5 Hormone Free Birth Control Methods (Hint: it's NOT copper IUDs)
Hey there, my lovely sisters! Are you tired of birth control methods that mess with your hormones and make you feel like a hot mess? Well, guess what? You're in luck! Because in this day and age, we have more options than ever to stay baby-free without the added mood swings, acne and weight gain.
And let me tell you, it's not just about avoiding hormonal mood swings and acne. The side effects of birth control can be pretty intense for some women. One example is the Mirena IUD, which has faced numerous lawsuits for causing serious complications such as uterine perforation and migration. Some women have even reported experiencing the "Mirena Crash," a set of symptoms that can occur when the IUD is removed, including mood swings, depression, and acne.
But it's not just the Mirena IUD that poses risks. Birth control pills, patches, and other hormonal methods have been linked to serious side effects such as stroke, blood clots, and even death. In fact, the World Health Organization has classified hormonal birth control as a Class 1 carcinogen, meaning that it is a substance that is known to cause cancer in humans.
Given these risks, it's no wonder that many women are seeking alternative forms of birth control. From apps to fertility awareness methods, there are plenty of options available for women who want to stay in control of their reproductive health without putting their bodies at risk. So, my sisters, don't let anyone pressure you into using a birth control method that doesn't feel right for you. Your health and well-being should always be your top priority.
Here are five reliable and hormone-free ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)
FAM involves tracking your ovulation by measuring your body temperature and observing your cervical fluid. Did you know that you can only get pregnant for about 24-48 hours each menstrual cycle? With FAM, you can pinpoint those 48 hours and stay away from the baby-making dance floor. You can learn how to do this from a FAM coach or by reading the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility." And to keep track of your body temperature, you can use the TempDrop wearable thermometer. You simply wear it at night, and it tracks your temperature and tells you whether you're fertile or not. It's like having a little magical fairy keeping track of your fertility for you!
Once you get the hang of FAM it becomes like second-nature. Just remember that even though your body has it's own rhythm, things like travel, stress and lack of sleep can delay your ovulation unexpectedly. So, stay on top of your measurements and don't start missing temperature readings just because you seem to ovulate regularly.
- Natural Cycles App
The Natural Cycles App is the first FDA-cleared birth control app that uses an unique ovulation algorithm and body temperature data to calculate your fertility window. With a typical use effectiveness of 93% and perfect use effectiveness of 98%, this app is a reliable and convenient option. The app calculates your fertility window using an algorithm and body temperature data that you input into the app. It's like having a personal assistant to help you keep track of your fertility!
- Ovulation Test Kits
If you're feeling nervous about tracking your ovulation and want something to calm your nerves, you can try ovulation test kits. These involve a set of test strips you can use daily to measure your Lutenizing Hormone, a hormone that surges before ovulation. Based on the results of the test, you'll know when your ovulation is approaching and the time of the month you're able to get pregnant. While they can't confirm that you have ovulated, they're 99% effective at detecting Lutenizing Hormone, and they're super easy to use. Combine this with FAM for a pregnancy-proof double whammy.
- Condoms
These are super convenient and can be up to 98% effective with perfect use and 85% with typical use. Don't let anyone pressure you into not using them. Remember, a man who doesn't want to wear a condom is like a guest who won't take their shoes off when you ask them to. It's rude, and they don't respect your sacred space or time.
- Pull Out Method
This method is free, but it really depends on your partner's ability to control himself. It's 96% effective with perfect use and 80% effective with typical use. This method is best combined with FAM or the Natural Cycles app to prevent pregnancy.
So there you have it! Five ways to keep your uterus baby-free without turning into a hormonal mess. You may have noticed that one birth control method is absent on this list - copper IUDs. Copper IUD's are often promoted as a birth control method that won't affect your hormones (because they don't contain hormones), but that's simply not true. While it's true that they don't release hormones like other forms of birth control, copper can still have an impact on your hormones. Some women experience changes in their menstrual cycle and increased cramping with copper IUDs, which can have a strong impact on mental health.
With copper IUD's there's also a risk of copper toxicity. Copper is a vital nutrient for our bodies in small amounts, but too much copper can be toxic and cause a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and even depression. For those reasons, copper IUD's won't make it on my list of hormone free contraception!
