8 Hormone-Free Birth Control Options

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 65% of women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 49 currently use some form of contraception. Some of the most popular birth control methods for preventing pregnancy include surgical sterilization with tubal ligation for females and vasectomy for male oral contraceptive pills, other hormonal birth control methods such as the ring, patch, or implant, long-acting reversible contraceptives such as an intrauterine device (IUD), and barrier methods such as condoms. Some of these are hormonal birth control options, while other methods are non-hormonal.

Hormonal birth controls, such as oral pills, are convenient and covered by most insurance. However, some women may experience side effects while on hormonal birth control and may want to avoid hormonal birth control. Please continue reading about options for preventing pregnancy with hormone-free birth control, their effectiveness, and their effects on women’s health.

What are the disadvantages of hormonal birth control?

Hormonal birth control, such as the birth control pill, is reliable when used properly. However, hormonal methods are associated with certain disadvantages, such as:

You need a prescription for hormonal contraceptives such as the birth control pill or IUD.
You have to remember to take your birth control pill every day around the same time.
Hormonal birth control may cause side effects such as weight gain and mood swings.
Hormonal methods may increase your risk of blood clots.
Hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer; however, this risk is very small.
Only a healthcare professional can insert or remove certain birth control options, such as a Mirena IUD.
Hormonal birth control does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Taking hormonal contraceptives can disrupt the natural hormone balance with an increased risk of yeast infections.

Are there hormone-free birth control methods?

Yes, there are several hormone-free options available that can prevent pregnancy. You can use these birth control methods if you want to avoid hormones for any of the above reasons.

Which birth control method has no hormonal effects?

Among non-hormonal contraceptive methods, women can consider the following.

Diaphragm or cervical cap

This is a cap-like silicone device that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It prevents sperm from passing the cervix and entering the uterus to fertilize an egg. You can think of it as an internal condom. This is a barrier method of non-hormonal birth control. When used correctly with a spermicide, diaphragms and cervical caps are 92-96% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, they need to be fitted by a healthcare provider first. You can subsequently learn to use them yourself and reuse them for several months. A diaphragm or cap can be used as needed just before sex, but it must be left in for at least 6 hours after sex. Using these methods of birth control can increase your risk of bladder infections and urinary tract infections. If you want to start a family, you can stop using it and start trying to get pregnant right away.

Birth control sponge

This is a soft, round, squishy sponge you put in the vagina before sex. Similar to the diaphragm, the sponge covers the cervix and stops sperm from entering the uterus. The main difference between a sponge and a diaphragm is that a sponge already contains spermicide to help prevent pregnancy. Also, you don’t need a prescription to purchase a birth control sponge. After insertion, the sponge continues to provide protection against pregnancy for up to 24 hours as long as the sponge remains in place. A contraceptive sponge is not as effective as some other non-hormonal birth control options. If you have never given birth, it’s about 91% effective. If you have given birth, it’s about 80% effective. This is assuming you use the sponge correctly every time you have sex. With typical use, effectiveness is in the range of 78-86% in preventing unintended pregnancy. Additionally, this birth control method does not protect against STIs.

Copper IUD

This is a T-shaped device sold under the brand name ParaGard. It provides long-term nonhormonal birth control for up to 10 years after insertion. A copper IUD works by producing an inflammatory reaction that affects the sperm’s ability to move, thus preventing the sperm from passing through the uterus and reaching the egg. It must be inserted and removed by a healthcare provider. One more advantage is that It can be inserted at any time during the menstrual cycle. You can use it while breastfeeding. Copper IUD can provide emergency contraception if inserted within 5 days of unprotected sex. This type of non-hormonal birth control is over 99% effective in the prevention of pregnancy. You can have the device removed if you want to start a family. There is no risk of blood clots, such as with hormonal birth control. However, women who use IUDs may be at an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Spermicide and vaginal gel

This is a chemical you put in the vagina to kill sperm or prevent them from reaching the egg. For example, an on-demand birth control gel such as Phexxi prevents pregnancy by lowering vaginal pH, which affects sperm movement. You can use these products with condoms and diaphragms to increase their effectiveness. However, you need to avoid rinsing your vagina for up to 8 hours after sex if you use a spermicide. You need to re-apply a vaginal gel every time before sex. Spermicide can prevent pregnancy in about 79 out of 100 women who use it. These nonhormonal birth control products are available over the counter without a prescription. They do not protect against STIs. Some women may have allergic reactions to these products.

Male and female condoms

A male condom is a latex sheath worn over the penis. A female condom is a latex tube inserted into the vagina. These are barrier methods that provide birth control and protect against sexually transmitted infections. This non-hormonal birth control option is widely available without a prescription. Side effects are rare (latex condoms may cause allergies in some people). Male and female condoms can be used at any time, as needed, without preparation. Male condoms are about 85% effective, while female condoms are about 79% effective when used properly.

Surgical procedure

Vasectomy in men and tubal ligation in women are surgical methods of birth control. During a vasectomy, the tubes that carry sperm are sealed off. During a tubal ligation, the fallopian tubes are blocked to prevent sperm from reaching an egg. These are permanent sterilization methods and are 100% effective in preventing future pregnancies. However, they do not protect against STIs.

Withdrawal method

This method of birth control involves pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. This method is highly unreliable and not effective against STIs.

Fertility awareness-based methods

These methods of birth control prevent pregnancy through fertility awareness (avoiding sex during the fertile window). For example, in the rhythm method, a couple avoids unprotected sexual intercourse on the menstrual cycle days when ovulation is most likely to occur. The cervical mucus method is based on carefully observing the patterns of vaginal discharge during the menstrual cycle. Some women who want to get pregnant use these methods to increase their chances of conceiving. While they are inexpensive and safe, these methods are some of the least effective methods of birth control. Almost 1 in 4 women become pregnant in the first year of using fertility awareness or natural family planning such as the rhythm method.

Is hormone-free birth control less effective?

Nonhormonal birth control methods are not less effective. They can prevent pregnancy to varying degrees, ranging from 100% for surgical sterilization and 99% for copper IUD to 75% for fertility awareness-based methods such as the rhythm or cervical mucus method. Only you can decide what type of contraceptive use will work for you. Talk to your healthcare provider or Planned Parenthood if you want more information before deciding the best non-hormonal birth control method for you.

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