Contraception without hormones - All methods at a glance

You would like to use hormone-free contraception, but you don't know much about it? Here we present all the options for hormone-free contraception and tell you the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

The pill is and remains the most common contraceptive.

However, because of their side effects, more and more women want to use contraception without hormones.

You can also prevent pregnancy without hormone preparations.

We'll tell you what they are and what the advantages and disadvantages are here.

What the Pearl Index says about contraception without hormones

The Pearl Index tells you how safe a contraceptive method is. The lower the number, the less likely you are to get pregnant.

However, you must always be clear about this: There is never a 100%igen protection. Unless you remain completely abstinent :) But who has watched "Jane the Virgin" on Netflix, knows: Even that often does not help!

But joking aside. You should pay close attention to the Pearl Index. This is the number of women who have become pregnant despite using a certain contraceptive method.

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If 100 women use one method of contraception for a year, the scientists look at how many still got pregnant. This results in the Pearl Index. The lower the Pearl Index, the safer the method.

The Pearl Index is available for all contraceptives. So for contraception without hormones and for those with hormones.

Basically, hormone-free contraception is divided into mechanical methods such as the condom and intrauterine devices such as the IUD.

Hormone free contraceptives

• Measure temperature
• Contraceptive computer
• Condom
• Diaphragm
• Female condom
• Copper IUD
• Copper chain
• Sterilization

What you need to pay attention to when using the temperature method for contraception

There are two options: Either a basal thermometer or a contraceptive computer.

The principle is the same: both devices work by detecting your body temperature during the cycle.

The basal thermometer as hormone-free contraception

Pearl Index: 3.8 to 20

Cost: One-time; the purchase of a thermometer ranges from 35 euros to 100 euros.

With the temperature method, you determine the fertile and infertile days of your cycle based on your body temperature.

When we ovulate, our body temperature rises. If you know your body very well and measure it, you can determine the fertile days.

If your body temperature is at least 0.2 degrees higher 3 days in a row than in the 6 days before, then you have ovulated. The time of ovulation is the lowest point of the body temperature before the temperature rises.

This method is also used by women who want to become pregnant.

The prerequisite for this contraception without hormones is that you know your body very well and always take your temperature at the same time. It is measured directly after getting up.

This is how your body temperature changes during your cycle!

Important: You need a digital thermometer that shows at least two coma digits, i.e. not a normal clinical thermometer. They are called basal thermometers. They are made especially for women who want to monitor their cycle.

You can often buy sets that consist of a basal thermometer and an app. I have found a basal thermometer with app for you that has particularly good reviews.

Disadvantages of temperature measurement

This method should only be used by women who have a very regular cycle. Anyone who can not tell to the day when the next period is due, better leave it alone.

You have to be very conscientious and pay close attention to your body, especially in the beginning.

If you are sick, it can skew the results.

The computer for contraception without hormones

Pearl Index: not specified, strongly dependent on the user

Cost: approx 200 Euro one time

Let's hear it for technology. Apps and gadgets are booming in all areas. This also applies to contraception. For a long time, people measured their temperature with a basal thermometer, but today there are much more accurate methods.

I found a model that is particularly exciting. The trackle contraceptive computer*, which you can order from Amazon.

Compared to other computers, the application is a little different. You insert a tampon-sized sensor into your vagina at night. This sensor measures your core body temperature and the consistency of your cervical mucus.

The data is sent to the app, where you can keep a close eye on your cycle.

The trackle contraceptive computer* measures the temperature to an accuracy of one hundredth of a degree and is an approved medical device made in Germany.

Women with irregular cycles can thus get to know their bodies better.

Disadvantages of hormone-free contraception with computer

How accurate and safe you can use it depends on how regularly you use the gadget. To get accurate data, you need to wear the sensor every day, unless you have your period.

Spontaneous sex is not possible without measurement in advance if you want guaranteed contraceptive protection.

Mechanical contraception without hormones

Mechanical contraceptive methods kill sperm cells, restrict their movement or block their access to the egg. If the egg is not fertilized, you cannot get pregnant.

Sounds quite simple, doesn't it? There are many different methods. Which one suits you best is a question of taste.

Mechanical methods of contraception without hormones are used when the chips are down.

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What you need to know about contraception with condom

Pearl Index: 2-12

Cost: 40 pieces of Durex condoms are available online for 24 euros, which is 62 cents each. But you can also buy cheaper brands where 1 piece costs 14 cents.

The condom is the best-known contraceptive method that does not use hormones. It is one of the barrier methods. This means that the egg and sperm are prevented from meeting.

The great advantage of condoms is that they protect against sexually transmitted diseases. They protect you from AIDS, gonorrhea and co.

Condoms are the right choice for those who want to rely on contraception without hormones and only want to deal with the issue when it really comes down to it.

The ultra-thin rubber protection made of latex or rubber is very tear-resistant and stretchable.

The disadvantage of contraception with condom

Caution is advised, however, because condoms can slip off. Under no circumstances should they be combined with lubricants containing oil or grease. On the Pearl Index scale, they score a 2 to 12. This is because safety depends very much on the user.

Some women are sensitive to latex. It can cause burning in the vagina. However, there are now also latex-free condoms.

Some men and women report not feeling so much when using contraception with condoms. But it is always better than an unplanned pregnancy or STD.

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Things to know about non-hormonal contraception with the diaphragm

Pearl Index: 4-10

Cost: around 40 euros

You place the diaphragm in front of the cervix before sex. You coat it with a gel that lowers the pH value in the vagina and makes life difficult for sperm. In addition, suppositories can be used to kill sperm.

The diaphragm acts as a barrier and prevents the sperm and egg from meeting.

If you want to use hormone-free contraception with a diaphragm, it should be suitable for your cervix. Talk to your gynecologist about this.

The disadvantages of contraception with diaphragm

The big disadvantage is that insertion takes some practice and time. If it slips during sex, you can get pregnant.

If you take it out of the vagina immediately after sexual intercourse, you can also become pregnant unintentionally. Sperm can survive for some time in the vagina.

What you should know about hormone-free contraception with the female condom

Pearl Index: 5 to 25

Cost: About 10 euros for 3 pieces

Have you ever heard of a female condom? It is little known, but it is similar to the rubber for men.

Purely visually, the female condom is a 17 centimeter long tube. It is made of latex-free plastic and is a bit wider than the normal condom.

Women who rely on contraception without hormones and want to protect themselves from diseases can resort to this method.

In the front, female condoms have a ring made of rubber. It prevents the condom from slipping into the vagina. And you will also find a rubber ring at the bottom. It serves as protection so that the condom does not slip out of the vagina by itself.

Like the male condom, this contraceptive method is made for one-time use only.

So sex in the water is really hot!

The disadvantages of the female condom

The big difference with the Pearl Index comes from the handling. Only with a lot of practice, the femidom can be used safely. Unlike the conventional condom, the female condom is much more expensive. Per piece it costs about 3 euros.

The handling is described by many as annoying during lovemaking. If it is not used correctly, then it can easily slip.

Hormone-free contraception with intrauterine devices

In addition to the pill and the condom, intrauterine devices (IUDs) are becoming increasingly popular.

Intrauterine devices are contraceptives that are inserted into the uterus. The best known is the IUD.

Especially women who want long-term contraception use them. That's why IUDs are especially popular with women between 30 and 45. But young women can also choose IUD and Co.

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The copper IUD for contraception without hormones

Pearl Index: 0.9-3

Cost: 200 to 300 euros for 5 years

The copper IUD is a hormone-free contraceptive that is inserted once and only needs to be replaced after 3 to 5 years (depending on the model). During this entire time you are protected against pregnancy.

The IUD is a T-shaped rod that is inserted directly into the uterus. It is wrapped with a thin wire made of copper and is about 3 centimeters long in total. The gynecologist does this right in the office. Within 5 minutes, you are protected. The IUD takes effect the same day.

The IUD releases copper into the uterus and causes the mucus at the cervix and the lining of the uterus to solidify. The copper makes it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.

You will still ovulate normally. It is also possible that the egg is fertilized, but it cannot implant because of the tough lining of the uterus.

The insertion itself is only painful for a short time. It feels like you are getting an injection. After insertion, you have to go for a check-up once a year. This is to make sure that the copper IUD fits properly.

You no longer need to worry about contraception and can be spontaneous.

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Disadvantages of hormone-free contraception with coil

It may be that your period becomes heavier and that you get cramps. But it does not have to be. I've had an IUD for 7 years and I don't notice any difference.

The IUD is a foreign body that is inserted. Your body may reject it or you may not tolerate it. You have to be comfortable with the idea of having a piece of copper inside you.

I already have the second spiral in use and never had any problems with it all these years.

What you need to know about contraception with the copper chain

Pearl Index: 0.1-0.3

Cost: 250 to 400 euros

In principle, the copper chain (Gynefix) works like the IUD. In this method of contraception without hormones, copper ions act against pregnancy. They ensure that the sperm become inactive and the fertilized egg cannot implant.

But instead of it being inserted into the uterus, one end of the copper chain is anchored into the uterine wall.

It is inserted when the menstrual period subsides, at which time the cervix is still slightly open.

A fine needle is used to fix the end of the chain directly to the uterine wall. So insertion hurts a little more than with the IUD.

Here the chain remains for up to 5 years before it has to be removed again.

Gynefix is the safest option for contraception without hormones.

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Disadvantages of hormone-free contraception with copper chain

Gynefix cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. The insertion is not pleasant, but manageable.

If you have frequently changing sexual partners, the copper chain is not so suitable. The risk of infection is higher because the end of the thread remains at the entrance to the uterus.

With 250 to 400 euros, this contraceptive method is expensive, but if you extrapolate it to 5 years, then it's not so bad.

What you should know about sterilization as a woman

Pearl Index: 0.1-0.3

Cost: 250 to 400 euros

If you do not want to have children or your desire to have children has already been fulfilled, you can have a sterilization.

However, sterilization is usually irreversible. So it is a permanent method to stop having children.

If you live in a fixed partnership, then the man can also go under the knife. The procedure is less complicated for men than for women.

The disadvantage of sterilization

Sterilization cannot be reversed. After the operation, you no longer ovulate, so you really can't get pregnant. Therefore, you should consider this step very carefully.

Sterilization is an operation. So you have all the health risks that an operation can bring.

Why coitus interruptus is not good contraception without hormones

Pearl Index: 27

Cost: 0 Euro

This is probably the most unsafe method to avoid pregnancy. This option of contraception without hormones is suitable for you if you are not averse to getting pregnant.

During coitus interruptus, you have sex normally. And before he comes, he pulls his penis out of you. The problem: the timing! And you have to trust him completely.

Even in the drop of pleasure, which occurs even before orgasm, sperm are already present. Often this is enough for pregnancy.

We clearly advise against this method of contraception!

Why contraception without hormones pays off

The great advantage of contraception without hormones is that you can become pregnant immediately if you wish. If the IUD is removed and you do not use a diaphragm or a condom, nothing stands in the way of your desire to have a child.

At the same time, you get to know your body really well. You have a completely normal cycle during the entire time. Including ovulation. You will develop a completely different feeling for your body. Some even feel their ovulation.

Those who rely on hormone-free contraceptives can also expect fewer health disadvantages. Yes, period pains can be more severe than with the pill, but this can usually be well controlled with home remedies.

Also the fun in bed will certainly change. The desire for sex is strongly linked to the female cycle. But if you don't have a real cycle because of the pill, then you suffer from sexual aversion, among other things.

Hormonal contraceptive methods are suspected of promoting breast cancer, thrombosis and vascular diseases. They are particularly dangerous for smokers, overweight people and anyone suffering from high blood pressure.

Our conclusion

Contraception without hormones is so much more than just condoms. It pays to use hormone-free contraception and maintain the natural cycle.

However, you have to decide for yourself which contraceptive method without hormones is suitable for you. I have had an IUD for 5 years and am very happy with it.

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