Your Non-Hormonal Options for Birth Control
Not every woman is a candidate for hormonal birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you’re looking for non-hormonal contraceptive solutions that fit your lifestyle, you can find them at Alpha OB GYN.
Board-certified OB/GYN, Sowmya Reddy, MD, FACOG, specializes in family planning services to help you achieve the family you want when you’re ready.
Dr. Reddy provides guidance and birth control counseling services to help you select the right method.
Why you might need non-hormonal birth
Non-hormonal birth control describes contraceptive methods that don’t contain estrogen or other synthetic reproductive hormones.
In general, non-hormonal birth control offers many benefits over contraceptives that contain hormones, including fewer side effects. Some women can’t use hormonal birth control because it causes issues like the following:
- Acne
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Irregular periods
- Changes in sexual desire
You may also be a candidate for non-hormonal birth control if you’re over 35, have a history of blood clots, or smoke. These factors can increase your risk for health complications resulting from supplemental hormones.
Non-hormonal birth control may also be an option for people who prefer this method of pregnancy prevention. Some non-hormonal options can provide longer-lasting protection than hormonal birth control pills, patches, and injections.
Reviewing your non-hormonal birth control options
There are several non-hormonal birth control options available at Alpha OB GYN. Dr. Reddy can review what methods may fit your age, lifestyle, health history, and personal preference.
Non-hormonal birth control includes:
Condoms
Condoms provide effective pregnancy prevention when correctly used every time. They are also the only birth control method that reduces your risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Sponges
Sponges are a barrier method that prevents eggs and sperm from meeting. You place the spermicide-filled sponge inside your vagina before intercourse and must keep it in place for at least six hours after sex to ensure its efficiency.
Diaphragms and cervical caps
Diaphragms and cervical caps are barrier birth control methods that fit over your cervix to prevent sperm from traveling to the egg. A spermicide is also used with these methods to destroy sperm for additional protection.
Copper intrauterine device (IUD)
A non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) uses copper to prevent pregnancy. Copper is toxic to sperm to prevent fertilization of an egg.
The t-shaped device fits inside your uterus and can stay in place for up to 10 years. We complete the implant procedure in-office and can remove the IUD when you want to become pregnant.
Sterilization
For women and couples who are sure their family is complete, Dr. Reddy can discuss your options for sterilization procedures like tubal ligation.
The many factors to consider
Choosing a birth control method requires consideration of many factors, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing unintended pregnancies.
Dr. Reddy completes a physical exam, pelvic exam, and other diagnostic tests to identify any underlying health issues that may affect your ability to use hormonal or non-hormonal birth control.
She also learns more about your lifestyle and preferences, the number of sexual partners you have, and your family planning goals. Dr. Reddy can then discuss the pros and cons of each type of non-hormonal birth control so that you can make the most informed decisions about your health.
Call the Alpha OB GYN office in Alpharetta or Cumming, Georgia, to learn more about your options for non-hormonal birth control, or book a consultation online today.