you need. This small T-shaped plastic frame wrapped in copper is inserted into your womb, where it can effectively prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. The copper ions released by the coil restrict the mobility of sperm, killing them and changing the composition of the uterine lining to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg.

More recent developments in the IUD, such as the copper chain and copper ballerine, offer the same benefits as the traditional IUD but with different shapes. While all three copper IUD variants are highly reliable forms of contraception, with a Pearl Index of 0.1-3, some women may experience pain during insertion and removal, as well as heavier periods while using the device. Overall, the copper IUD is a safe, effective, and long-lasting option for those seeking hormone-free birth control.

Timeless protection: The condom as a reliable and versatile form of birth control.

The condom is undoubtedly the most well-known and popular hormone-free contraceptive, and the only contraceptive option for men. Its ease of use and ability to protect against sexually transmitted diseases make it a highly versatile and practical choice for many individuals.

The effectiveness of condoms, however, depends on various factors such as the correct size and proper usage. Choosing the right size is crucial for ensuring optimal protection against unwanted pregnancy and STDs. It's important to note that the Pearl Index of condoms ranges from 2-12, which means that out of 100 women, 2-12 may become pregnant within one year of using condoms as their primary form of contraception.

Despite this, condoms remain a highly reliable and widely used form of birth control due to their convenience, accessibility, and ability to provide protection against both pregnancy and STDs. With a variety of options available, including latex-free and eco-friendly varieties, condoms continue to be a popular choice for those seeking a safe and effective form of contraception.