What you should know about non-hormonal birth control

What you should know about non-hormonal birth control
For some women, hormonal birth control is not an option. They simply want to avoid hormones, do not want to deal with side effects, have health concerns, or are breastfeeding.
Below is information on eight types of hormone-free https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/162762.php
options, which are both effective for pregnancy protection and affordable.

Contents of this article:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320213.php#barrier-methods
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320213.php#long-term-and-permanent-solutions
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320213.php#other-methods
   Barrier methods
   Barrier methods of birth control prevent sperm from entering the uterus. These methods are only used during sexual intercourse and should be used correctly every time two people have sex.

Barrier methods have fewer side effects compared to hormonal birth control options.

1. Diaphragm
   The diaphragm is a small, flexible cup made of silicone. A woman inserts the diaphragm into her vagina so that it covers the cervix. It is essential to put spermicide on the diaphragm and along its edges before inserting it.

According to https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/diaphragm/how-effective-are-diaphragms
a nonprofit organization specializing in sexual healthcare in the United States, the diaphragm is 94 percent effective if used correctly every single time.

However, the real-life accuracy rate is around 88 percent, which means 12 women out of 100 will still get pregnant using the diaphragm.

The reason for a reduced effective rate is that many people do not follow directions precisely every time they have sex. Diaphragms work best when used with spermicide.

Diaphragms must be prescribed and fitted by a doctor but are effective immediately. Each reusable device can be used for up to 2 years. If inserted correctly, neither partner should feel it during sex.

A diaphragm does not protect against https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246491.php (STDs) and cannot be used during monthly periods.

1. Cervical cap

The cervical cap is a small silicone cup that a woman inserts into her vagina, fitting over the cervix. It is like the diaphragm but smaller. The only cervical cap available in the U.S. is available under the brand name,http://www.arhp.org/Publications-and-Resources/Quick-Reference-Guide-for-Clinicians/choosing/Cervical-Cap
The failure rate for the FemCap is 14 percent in women who have never given birth and 29 percent for those who have had a vaginal delivery, this according to http://www.arhp.org/Publications-and-Resources/Quick-Reference-Guide-for-Clinicians/choosing/Cervical-Cap The cervical cap does not contain hormones and can be inserted before sex. The same cap can be used up to 2 years. Women should always use spermicidal gel with the cervical cap to ensure its protective qualities. Much like the diaphragm, it requires a prescription, must be fitted by a doctor, and cannot be used during periods.

1. Spermicides

Spermicides are placed in the vagina before sexual intercourse to stop sperm from entering the uterus. They are available in creams, gels, and suppositories.

Spermicides have a http://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/spermicide this according to the American Pregnancy Association. However, when used with other methods, such as the diaphragm or cervical cap, effectiveness increases.

This method is easy to use, does not require a prescription, and is inexpensive. Some women might experience side effects, such as irritation and allergic reaction.

1. Male and female condoms
   The male latex condom is the best way to guard against STDs.

It is also effective in preventing pregnancy by keeping semen from entering the vagina.

According to Planned Parenthood, when condoms are used correctly, they are

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom/how-effective-are-condoms
But in reality, condoms are about 85percent effective; meaning about 15 people out of every 100 might get pregnant.

The male condom is simple to use and safe. It is also convenient, inexpensive, easy to get hold of, and does not require a prescription.

Condoms are not as effective as some other methods of birth control, and they need to be used every single time two people have sex. Some people are allergic to latex, and some couples find condoms make sex less enjoyable by limiting sensation or requiring more lubricant. When using a lubricant with condoms, choose a water-soluble or silicone one, as oil-based lubricants can break down latex condoms.

The female condom is a strong, thin protective covering with a ring on each side to hold it in place. It can protect against pregnancy and STDs.

According to https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/female-condom/how-effective-are-female-condoms when the female condom is used correctly, it is 95 percent effective in protecting against pregnancy. For most people, however, the rate is 79 percent, which means 21 of 100 women will get pregnant each year using this method.

The female condom contains no hormones, is available without a prescription, and is inexpensive. A woman can insert the female condom up to 6 hours before sex; it can be used by people who are allergic to latex and can be used with lubricants.

The outer rings of the female condom can irritate, and many people feel it reduces feeling. Female condoms usually cost twice as much as male condoms.

1. The sponge
   The sponge is made of plastic foam and contains spermicide. A woman inserts it into her vagina before sexual intercourse and has a nylon loop for easy removal afterward. It is available at most drug stores and does not require a prescription.

The sponge prevents pregnancy by covering the cervix so that no sperm can enter. It also releases spermicide to immobilize sperm.

According to the http://www.arhp.org/Publications-and-Resources/Quick-Reference-Guide-for-Clinicians/choosing/Sponge the birth control sponge is least effective in women who have previously been pregnant. In women who have never been pregnant, the failure rate is 9 percent when used correctly each time, and 12 percent with regular use. For women have been pregnant before, the failure rate is 20 percent with accurate use, and 24 percent with regular use.

The sponge carries an increased risk for yeast infection and toxic shock syndrome and should not be left in the vagina for more than 30 hours in total. Vaginal dryness and allergic reactions are common side effects.

Each sponge can only be used once. After removal, throw it in the trash — do not flush it down the toilet.
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