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Long-Term, Reversible Contraception Gains Traction With Young Women

  • October 24, 2016

The birth control pills are the most popular form of contraception in the U.S. among women but “The Pill” is only one of several delivery methods used for hormonal contraception. Kaiser Health News reports that long acting contraceptives like IUDs are rapidly gaining in popularity among younger women.

The problems posed by hormonal birth control are well documented. The Pill and IUDs both work by manipulating sex hormones that affect mood and other biological processes. This can lead to many unintended consequences, some of them uncomfortable and others serious. Recent research has focused on the dangers that hormonal birth control poses to your mental health. Birth control pills have been tied to depression in recent studies.

The Department of Health and Human Services has taken an active in roll in subsidizing IUDs and other long term contraceptives. Their goal is to reduce unwanted pregnancies at all costs but the information they provide promotes hormonal birth control over natural methods.

However, you may be relieved to learn that you don't have to subject yourself to the risks of hormonal contraception, or learn to live with the side effects, in order to take control of your reproductive health. One of the most common natural alternatives is the barrier method. These include condoms, diaphragms and the sponge. They function on the basic principle of preventing the sperm from reaching the eggs.

Fertility awareness can be used in conjunction with the barrier method. Monitoring the most fertile period of each month is a highly effective means of avoiding unwanted pregnancy. An experienced holistic health care provider can help you choose the best non-hormonal contraception options for you.