Birth Control Options
Disclaimer: This is not a lesson in Fertility Awareness. Nor is this method necessarily right for you. I strongly advise you to continue researching birth control options that are right for you, and seeking professional help if you’re experiencing problematic menstrual symptoms.
Also, this review is not sponsored.
For most of us, we learn about our birth control options either online or at our doctor’s office. Because of this, online is either trying to sell you a product, or could be misinformation (or simply someone’s experience that won’t work for your body). And your doctor is educated in (mostly) pharmaceuticals (which isn’t a bad thing). However, this does mean that your doctor is probably not going to recommend using FAM (Fertility Awareness Method) or even mention something like Natural Cycles because, a) there’s a larger margin for user error, and b) they probably didn’t receive training on these because they learn a lot of other areas.
But WHY would we want to explore other options?
It probably has something to do with side effects or ideology.
Side effects of hormonal and copper contraceptives is not a new discussion. If you’re curious about some of the documented problems of hormonal birth control, watch the documentary The Business of Birth Control.
While some people experience no side effects, or any of the follow side effects clear up after a month or two, many users have reported these symptoms persist. Side effects associated with hormonal IUDs and pills can include:
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Decreased libido
- Yeast infections
- Irregular bleeding
- Cramping or pelvic pain
- Heavier and more painful bleeding (common with copper IUD)
Health risks associated with hormonal contraceptives and copper IUDs:
- Infection (IUD insertion)
- PID
- Blood clots
- Gallbladder disease
- They can increase the risk of some forms of cancer
- IUDs can potentially perforate the uterus 1 2 3 4 5
- Further, many people report the insertion of IUDs to range from uncomfortable to VERY painful.
It’s important to remember that these side effects do NOT happen to everyone and it’s very dependent on your body. Also health risks are RISKS, not certainties.
Another factor someone might search for an alternative to the more common birth control options is cost. If you don’t have health insurance coverage for prescriptions, IUDs and pills can be expensive. While an IUD once inserted can last for five to ten years, hormonal contraceptive pills must be taken daily and are generally a monthly expense.
Do your research and look into your health insurance to see what coverage you have and how much these options cost in your community.
Finally, the last reason someone may want to avoid hormonal birth control is that they plan on getting pregnant in the following years.
Disruptions and side effects from hormonal contraceptives do not go away the second you stop taking the pill. Even if you’re interested in cycle tracking or FAM, you may not have a regular cycle for a year or two (depending on your body and how long you were on hormonal birth control).
Even if you don’t plan to get pregnant in the next year, it’s important to look ahead and decide if it will be a priority in the following years. Your ovulation and fertility will take time to regain optimal function and for many who will be trying to conceive, it can take a lot longer when you come off hormonal contraceptives (again, this is a unique experience for everyone, some can conceive within months of getting off hormonal birth control).
Whether you’re considering hormonal, copper, or any other form of birth control, it’s crucial to research and discuss with your health practitioners. While the decision is ultimately up to you, unless you’re thoroughly educated on the matter, a health professional’s opinion could prevent a problematic choice.
Resources
FAM Educators I love to learn from:
2. Fertility Awareness Project
Citations
- What Are the Side Effects of Birth Control Pills? Anna Gotter. https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control-side-effects#risks
- 10 most common birth control pill side effects. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290196#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
- 12 Side Effects of Birth Control Pills You Should Be Aware of. Dr. Araf Maghribi Khan. https://www.emedihealth.com/womens-health/pregnancy/side-effects-birth-control-pills
- Hormonal IUD (Mirena). Mayo Clinic Staff. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mirena/about/pac-20391354
- IUD Side Effects: Known Complications of Hormonal & Copper IUDs. Stephanie Watson. https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/iud-side-effects