Non-hormonal birth control is a better option for some people - here are the pros and cons
- If hormonal birth control doesn't work for you, non-hormonal methods are an option.
- Non-hormonal birth control methods include copper IUDs, condoms, and the fertility awareness method.
- Hormonal methods can cause side effects like bloating, mood changes, and decreased sex drive.
When it comes to using birth control to prevent pregnancy, you have several options. These can be divided into two categories: hormonal and non-hormonal forms of birth control.
Hormonal birth control methods include pills, implants, injections, patches, and rings, which contain the hormones estrogen, progesterone, or both. They prevent pregnancy by halting ovulation, making it harder for sperm to reach the eggs, and altering the lining of the uterus so a fertilized egg can't implant itself there.
Non-hormonal birth control methods, on the other hand, encompass several different types of methods that don't involve any hormones.
Types of non-hormonal birth control:
- Barrier methods: These methods involve placing a barrier between the egg and sperm so that they don't come into contact with each other. The most common types are condoms; they include external condoms that are worn on the penis and internal condoms that are inserted into the vagina. There are also spermicides, which are available as tablets, gels, creams, or foams. Other options include diaphragms and cervical caps, which are silicone cups meant to be inserted into the vagina, along with spermicide. Sponges are another type of barrier; they are pieces of foam that need to be inserted into the vagina with spermicide.
- Copper intrauterine devices (IUDs): This method involves inserting a device containing copper into the uterus. The device regularly releases small amounts of copper into the womb to prevent pregnancy. This method can also be used as a form of emergency contraception; you can insert it into your uterus up to five days after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
- Natural methods: Natural methods can take different forms. Some people opt for the withdrawal method, which involves pulling out of the vagina before ejaculation. Others opt for the fertility awareness method, which involves tracking your monthly cycle and avoiding sexual intercourse during fertile periods. Some also opt for outercourse, which involves sexual activity that isn't penetrative.
- Sterilization: This involves undergoing a procedure to prevent the possibility of pregnancy altogether. Sterilization is permanent unless you undergo another procedure to reverse it. In people with penises, the procedure is known as a vasectomy, and it involves blocking sperm from being released along with semen. In people with vaginas, it is known as a tubal ligation and it blocks eggs from reaching the uterus, thereby preventing the possibility of fertilization.
People who don't want to take hormonal birth control because of the side effects involved may opt for non-hormonal birth control, says Sherry Ross, MD, an OB-GYN with her own private practice. She says those with certain medical conditions that preclude them from taking hormonal birth control may also have to use non-hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of non-hormonal birth control methods.
Is non-hormonal birth control better for you?
The main advantage of non-hormonal birth control is you won't experience any of the disruptive hormonal side effects associated with hormonal birth control, says Ross.
Side effects of hormonal birth control can include:
- Bloating
- Irregular bleeding
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Breast tenderness
- Decreased sex drive
According to Ross, non-hormonal birth control is also safe for people with the following conditions that can preclude them from using hormonal birth control:
- High blood pressure
- Increased blood clotting or stroke risk
- History of breast cancer
- Liver disease
- Smoking
- Being over 35 years old
If you don't have any of these conditions, Ross says hormonal birth control is an equally viable option for you, as it is not inherently unhealthy. There are also low-dose and ultra-low-dose forms of hormonal birth control available, which may be another alternative for you.
Note: Hormonal birth control methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Barrier methods like condoms can help prevent STIs, although the only reliable way to prevent them is to abstain from sexual activity.
Drawbacks of non-hormonal birth control
Some forms of non-hormonal birth control methods may have certain drawbacks and side effects that you should consider before you decide which type to opt for.
| Non-hormonal birth control | Effectiveness | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Copper IUDs | 99.9% | Work for up to 12 yearsServe as emergency contraception up to five days after having unprotected sexReversible | Side effects like heavier periods and painful menstrual crampsNeed to be inserted and removed by a medical practitionerPain with insertion and removalDo not protect against STIs |
| Condoms | 85% | No hormonal side effectsCan help prevent STIsReadily available and easy to use | Not suitable for people with latex allergiesNeed to be used every time you have sexual intercourseLess effective at preventing pregnancy than hormonal birth control methods, in general |
| Other barrier methods(diaphragms,cervical caps, sponges, andspermicides) | Diaphragms: 88%Cervical caps: 71% to 86%Sponges: 76% to 88%Spermicides: 72% to 76% | No hormonal side effectsDo not need to be inserted or removed by a medical practitioner | Not suitable for people with latex or spermicide allergiesNeed to be used every time you have sexual intercourseLess effective at preventing pregnancy than hormonal birth control methods, in generalIncreased risk of vaginal, bladder, and urinary tract infectionsIncreased risk of toxic shock syndrome, if left in for longer than 24 hoursDo not protect against STIs |
| Sterilization | 99% | No hormonal side effectsPermanent | Requires surgery to reverse itDoes not protect against STIs |
| Natural methods | 76% to 88% | No hormonal side effectsNo cost involvedCompletely natural | Not completely effective and mistakes can happenDo not protect against STIs |
Insider's takeaway
There are several types of hormonal and non-hormonal methods of birth control that you can use to prevent pregnancy. Ross recommends non-hormonal birth control for people who want to avoid the side effects associated with hormonal birth control or those who are unable to use hormonal birth control due to certain conditions. Consult your healthcare provider to determine which birth control option is most suitable for you.
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