non-hormonal contraception-methods
What’s your experience with contraception? Chances are at some point you have been on a form of hormonal birth control such as the pill. Times are changing, with women increasingly choosing to opt for non-hormonal methods.

Knowledge is power and being informed about all the contraceptive options available can help you decide which is best for your health.

Why choose non-hormonal contraception?

  • You want to keep your own wonderful endogenous hormones flowing through your body so they can go about their job making you feel, function and look your best.
  • You want to understand and know your body on the deepest level, which means not “switching off” your own hormones.
  • You want to work with your cyclical nature as a woman.
  • You want to ensure you are optimising your fertility as best as possible. Remember that fertility is much more than having a baby; it’s about feeling your best, most balanced self.
  • You want to avoid the lengthy list of side effects that can arise with taking hormonal contraception.
  • You are taking medications that are contraindicated with hormonal methods of contraception.
  • You wish to have non-invasive contraceptive options.

If you answered yes to any of the above, then here is a list of possible methods for you.

The Fertility Awareness Method

Does it work?

With perfect use, the fertility awareness method is 99.8 per cent effective as a contraceptive method. However, with typical use the method is 76 per cent effective.

How does it work?

The fertility awareness method (FAM), also known as the symptom-thermal method, is an evidence-based method that is based on correctly identifying your fertile and non-fertile windows through your body’s natural signs and symptoms that are present with changing hormone levels throughout the month so you can achieve or avoid pregnancy. FAM involves tracking your menstrual cycle days, charting the changes in your cervical mucus and additionally, if you wish to, charting your basal body temperature each day.

How do you practise perfect use?

  • Learn this method from a certified fertility awareness educator and commit to a three-month minimum learning phase with your teacher where you review your charts monthly
  • Use an additional barrier method for contraception for a minimum of three months and until you feel confident in accurately understanding and identifying your fertile and non-fertile windows
  • Dedication to continuous and complete charting every day
  • Have support from partners, friends, family and community

Advantages

  • Evidenced-based method, shown to be as effective (if not more) as other contraceptive methods when used correctly
  • Side effect free
  • Non-hormonal
  • Free (except for a one-off thermometer purchase)
  • Can be used to improve conception chances through understanding accurate time of ovulation
  • Deepens understanding and awareness of one’s body
  • Empowers women
  • Can indicate health of thyroid and potential hormonal imbalances
  • Aligned with religious beliefs

Disadvantages

  • Requires daily practice
  • You must abstain from intercourse or use a barrier method in fertile window
  • Takes at least three cycles to familiarise yourself with it
  • A barrier method must be used while learning for at least three months
  • Does not protect against STDs

Condoms

Does it work?

With perfect use, condoms are 98 per cent effective, however with incorrect, use condoms are 88 per cent effective as a contraceptive method.

How does it work?

The condom is placed on the erect penis and rolled down to the base, creating a barrier method that traps semen following ejaculation.

Advantages

  • Available in different sizes
  • Protects against STDs
  • Non-hormonal, non-invasive reliable form of contraception
  • Easy to use
  • Low cost
  • Minimal side effects compared to other contraceptives
  • Does not require a prescription

Disadvantages

  • Must be used consistently and correctly to be effective
  • Condoms can break
  • Oil-based products can damage latex and polyisoprene condoms
  • Need to store in a cool place away from sharp objects (not in wallets or cars!)
  • Latex can cause vaginal irritation and allergies
  • Can only use once
  • Need to be aware of use by date
  • Not controlled solely by the female, so mutual understanding and agreement of contraception by both parties needs to be spoken about and adhered to

Diaphragms

Does it work?

Diaphragms are 82 per cent to 86 per cent effective, depending on correct use.

How does it work?

A diaphragm is a shallow cup made of silicone. The diaphragm is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix before intercourse, creating a barrier method to prevent sperm from entering the uterus. It’s advised to use a spermicide gel with diaphragms.

Advantages

  • Can be inserted up to two hours before intercourse
  • Has minimal side effects compared to other contraceptives
  • Non-hormonal
  • Controlled by the user
  • Can buy without a script

Disadvantages

  • Does not protect against STDs
  • Only one size available in Australia
  • Lower efficacy compared to other forms of contraception
  • Efficacy reduces if not inserted properly or removed too quickly following intercourse
  • Possible vaginal irritation from silicone or gel
  • May increase risk of bladder infection
  • Has to be kept in place for at least six hours following intercourse
  • Has a used by date
  • Can break or tear
  • May be uncomfortable
  • May be difficult for user to insert
  • Spermicide can change vaginal microflora

Withdrawal

Does it work?

80 per cent to 96 per cent effective, depending on correct use.

How does it work?

Withdrawal method involves withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculating.

Advantages

  • No hormonal side effects
  • Free

Disadvantages

  • User dependant — male must be confident of withdrawing in time
  • Pre-ejaculate can provide enough sperm to cause pregnancy in fertile window
  • Does not protect against STDs

Copper IUD

Does it work?

Greater than 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy.

How does it work?

A copper T-380A intrauterine device is inserted into the uterus by a qualified doctor or gynaecologist. The copper IUD changes the endometrium lining and causes local inflammation in the uterus that prevents the sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes. Copper is concentrated in the cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm’s ability to swim.

Advantages

  • Low maintenance — five years of contraceptive protection without daily administration
  • Non-hormonal, does not prevent ovulation
  • Does not present with hormonal-related side effects
  • Does not interfere with other medications

Disadvantages

  • Invasive
  • Complications may arise when inserting and removing from uterus, such as perforation
  • Uterus may expel the IUD
  • Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
  • May cause painful periods and irregular bleeding
  • May lead to increased risk of infections
  • Does not protect against STDs
  • May lowers zinc levels as copper competes with zinc in the body

Ema Taylor is a naturopath, clinical nutritionist and certified fertility awareness educator. For more, visit emataylor.com or @emataylornaturopathy on Instagram.