In 2018, 72.7 million women were of reproductive age (15-49) in the United States, and 65% of these women were actively using contraceptive methods to avoid pregnancy.
There are various birth control methods available, but most work by either:
Preventing egg fertilization by sperm
Preventing implantation in the uterus
Preventing pregnancy by chemical means
Let's take a look at some of the most common forms of non-hormonal birth control:
Barrier Methods:
Male Condoms
Most of us are very familiar with condoms. These coverings, typically made of rubber or latex, work by being worn over the penis and catching sperm before making contact with the female reproduction system. This method is typically very safe and has a 13% failure rate.
Female Condoms
These devices are comprised of polyurethane and worn on the inside of the vagina. The purpose of these pouches mirror that of their male counterpart and have a 21% failure rate.
Cervical Caps (used in conjunction with spermicide)
Cervical caps are similar to female condoms as they are worn inside of the vagina, but are combined with spermicide (we will come back to this) for maximum effectiveness. This cap is reusable and should be left in the vagina for at least 6 hours after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The minimum failure rate for this combined method is 12-22%. A prescription is required.
Diaphragms (used in conjunction with spermicide)
No, not that muscle under your lung… we are talking about the silicone or latex cup that is inserted in the vagina and combined with spermicide. Like cervical caps, they are to be worn for at least 6 hours after sex and have a 22% failure rate (when used with spermicide). A prescription is required.
Chemical Barrier Methods:
We promised we would talk about spermicides…
All spermicides act as chemical barrier methods, but there are different forms to choose from:
-cream
-gel
-foam
-suppository
-tablet
-film
The insertion of the substance depends on which type of spermicide you choose. On their own, spermicides have one of the highest birth control failure rates (30%), so they are often used in conjunction with additional barrier methods. Spermicides are available OTC.
Pros and Cons of Barrier Methods:
Pros:
- some methods are available OTC
- some are reusable
- they can reduce the risk of STDs (though no contraceptive eliminates this risk)
- non-hormonal and don’t affect pre-existing medical conditions
- typically affordable
Cons:
- to be effective, these methods must be used properly and every time you engage in sexual intercourse
- some individuals are allergic to the materials these devices are made of
Lifestyle Methods:
Abstinence
Abstinence is choosing to not engage in sexual intercourse. Some people think an abstinent lifestyle is too difficult or boring, but one thing cannot be disputed- abstinence 100% of the time is the only way to guarantee against pregnancy and (bonus) STIs. This is the most effective method for preventing unplanned pregnancy outside of marriage.
Pros and Cons of Abstinence:
Pros:
- no risk of pregnancy
- no risk of STIs
Cons:
- can be difficult for some individuals
FABMs (fertility awareness-based methods)
FABMs (also known as Natural Family Planning) are methods of pregnancy prevention that do not rely on contraceptives. Though individual procedures vary based on the method, the main goal of FABMs is to predict periods of fertility and infertility to either avoid or achieve pregnancy. Some practices include: cycle charting, checking basal body temperature, and noting cervical mucus texture. FABMs have failure rates ranging from 2-34%.
Pros and Cons of FABMs:
Pros:
- no hormonal changes
- very safe
- affordable, and often free
- women who utilize this method may better understand their bodies
Cons:
- the failure rates for certain methods can be high
- accuracy and consistency are key
Birth control is certainly not one-size-fits-all. Whether it be for moral, health, or emotional reasons, you may benefit from one contraception method over another. Only you have control over your sexual health and the ability to make decisions that will impact your well-being positively or negatively. This is only a brief overview of some of the most common forms of contraception. To conduct further research follow the links provided for more detailed information and reach out to us for a no-cost, confidential consultation.
Sources cited:
“Contraception and Birth Control Methods.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/contraception/about/index.html. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
Contraceptive Effectiveness in the United States, www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/factsheet/contraceptive-effectiveness-united-states.pdf. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
“Contraceptive Effectiveness in the United States.” Guttmacher Institute, 24 Aug. 2022, www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/contraceptive-effectiveness-united-states.
“Contraceptive Use in the United States by Demographics.” Guttmacher Institute, 24 Aug. 2022, www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/contraceptive-use-united-states.
professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Spermicide: How to Use, Benefits, Risks & Effectiveness.” Cleveland Clinic, 1 May 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22493-spermicide.
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