Non-hormonal contraceptive options that you can use

When talking about contraceptive methods, you probably know many different types of contraception that can prevent pregnancy. In general, contraceptives are divided into two types, namely hormonal and non-hormonal birth control. Hormonal birth control includes such as combination birth control pills and birth control injections. Then, what types of birth control are classified as non-hormonal? What are the advantages of non-hormonal birth control? Come on, consider the following explanation.

Non hormonal birth control, a contraceptive method without hormone content

According to the type, there are some birth control programs that do not contain hormones, so they are classified as non-hormonal contraceptives. However, that does not mean that its use does not have certain advantages.

Non-hormonal contraceptives can be very beneficial for women who cannot use synthetic hormones. In fact, most of the non-hormonal birth control is cheaper than other types of contraception. Here are some types of non-hormonal contraceptives that you can choose from.

1. Condoms

One of the types of non-hormonal birth control that you may have known for a long time is condoms. There are two different types of condoms, namely the condoms used by men and women. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, the two types of condoms both function to prevent sperm cells that come out during penetration from entering the woman's body through the vagina.

These non-hormonal contraceptives are relatively easy to use because you only need to use them when you have sex. This means that these non-hormonal contraceptives don't need to "stay" in your body, or take them on a daily basis. Condom effectiveness is high, as long as you know how to put the condom in properly.

The reason is, condoms often fail to protect you from pregnancy because you make the mistake of using a condom, so that the condom cannot function properly. In addition, non-hormonal birth control can also prevent you from HIV and various other sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a non-hormonal birth control that you can also use. This non-hormonal contraceptive is shaped like a small semicircle made of silicone. A woman inserts a diaphragm into her vagina so that it covers the cervix or cervix.

Apply spermicide to the diaphragm before inserting it into the vagina. The effectiveness of using the diaphragm is 88 percent. This means, 12 out of 100 women who use the diaphragm still have the possibility of experiencing pregnancy. Keep in mind that the diaphragm must be in the vagina for up to 6 hours after sexual intercourse, but no longer than 24 hours.

One of the causes of the decreased effectiveness of using this non-hormonal birth control is that the diaphragm is not used according to the rules. For example, when the diaphragm is inserted into the vagina, you are not adding spermicide to the sides of the diaphragm. In fact, the presence of spermicides can help increase its effectiveness.

3. Spermicide

Spermicide is a non-hormonal birth control that you can use without having to use a diaphragm. Spermicides are chemicals that kill sperm cells. Usually, non-hormonal contraceptives come in the form of cream, foam, or gel.

When used, spermicide alone or not in conjunction with other non-hormonal contraceptives, spermicide has the potential to fail to prevent pregnancy by 28 percent. Therefore, it is better if you use spermicide together with condoms or other non-hormonal contraceptives.

The use of non-hormonal birth control has very minimal side effects. It's just that some people who use it experience irritation on their skin. In addition, there is a nonoxynol-9 content in spermicides on the market. These substances can cause changes in the skin around your genital area and increase your potential for HIV.

Therefore, you are advised to consult with your doctor before deciding to use non-hormonal contraceptives.

4. Sponge

Maybe some of you are still not familiar with this non-hormonal contraception. Sponges are contraceptives made of plastic foam and contain spermicide. If you want to use it as your method of contraception of choice, you can insert it into your vagina before sexual intercourse with your partner.

After you have sex, you can remove it from the vagina with the help of a device callednylon loop. You can buy it at the nearest pharmacy. This sponge helps you prevent pregnancy by blocking the cervix so that no sperm cells can enter. In addition, this non-hormonal birth control also releases spermicide to kill sperm that have already entered the vagina.

In fact, sponges are classified as less effective in women who have been pregnant before. However, in women who have never experienced pregnancy, non-hormonal birth control is classified as effective, so it has an effectiveness level of up to 91 percent.

Even so, you must pay attention to the side effects that may arise from using this non-hormonal birth control. The reason is, sponges can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection and this contraceptive is not recommended to be left in the vagina for more than 30 hours. Just like condoms, this FP can only be used once. This means you have to throw them away when you're done using them.

5. The copper IUD

There are two types of IUD or spiral birth control, one of which is the IUD coated with copper. Unlike the hormonal birth control IUD, the copper IUD does not contain hormones at all. The copper coating on the IUD body itself is surprisingly sufficient to help you delay pregnancy.

If you want to use it, you must first consult a doctor. In addition, the use of this copper IUD must be carried out with the help of a doctor or other medical professional. The copper IUD is a non-hormonal birth control which is easy to use for the long term.

The reason is, when you insert the IUD, you can use it for up to 10 years. Of course, KB is suitable for long-term use. The level of effectiveness of the copper IUD is also very high, reaching 99 percent.

However, you must still pay attention to the possible side effects. For example, your periods can be heavier. You may also experience vaginal bleeding when you are not menstruating. In addition, the use of a copper IUD also cannot protect you from contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Therefore, always discuss the contraceptive options available in advance. Avoid using contraceptives without the supervision of a doctor.