Non-Hormonal Birth Control: What Are My Options?

When we talk about hormonal contraception, we often immediately think of the pill. This isn't surprising, as it's the most popular contraceptive. The pill is often prescribed at a young age, and women take it for a large part of their reproductive years. And that's for good reason: the pill is a convenient and accessible form of contraception. When taken correctly, the hormonal contraceptive pill is 99% effective. But while the pill is popular, it's not a suitable solution for everyone. Many women are becoming aware of the side effects. We're "pill-tired" and are increasingly choosing alternatives, such as following your natural cycle.

If this sounds like you or you're considering stopping the pill, you're probably wondering what other options are available. Fortunately, there are other hormone-free options, which we'll discuss in this blog post. If you've already stopped taking the pill and want to learn more about how to maintain a healthy cycle , read our blog post.

What is your personal situation?

Each option has advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on your personal situation. Consider your primary goal: do you simply want to prevent pregnancy, or are there other factors to consider, such as preventing an STI? Also, consider how comfortable you are with the effectiveness level, as each option varies.

Perfect Use vs. Normal Use

Before we dive into hormone-free options, it's important to understand the difference between "perfect use" and "normal use."

Perfect use means following the method exactly as it should every time you have sex. And honestly, that can be quite tricky, even if you're very precise. That's why it's also important to know what "normal use" means.

Typical use refers to how most people use contraception. This means there may be times when you don't use your contraceptive method at all, or use it incorrectly. We're all human, and we can make mistakes, but it's certainly good to keep this in mind.

Alternative 1: Sex without penetration

An easy option is to have sex without penetration. Think of kissing, masturbating together or with each other, using vibrators or sex toys, watching porn together, massaging each other, or any other form of sex without a penis in your vagina. Many women find this just as exciting, and sometimes even more enjoyable, than sex.

While this form of sex can prevent pregnancy (when used perfectly), it can sometimes "accidentally" lead to penetration. If you don't use another form of contraception, you can still get pregnant.

Alternative 2: Retreat

Another option is the withdrawal method, also known as "pulling out" or "pulling out." This involves your partner removing their penis from your vagina and ejaculating elsewhere to prevent pregnancy.

While it seems simple, it can go wrong. Some men find it difficult to pull out when they're close to climax.

That's why this method is most effective when used in combination with another form of contraception. On its own, the withdrawal method is approximately 80% effective when used perfectly.

Why? Sometimes sperm cells are present in pre-ejaculate (also known as pre-seminal fluid). This can increase the chance of pregnancy.

Fun fact : Our Guud expert Uwe was conceived this way.

Alternative 3: Sensiplan/Natural Family Planning/Fertility Awareness (FA)

Sensiplan is a natural family planning method that uses your menstrual cycle to predict your ovulation and fertile days. This is the contraceptive method our founder, Morgane, uses.

If you don't want to get pregnant, you can avoid sex during ovulation, or use another form of contraception.

To apply this method, it is important to understand and track your cycle.

If you have a regular cycle and you track it with an app like Natural Cycles, this method can be effective. However, keep in mind that errors are also possible.

With typical use, there is a 12-23% chance of pregnancy. With perfect use, Sensiplan is 99.6% - 98.2% effective.

If you want to try this, we recommend tracking your cycle using an app .

Alternative 4: Male condom

Condoms are a popular form of non-hormonal contraception. When used correctly, condoms are highly effective, with a 2% chance of pregnancy.

Condoms are readily available, affordable, and come in various types, materials, and sizes. You can use lubricant to make penetration more comfortable, but use a lubricant that won't affect the condom's function (water-based or silicone-based lubricants).

Alternative 5: Female condom

Female condoms are an alternative to male condoms and are inserted into the vagina. They protect you just as well against pregnancy and STIs as a male condom, and they're easy to use.

One advantage is that you can insert the female condom up to 8 hours before sex. When used perfectly, the internal condom is 95% effective.

Alternative 6: Diaphragm or pessary

A diaphragm or pessary is a round, thin, soft silicone cap that you insert into your vagina before sex. It covers the cervix and prevents sperm from reaching the egg. You use the diaphragm with a spermicide. You leave the diaphragm in place for six hours after sex.

It's best to have a diaphragm fitted by a gynecologist. If you lose or gain weight, you may need to have a new diaphragm fitted.

It takes some practice, but it's a hormone-free option. When used perfectly, it's 94% effective. But nobody's perfect, so in real life, a diaphragm is about 87% effective—meaning that about 13 out of every 100 women who use a diaphragm will become pregnant.

Alternative 7: Copper coil

The copper coil, also known as the copper IUD or IUD (intrauterine device), is a small T-shaped device that is placed in the uterus by a doctor.

There are two types of IUDs: the copper IUD and a hormonal version. This article discusses the copper IUD.

The copper IUD doesn't contain hormones, but the copper in the IUD hinders sperm movement and changes the environment in the uterus. This makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant. The copper IUD is highly effective and can remain in the uterus for between 3 and 10 years.

Once you've had the IUD inserted, you don't have to think about it anymore. It's a "set it and forget it" method, meaning you don't have to do anything every day. The only downside is that you can't remove it yourself.

With perfect use, the chance of pregnancy is small: less than 1%. With normal use, the chance of pregnancy is 0.8% to 1.8%.

Alternative 8: Sterilization

Sterilization is a permanent form of contraception in which the fallopian tubes in women (tubal occlusion) or the sperm ducts in men (vasectomy) are closed off so that sperm cannot reach the egg.

Sterilization is very effective, but it is a permanent decision, so it is important to be sure that you no longer wish to have children.

And what about spermicides?

Furthermore, there are all sorts of spermicides available in different formats: creams, foams, and suppositories. They are often used in combination with other methods such as diaphragms or condoms, but they can also be used on their own.

Typically, you apply the spermicide close to your cervix. Depending on the size you choose, you can use an applicator (similar to a tampon applicator), a suppository, or a cream that you insert as far into the vagina as possible.

Spermicides slow down sperm and prevent them from reaching the cervix, where they can come into contact with an egg.

These methods are not as effective as others. The unintended pregnancy rate in one year of use was approximately 21% with typical use and 16% with perfect use.

In this blog post, we've explained the main non-hormonal contraceptive methods. To make an informed decision, we recommend consulting a doctor. This way, you can find the perfect option for your needs and health. Still have questions? Chat with us . We're happy to help. Want to learn more about our products and how you can support your body when coming off the pill? Take our quiz and discover which product is right for you.