How to Use Non-Hormonal Methods of Birth Control

Many women use non-hormonal methods of birth control to help prevent unwanted pregnancy. This type of birth control involves physical or chemical barriers that prevent a man's sperm from reaching a female's egg. Most forms of non-hormonal birth control are highly effective and they normally have fewer side effects than hormonal birth control methods. There are several different types of non-hormonal birth control methods and it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you're interested in using non-hormonal birth control, there are a few things that you must do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Medical evaluation
• Well woman examination
• Lab tests
• Prescription (depending on your choice of birth control)

1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or health care provider, to discuss your birth control options. There are several non-hormonal birth control methods such as the cervical barriers (diaphragm and cervical caps), IUD (inter-uterine device), spermicides, sponge and withdrawal method. Your doctor can inform you of the advantages, disadvantages, risks and benefits for each method.

2. Get a wel woman examination. Your doctor may suggest that you have a well woman examination (pap smear, pelvic examination and breast exam) before beginning a new birth control method. He may also take a sample of your urine and blood for additional testing.

3. Determine which non-hormonal birth control method is best for you. Evaluate your current lifestyle situation and choose a birth control method that best suits your personal and financial needs. Some methods are available over-the-counter (spermicides and sponge), and some require you to visit your doctor in order to get them (diaphragm, IUDs and cervical caps). Since the withdrawal method requires a man to remove his penis from the vagina before he ejaculates, there is no cost, equipment or prescription needed to use this method.

4. Purchase the non-hormonal birth control method of your choice. If you decide to use a diphragm, you must see your doctor to get fitted for one. You need a prescription from a health care provider in order to use cervical caps. An IUD can only be inserted inside of your uterus by a trained medical professional. However, you can purchase the sponge or spermicides anytime at a local drugstore.

5. Read all of the directions before using a new birth control method. Contact your doctor if you are unsure about any of the directions or if you have additional questions.

Tips & Warnings

• The withdrawal method is not a very effective method of birth control.
• If you use a diaphragm, you must get refitted if your weight changes more than 10 pounds.
• Cervical caps come in limited sizes.
• You must reapply spermicides before each act of intercourse.
• The IUD, cervical barriers and withdrawal methods do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
• The sponge provides partial protection against STDs and it can be expensive if used regularly.

Resources

• Drug Digest
• Epigee Woman's Health

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.