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True or false. You and bae are having sex every day to keep yourselves entertained during the coronavirus pandemic? If you answered yes, believe me, you’re not the only one. I get it. Sex is a great way to get your cardio in while being quarantined but if you’re not trying to be a Yummy Mummy anytime soon, you definitely should be using some type of birth control.
Now, I recognize that you may be hesitant to use traditional hormonal methods because of side effects. Irregular periods, mood swings and potential weight gain just to name a few. But have you ever considered using hormone-free birth control?
No?
Well, non-hormonal birth control protects against pregnancy, without interfering with your natural hormones.
In recent years as more women have adopted a more natural lifestyle, there has been renewed interest in hormone-free options. The copper intrauterine device (IUD), vaginal sponges’, spermicides, condoms, and fertility awareness-base methods (FABM) have again taken center stage. Each of these methods has its merits, but it should be noted that options are more effective in preventing pregnancy than others.
Still not convinced?
Well, let me give you 5 reasons why the coronavirus pandemic is the perfect time to consider a hormone-free birth control option.
1. Hormone-Free Birth Control is Cheap
Compared to traditional methods, many non-hormonals are relatively inexpensive. Fertility awareness-based methods (FABM) will actually cost you very little while condoms will cost you about a dollar each. But buying them in bulk will actually help you save some more coins. A box of 3 condoms cost about $2 but in a box of 12 or more, each condom will actually cost less than a dollar each (yaaasss!).
If you prefer contraceptive sponges, a box will run you anywhere between $9 to $15. And don’t forget about the spermicide which can cost between $5 to $15 a kit.
The copper IUD is the most effective hormone-free birth control method. Fewer than 1 out of 100 women who use it will get pregnant each year. It costs anywhere from $0 to $1,300. The good news is, they are often covered by health insurance, Medicaid, or other government programs. Even with a hefty upfront cost, the copper IUD is will save you money over time and prevent unwanted for up to 10 years or whenever you are ready to start your family.
2. Hormone-Free Birth Control is Convenient
Even though many states have implemented a shelter in place order, you can still pick up many non-hormonal options like the vaginal sponges, condoms, or spermicides during your shopping trips. You won’t have to worry about the inconvenience of scheduling an appointment or filling prescriptions, simply peruse the family planning aisle at your local pharmacy or grocery store to see what’s available. Be sure to follow the directions listed, and speak to the pharmacist if you have any questions.
3. There are Fewer Side Effects
So you already know vaginal barriers, spermicides, and the copper IUD don’t contain any hormones but another benefit is that these methods often have fewer side effects than traditional contraceptive choices (although the copper IUD has been linked to serious side effects.
Some women may experience irritation, dryness, burning or have an allergic reaction with use. Also, diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges have been associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS)- a rare but serious infection caused by certain types of bacterial infections. If you do experience any side effects or complications from your birth control you should definitely speak to your healthcare provider.
4. You can Learn About Your Body
The extra free time on your hands gives you the perfect opportunity to learn more about your body and how it works. The fertility awareness-based method (FABM) helps you pinpoint ovulation (when your body releases an egg) to avoid pregnancy. It also helps you track your fertility signs.
There are a couple of ways to do this:
- The temperature method: You take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed. For the first half of your menstrual cycle, your body temperature will be low. Eventually, you should see your temperature rise during the second half of your cycle. The upward temperature swing is when ovulation happens.
- The cervical mucus method: You check your vaginal discharge every day. Closer to ovulation you will notice more clear and wet discharge which is you’re most fertile period. Avoid sex when you see this to lessen your chances of pregnancy.
- The calendar method: You can predict your most fertile days by tracking the length of your period over several months (at least 6 months). Record the first day of your period then record the first day of your next period. Count the total number of days between each cycle. Warning– if your periods are shorter than 27 days or are irregular this method won’t work for you. To predict when it’s safe to have sex- find the shortest cycle in your record and subtract 18 from the total number of days in that cycle. For example, if your shortest cycle is 26 days long, subtract 18 from 26 which equals 8. The first day of your menstrual cycle is the first day you bleed and the 8th day of your cycle is your first fertile day.
- The symptothermal method: This is a combination of methods. For example, using the cervical mucous method and the temperature method together.
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Now, the FABM isn’t fool-proof. You must follow the instructions very carefully – and get your partner to agree to follow them too. But it can help to increase your awareness and understanding of your body. I’ve shared my struggles with infertility and I can say that FABM pushed me to seek the help I needed to finally conceive.
5. Hormone-Free Birth Control is Available on Demand
So eventually social distancing will end and you may decide to scale back on your “nighttime nookie.” You can stop your hormone-free birth control whenever you choose. You no longer have to fret about remembering to pop a pill every day or worse the side effects of stopping your pills midcycle.
Hormone-Free Birth Control and the Coronavirus Pandemic
Hormone-Free birth control can provide affordable and safe alternatives for an active sex life during the coronavirus lockdown. IUDs, condoms, diaphragms, and sponges if used correctly can provide you with protection if you want to enjoy a lil “sexy time” with bae but aren’t quite ready to start your family just yet.