Everything you need to know about non-hormonal birth control

What is non-hormonal birth control?

Non-hormonal birth control is a category of methods that prevent pregnancy without using hormones (a key ingredient in birth control pills, the patch, the ring, the shot, and hormonal IUDs). There are a number of different non-hormonal birth control options, including the copper IUD, condoms, the fertility awareness method, and more. We’ll dive into them in a minute!

What are the benefits of non-hormonal birth control?

Non-hormonal birth control is reversible, with the exception of permanent sterilization, and commonly works without the side effects associated with some hormonal birth control methods, such as mood swings, weight gain, or nausea. These options are also safe for people with migraines or a predisposition to blood clots, who may not be able to take the most commonly prescribed birth control pills.

Where can I get non-hormonal birth control?

Often available over the counter, online (including at Hey Jane), or at your local clinic, non-hormonal birth control is simple to obtain. Condoms are the easiest option to purchase and are available at most stores and pharmacies, while longer-acting options like the copper IUD need an in-person visit with a medical provider.

How much does non-hormonal birth control cost?

The cost for non-hormonal birth control varies by option. Condoms are relatively inexpensive while the cost of an IUD may be a bit pricier depending on your insurance coverage and clinic’s financial assistance options.

Non-hormonal birth control methods

There are many birth control methods available and it’s helpful to fully understand your options so that you can make the choice that’s right for you. Fortunately, if you try one method and it’s not working for you, you can easily switch to another! 

Condoms

External and internal condoms are used during sex to prevent pregnancy and also protect against sexually transmitted infections. There are tons of different styles and sizes of condoms, as well as those made with and without latex. Select options are available through Hey Jane—you can order them directly or connect with our expert clinical care team to talk through your options. Click here to get started.

Vaginal gel

There are different variations of vaginal gels. One is spermicide, a chemical-based gel inserted in the vagina before sex that keeps sperm from fertilizing an egg. Another is vaginal acidifying gels, a prescription gel used before sexual intercourse to make the pH of the vagina inhospitable to sperm. Both vaginal gels are available through Hey Jane—you can order them directly or connect with our expert clinical care team to talk through your options. Click here to get started..

The Copper IUD

A small plastic device wrapped with a copper coil and placed in your uterus by a clinician that works to prevent pregnancy long term by encouraging an inflammatory response, which is toxic to sperm and ova.

Diaphragm

A circular piece of silicon slipped into the vagina to cap the cervix and prevent sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an ova. Diaphragms are worn only during sexual intercourse and are prescribed by a clinician. There are different brands you can order directly through Hey Jane, or you can connect with our expert clinical care team to talk through your options.  Click here to get started.

Fertility awareness method

Also known as natural family planning, the rhythm method, and BBT tracking, this method involves tracking your ovulation and menstrual cycle to identify the days you may become pregnant. People who don’t want to become pregnant avoid sex on their most fertile days or use a backup method, such as condoms. Identifying the days that you’re fertile involves checking your temperature each morning and paying close attention to changes in your body, like your cervical mucus. 

Withdrawal

Sometimes called “the pull out method,” withdrawal requires the penis-having partner to ejaculate outside of the vagina.

Sterilization

A surgical procedure to permanently prevent pregnancy, which involves cutting or blocking the fallopian tubes or vas deferens. In most cases, sterilization is not reversible, so it’s best used when you do not plan on becoming pregnant in the future.

Short-acting methods 

These provide the shortest amount of coverage, working only when you are using them, or for days, weeks, or months. Using a barrier method to prevent pregnancy, such as an external or internal condom, provides the shortest-acting coverage and is used only during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are also a great option to protect against sexually transmitted infections. Vaginal gel and diaphragms are also short-acting options.

Long-acting methods 

These protect against pregnancy for extended periods of time and include the non-hormonal IUD made of plastic and copper that lasts up to 12 years, or sterilization, which is permanent.

How effective is non-hormonal birth control at preventing pregnancy?

Non-hormonal birth control can be very effective when used correctly—especially the copper IUD, which is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The IUD is convenient and once it’s placed can simply be forgotten about for up to 12 years. Some non-hormonal options, such as condoms, may be more convenient as a short-term method because you don’t need an appointment in a medical office to start or stop use, which gives people freedom and flexibility. Condoms are about 87-98% effective depending on the correctness and consistency of use.

Should I use a backup method of birth control when using non-hormonal methods?

It’s a good idea to have short-acting non-hormonal birth control options on hand, such as condoms or a diaphragm, while using hormonal methods of birth control, just in case you experience a lapse in use. Many unplanned pregnancies occur after a birth control pill is missed or an injection date is later than planned. Having a back-up method, like condoms, during these times can be really useful in preventing unplanned pregnancies.

You may also want to consider using birth control that acts as a barrier when having sex with a new or different partner—such as external condoms—whether you’ve got long-acting birth control and/or hormonal birth control. Not all birth controls protect against sexually transmitted infections, so this is an important way to protect yourself against STIs.

Is non-hormonal birth control right for me?

Only you know what’s right for your body, but talking to a health care provider can help you understand the best birth control options for you. At Hey Jane, we believe you know your body best and our expert clinical care team is here to help you find the right non-hormonal birth control for your needs.

How to talk to your provider about non-hormonal birth control

When speaking with a health care provider about starting a new birth control, a few things to discuss include whether or not you need birth control that prevents sexually transmitted infections, and if you need a long-acting or short-acting method of birth control. It can help to write down your questions, concerns, and past history with birth control before your appointment so you don’t have to worry about recalling all of those details. Your provider should put your concerns and needs first before making a recommendation, so if you aren’t feeling heard, request that they involve you in their decision making. And, if they’re still not meeting your needs, it’s ok to talk to another provider! 

Short-acting methods 

These provide the shortest amount of coverage, working only when you are using them, or for days, weeks, or months. Using a barrier method to prevent pregnancy, such as an external or internal condom, provides the shortest-acting coverage and is used only during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are also a great option to protect against sexually transmitted infections. Vaginal gel and diaphragms are also short-acting options.

Long-acting methods 

These protect against pregnancy for extended periods of time and include the non-hormonal IUD made of plastic and copper that lasts up to 12 years, or sterilization, which is permanent.

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Is birth control bad for you?

Hormonal birth control is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy and regulate hormonal conditions, but like any medication, it can come with potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include nausea, bleeding or spotting, breast tenderness, and headaches, but serious complications are rare. Most people use hormonal birth control methods without major issues, and the benefits—like regulating periods, managing acne, and reducing the risk of certain cancers—often outweigh the risks. If you’re looking for help selecting a birth control method that works for you, including non-hormonal options, you can consult with a Hey Jane provider in 1 business day and get a list of personalized recommendations. 

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How to get or start using non-hormonal birth control

Hey Jane offers birth control consultations from the comfort and convenience of your phone—including non-hormonal methods! We offer the diaphragm, vaginal gel, and condoms. 

Birth control care with Hey Jane includes:

• Fast, convenient consultations
• Delivery or fast, local pick up from your pharmacy
• Judgment-free care and expert guidance
• Affordable consultations with or without insurance (including HSA/FSA)
• 100+ options, including non-hormonal methods