How to AVOID pregnancy WITHOUT hormones

There are a lot of ways to prevent pregnancy out there. The most common are hormonal methods - the pill, the patch, the shot..but, do you really know what they are doing to your body? You are taking, constantly, artificial hormones. Hormones impact your body at the cellular level. Taking hormonal birth control can cause a number of problems - seeing as it's a rather controversial subject to some, I won't go into the details here. But, for those who would rather be free of hormones and still have sex without (a great) risk of pregnancy, here are a few ways to do this.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Time, patience
• Ability to tune into your own body
• Supportive, (preferably) monogamous/long-term partner

1. IUD's
   Although not without some problems and possible risks, IUD's are a modern way to prevent pregnancy. However, they are not all hormone-free. One in particular, Paragard, is a copper IUD that is nearly 99% effective. A doctor inserts it into your uterus, and monthly you check to see if the strings are there, in place. The strings are right near your cervix, so you shouldn't have to worry about it interfering with any sexual activity. ParaGard works by preventing sperm from joining an egg, and alters the lining of the uterus. In addition, the copper works as a sort of "repellent" towards sperm, making it possible to be effective without hormones - doctors, however, are not completely sure how this works. (IUD's do not prevent against STD's).
2. Natural Family Planning/Ovulation Method/BBT Method
   These methods are basically the same; and used in conjunction with each other to form the most effective type of birth control.
   There really isn't enough room here to explain the type of method, but it is generally charting your cycle every month to see when you ovulate. You do this by charting your mucus level, basal body temperature, moods, and period days. I REALLY suggest getting a book, as it might be somewhat confusing at first, but is very effective once you get the hang of it. However, if you have a very erratic cycle, this method may not be for you. Also, if you are coming off hormonal birth control, then you would need to give it a few months until your cycle is back to what is was before. Try searching it via Google, as there are a lot of resources online, and it is a very effective method (you chart when you are able to have sex, and perhaps around 6 days out of the month, you must abstain or use some other method, like a condom); nearly 98-99% effective when done correctly.
3. Barrier Methods
   Of course, this is the easiest way. Use a condom! Or a diaphragm, or cervical cap. This does reduce spontaneity, can be uncomfortable for some women to use, and is quite possible to fail (a condom falls off/rips; a diaphragm is out of place, etc.). However, if used correctly, should have a very low failure rate. I suggest it should be used with another back-up method, in case.
4. Withdrawal Method
   Was debating whether to put this on here, but it is hormonal-free, and doesn't necessarily have a high-failure rate. When done correctly, it's around 95% effective. HOWEVER, it's certainly not a fun method- for girls or guys. But it works - generally, pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), the liquid that comes out of the penis during sexual excitement before ejaculation, doesn't have . But you MUST, every time, pull out before any semen comes out. For a man, that requires a lot of self-restraint. But, it can be done. I actually used that as my main contraceptive method for 2 years - never got pregnant. It is not the case for everyone, though.
5. Herbal Abortifacents
   Again, debating whether to put this on here. Abortion is dangerous (especially on your own), highly controversial, but women have been using herbs after having sexual intercourse for thousands of years in order to prevent fertilization/induce contractions for very very early abortion. There is no known herb that can be taken regularly and safely, to prevent pregnancy (Queen Anne's lace, wild yam, etc. are myths and when taken every day/every whatever do not prevent pregnancy). There exists only herbs to induce abortion. Use at your own risk, and seek advice from an herbalist, not online. If taken a bit above the recommended dose, serious risks could occur.

Tips & Warnings

• IUD's could possibly cause great risks to your uterus/cervix. Research online, and ask your doctor about the risks before getting one.
• Be careful about the herbs you take. Just because they come from this Earth, does not mean they could be poisonous to you in certain doses.
• If you're coming off hormonal birth control and wish to use method #3, your body needs time to get back to its normal cycle. Be aware that if you have been on hormonal birth control for a number of years, your body may never go back to "normal".