Contraception without pill

The pill is considered a very safe contraceptive. Who does not like to do the permanent hormone cocktail, finds a number of proven alternatives.

Advantages and disadvantages of the anti-baby pill

The anti baby pill is the most commonly used form of contraception. Since market maturity in 1961, some of the side effects have been reduced. The pill is considered very safe and is easy to take. A catch lies in the regular intake. Because only she offers the protection against an unwanted pregnancy. So many women know the worry, if the pill forgotten in the morning, the time difference on vacation becomes a problem or suddenly a troublesome gastrointestinal infection destroys the monthly plan. Another catch are and will remain the side effects, and especially with the "new generation"? the pills, which in addition to the prevention in itself promise beautiful skin and beautiful hair. Some of the newer drugs are very controversial, for example due to increased risk of thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or myocardial infarction. But what are alternatives to the pill?

Temperature measurement in the morning

By measuring the body temperature daily, the fertile days can be calculated as the temperature rises after ovulation. It is measured in the morning, after the wake and before getting up. In technical jargon this is called the basal body temperature. Also, this method requires discipline, the measurement should be done every day at about the same time on the vagina or the intestine. Too short nights, too much alcohol or medication can distort the temperature picture.


It is measured with a normal thermometer. Specific Basal thermometer (available from 15 euros) have the advantage that they can also read differences of 0.05 ° C and are therefore very accurate. For that, the measurement takes a little longer. The basal-temperature thermometers can also be used orally. Usually there are still temperature tables to make the evaluation more comfortable. Otherwise, you have to see which thermometer fits you. Some find the beeping good at the end of the measurement, the others are bothered because the partner awakens it. Some want a glowing display to better read the value, others transfer the value to an app and go to sleep. Meanwhile, there are also basal temperature computers with alarm function (available from 135 €), which determine the fertile and infertile days of the month.

Determining hormones via the urine

Another method of contraception is the measurement of hormone levels in urine. Again, in the morning (first urine after waking up) measured, but only on certain days. The test strip is kept in the urine, the computer (from 80 euros, extra test strips) reads in the data and indicates whether they are days with a high risk of pregnancy or whether everything is in the green. In general, preventing hormone or temperature measurements is not as safe as the pill.

diaphragm

The diaphragm (from 35 euros, durability about 2 years) is a silicone-spanned ring, which is inserted into the vagina and covers the cervix. The goal is not to let the sperm through. In addition, the diaphragm is coated with a gel that makes it less mobile. Meanwhile, the diaphragm is offered in a unit size; Nevertheless, it is advisable to be safe with the size and to turn with questions to the gynecologist or a women's health center. Of course it should not be too small. The fact is, it takes practice until it sits safely and dealing with it goes without saying. Only then will it become an alternative? free of side effects and without planning or computer.

spiral

The spiral is a 2.5 to 3 centimeter long plastic rod that looks like the letter "T? to come apart. Below, the rod is surrounded by copper, through which the mucus changes and makes it difficult for the sperm to pass through. If fertilization occurs, the copper intervenes again and prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterus. A spiral is re-used every five years. In the meantime regular checks are necessary. Disadvantage is that it comes to many bleeding to many, sometimes to bleeding. Rarely but not completely ruled out are abdominal inflammations.

The pill for the man

While many attempts to develop a reliable male contraceptive have failed in recent years, Indonesian scientists are planning to launch a natural men's pill. The main ingredient is an extract from the Gendarussa bush growing in Indonesia. The safety should be at 99 percent, hormones are not supplied.

Female Birth Control Options | Family Planning | March 2024