Week 57–What hormone-free birth control options are available?
September 25th, 2009Consensual Text is featured on Twitter and Facebook. Fan and follow us for info on a range of topics pertaining to sex and sexual health!
A quick and dirty list of the basic hormone-free birth control options:
Barrier Methods–Condoms, Diaphragms and Cervical Caps:
Barrier methods prevent your man’s sperm from traveling through your cervix, up and into your uterus and into your fallopian tubes. These methods control where the sperm can go and prevent the sperm from doing their thing—fertilizing the egg. Condoms, Diaphragms and Cervical Caps are barrier methods. If you are interested in Diaphragms or Cervical Caps, make an appointment and get measured for the correct size.
Spermicide: Used as foam or gel, Spermicide works because it kills or immobilizes sperm. Spermicide is put into your vagina or on the condom covered penis and inhibits the sperm to “get going.” You can purchase spermicide over the counter.
Intrauterine Device (IUD): IUDs are small, T-shaped devices made of flexible plastic inserted into your uterus to prevent pregnancy. They create an unacceptable environment for an egg. IUDs are extremely effective and can last up to 12 years. ParaGard is the only hormone-free IUD available in the USA.
Withdrawal (AKA: The Pull-Out Method): Although this is a hormone-free contraception option, it is very risky and is not as effective as other methods. To learn about the effectiveness of the Pull-Out Method, check out our earlier post.
Permanent Methods—Sterilization for Women (Tubal Sterilization): With sterilization, your fallopian tubesare blocked in one of many ways (tying and cutting the tubes, inserting a small metal coil, electrical current, clips, clamps or rings, etc.). Sterilization is nearly 100 percent effective. However, this method is permanent and not recommended for women who may want to have a biological child in the future.
Remember to think ahead, be ready, and enjoy the moment.
Planned Parenthood of northern New England’s Education Department carefully selects all weekly questions. All questions are actual inquiries made to PPNNE by college-aged students.
Should you have a question you would like to see included, please send an email to goddess@ppnne.org
