According to the related statistics the pill is the most often used female birth control method in the U.S. It has several benefits: it can result in decreased pain during your monthly period or lighter bleeding, it can help prevent sudden mood changes during a woman’s cycle, and it has a <1% failure rate. Sounds good? Yes, indeed.
But just like other medicines, pills and other hormone-containing contraceptives have their side effects and risks:
- Hormonal birth control pills may cause vaginal dryness or breast pain
- Does not protect against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
- Products which contain estrogen can lead to a higher risk for blood clots or even stroke and heart attack
- After you stop taking the pill, it often takes a few months or even longer to begin ovulating again
Do you want to avoid these unnecessary risks but not a fan of condoms? Then here are some options for hormone-free birth control with their advantages and disadvantages that you can choose from:
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a barrier method of birth control. It is basically a small and flexible cup made of silicone. The diaphragm should be placed into the vagina with spermicide before sex and left in place for at least six hours after intercourse. It covers your cervix to prevent pregnancy.
Advantages:
- usually not felt by either of the partners
- easy to carry
- safe to use during breastfeeding
- immediately effective
- reusable
- does not affect the hormonal level
Disadvantages:
- possible moving due to sexual position or penis size
- insertion may cause difficulties
- needs to be inserted before every act of vaginal intercourse
- the failure rate is around 12%
- does not protect against STDs