While you may be looking to avoid an unexpected pregnancy, perhaps you feel uncertain about hormonal contraceptive methods. Some women refrain from using hormonal birth control, as it changes your hormone levels to prevent fertilization, and you may not be comfortable with this for various reasons. Fortunately, there are some non-hormonal birth control options available that you may want to consider.
If you are concerned about a potential unexpected pregnancy, the Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. Our free medical-grade pregnancy tests are accurate just 10 days after possible conception. With six locations through the DuPage County area, our pregnancy consultants are here to offer confidential services and compassionate care. Make an appointment with us today at one of our centers located in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois!
Types of Non-Hormonal Birth Control
Natural Family Planning (NFP): This method monitors your body’s natural functions in order to determine what days of the month you are most likely to become pregnant. It requires no drugs or devices, and it increases your fertility awareness. The first step is to become familiar with your menstrual cycle so you can chart your fertility pattern. Charting your cycles and taking your temperature each morning helps you identify changes that indicate you’re ovulating. Your cervical mucus changes during your menstrual cycle, so you may want to make a note of its color and feel on your fertility chart. Ovulation usually occurs within 1-2 days of when your mucus is clear, slippery, and stretchy. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), fertility awareness methods can have up to a 95-99% effectiveness rate when used perfectly for the first year.
Natural Cycles: Your basal body temperature rises right after ovulation, and this birth control app uses an algorithm to learn your unique cycle. After analyzing your body temperature, the app identifies your fertility window. The app tells you if it’s a green or red day, with green meaning no risk of pregnancy, and red meaning you’re fertile and there’s a risk of pregnancy. It is also beneficial to keep track of your periods and input the data into the app. When used correctly, this app has a 93% effectiveness rate.
However, please remember that no birth control method is 100% effective, even with perfect use. There is always a risk of pregnancy, if sexual intercourse is involved, although some methods are more effective at prevention than others. In considering contraception, some women prefer non-hormonal birth control methods due to cost, overall health, or a variety of concerns. However, the main challenge many women face is keeping track of your periods of fertility in a consistent manner. If you feel like non-hormonal contraception is the right kind of birth control for you, then these methods can begin and stop at any time.
If think you may be pregnant even after using non-hormonal birth control, then the Avenue Women’s Center is here to help. Our services are available at no cost to you, and our expert client advocates will walk you through the process of a pregnancy test and provide any information you may need. Reach out today!
References:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2019, January). Fertility-Awareness Based Methods of Family Planning. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning?IsMobileSet=false.
- WebMd. (2018, December). Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/non-hormonal-birth-control-options#1
- NaPro Technology. NaProTECHNOLOGY — A Major Breakthrough In Monitoring and Maintaining a Woman’s Reproductive and Gynecological Health. Retrieved from: https://www.naprotechnology.com/
- Natural Cycles. How Does Natural Cycles Work? Retrieved from: https://www.naturalcycles.com/birthcontrol/how-does-natural-cycles-work/
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.