Non Hormonal Birth Control

I have had the 10-year copper IUD (Paraguard) in for almost a year and I love it. I too had problems with hormonal birth control, so after my 2nd child was born in Feb 2007 I was thrilled when the copper IUD was one of the options my doc gave me. I love that it is as effective as tubal ligation, but if I choose to have another kid in a few years, I can have it removed and be ready to conceive. Every now and then in the first 6-8 months after it was inserted, my period was heavier or earlier or slightly more crampy than expected, but now everything is back to normal and I don't even know its there. Its definitely worth it!

Hi S.,

Wow, do you have your hands full! My best advice is to discuss the options with your OBGYN. After my first was born, I took the mini-pill and did not like it for many reasons. I stayed on it for about 6 1/2 months and was so happy when I stopped. Then, my pharmacy put me on the generic for Ortho-Novum 777. I also started having emotional issues, PMS issues (physical and emotional), and problems with the actual menstruation itself. My OB insisted that I try the brand name Ortho-Novum first and document my results. He said that if it didn't help that he would try me on YAZ. The brand name prescription did work for me.

So, perhaps a brand name vs. generic could help you, or maybe YAZ? Again, I would discuss this with the dr and find out your options. Good luck. This is one of those things that you would like to only have to decide once and then not really think about again.

I have tried varies types of birth control pills, all leaving me moody and with no sex drive. I retried Depo Provera (something I used in high school and college) and found I had no annoying side effects. What I do find annoying with this birth control is I have to go to the doc's office every three months for the injection, the injection site is sore for a few days, and I spot randomly without any real period. However, I do know people who have tried Depo and complained about weight gain, a constant period for three months, and headaches. I personally have never experienced any of these symptoms.

On a different note, Depo is made with a complete different combination of drugs than the pill and its various versions which is why the side effects are different. That is also why Depo does not decrease your milk supply like other birth controls.

Good luck on your hunt!

Hi S.,

I had the copper IUD put in a few weeks ago. It didn't hurt at all. They say it makes your period worse but I didn't notice a difference at all. I like that it's no hormonal so even if I had heavy periods at least I'm not pumping stuff into my body.

Good luck.

I know it sounds old-fashioned, but I love using a diaphragm. I felt like a crazy woman on the pill, and condoms irritated me. Once I started using the diaphragm I knew it was the right method for me. I couldn't even feel it, and neither could my husband. Maybe you should give it a try! Good luck.

I had a tubal ligation after my 2nd baby was born, and have never regretted it. I have not given birth control even a passing thought for 8 years now, and it's been wonderful! Some people are averse to surgery, but for us it was the best thing to do. I had no complications. I highly recommend it.

nothing wrong with condoms!!

Another option is the sympto-thermal method ... aside from taking your temperature each morning at a certain time, it's not that tough. If you're interested, you can google it or check out the Natural Family Planning website.

Hi there,
I did have the copper IUD when I was younger and don't have any terrible complaints. My cycles were a bit heavy, but not unbearible. My youngest is now 3 months and I think this time around my husband is taking care of things. Good luck on your search.

I use the copper IUD. Like anything it takes a bit of getting use to. But I'm REALLY squeamish about all things like that. I got mine in April and don't even know it's there anymore. My last period even seemed to slow down a bit. At the same time I got it I switched from tampons to the menstrual cup, so I can't judge the increase other than guessing. Which if it did change it was little. I'm happy with it and love not having to worry each month about hormones and pregnancy. I recommend it to all my friends.

Someone else suggested what we found helpful, Natural Family Planning, we used info from the Couple to Couple League. We are not Catholic, but felt this was a better way for me to understand my body. We use this method along with condoms.

I agree with Aimee. I think the best place to start is with your OB. There are so many options for BC and so few that dont have some sort of hormone in it. I would first discuss your options with your OB, then weigh your options on Mamasource. I personally opted for the Depo shot b/c it didnt effect my breastmilk and was (obviously) safe for me to take while breastfeeding (my biggest reason for taking it).

What about a diaprhagm?

Hi,
I've had a copper IUD for almost two years..the Paraguard.
It's been a love hate relationship. In the beginning I had breakthrough spotting that lasted close to 6months. Now it's great, but the first day of my period is very heavy to the point that I have to change a tampon every 2hrs. Then it is done in 3-4days. I do get crampy a few days before my period even starts. There are no hormones involved and there has been no other side effects. It has been great reliable birthcontrol..we got pregnant 3out 4 times on the first month of trying before making this choice.

I have the same problem with any type of hormones. My moods go crazy.... and i have tried them all -- including the nuva-ring. After #2 we resorted to using condoms and natural family planning. Unfortuantly we must have made some kind of mistake becasue i'm pregnant with #3 right now. <sigh> After this one is born we are going to get a reversable vactomy for my husband.

Hi S.,
I used the pill for a few years and started to know how my moods would be by where I was in the cycle. I have PMS and it became worse on the pill. I then used the diaphram for a few years and had repeated yeast infections not to mention the discharge and smell (sorry for the grossness). A friend mentioned Natural Family Planning and not being Catholic I didn't know what it was. I checked it out and it helped me to avoid pregnancy when I wanted and then later to achieve pregnancy. Check it out at http://www.naprotechnology.com/
Good Luck,
D.
Mom of 4; 16, 14, 11 & 8