Dear Sexpert,
My boyfriend and I have started having sex recently, and even though we always use condoms when we have sex, I want to be extra careful. So, I'm looking into using another form of birth control as well. I don’t want to go on the pill, because I’m afraid that the hormones will impede my future ability to have kids. What are my other options?
—Hormone Free
Dear Hormone Free,
It’s great that you already use condoms every time you have sex! It’s an important practice concerning your sexual health, as the male condom lowers the risk of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, before we explore additional birth control options, I want to first address your concern about hormones.
Forms of birth control that contain hormones do not have lasting effects on your ability to get pregnant. After discontinuation, most forms of hormonal birth control will allow the user to get pregnant—almost immediately. When used properly, hormonal forms of birth control are highly effective in reducing the chance of becoming pregnant.
However, if you would prefer to use a non-hormonal form of birth control, there are many options. One is ParaGard, the 100% hormone-free intrauterine device (IUD). A medical professional places the device, which uses natural copper to prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg, into your uterus. This method can be inserted and remain effective for up to 10 years. Spermicide is another option and should be used in conjunction with a condom (male or female) to be the most effective. You can use your fingers or the applicator to insert the spermicide in the vagina. Make sure to check the expiration date and follow the specific instructions on the bottle as different spermicides may have different directions. Some types of spermicide can cause skin irritations, so you may want to try out a few different brands. Another option is the diaphragm, which must be used with spermicide in order to be as effective as possible. It’s a latex or silicone cup that is inserted into the vagina to prevent the sperm from entering the cervix. It needs to be inserted every time you have sex, which means it requires some planning. A fourth option is the contraceptive sponge. The sponge is a small foam disc that continuously releases spermicide. Like the diaphragm, you have to insert it before you have sex, but it can be inserted hours in advance and worn for up to 30 hours after you put it in. Finally, there is the cervical cap, which is a small silicone cup that you insert into the vagina to cover the cervix. The cervical cap is most effective when used with spermicide. It can be inserted up to six hours before intercourse but should not be left in place for more than 48 hours.
If any of these methods sound appealing to you, or you change your mind about hormonal options, I strongly encourage you to make an appointment with Sexual Health and Wellness at University Health Services to discuss which method would be the best fit for you. The clinicians can help you decide on a form of birth control and teach you how to use it properly so it can provide the most protection.
—The Sexpert
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