Can someone clue me into my non-hormonal birth control options?

[karstmama]

i thought elaine used the sponge?

which might be a good option if it's still around. it was, then it wasn't, then it was, and i've lost track, but it has spermicide but no hormones.

[elektra]

i thought elaine used the sponge?

which might be a good option if it's still around. it was, then it wasn't, then it was, and i've lost track, but it has spermicide but no hormones.

Yah, Elaine used the Today sponge, which is disposable. A diaphragm is somewhat similar but is reusable and is made of latex/rubber (?). A diaphragm is supposedly less effective that condoms FYI. I used to use one but there is no way I want to get pregnant so I think condoms are the best bet as far as the percentages go.

[Multimama]

Yah, Elaine used the Today sponge, which is disposable. A diaphragm is somewhat similar but is reusable and is made of latex/rubber (?). A diaphragm is supposedly less effective that condoms FYI. I used to use one but there is no way I want to get pregnant so I think condoms are the best bet as far as the percentages go.

More Elaine's birth control usage. According to this wikipedia article she did use a diaphragm at least for some of the show.

I think the effectiveness of the diaphragm depends in part on how well it is fitted, right?

[edurnemk]

I'll add a couple of natural ones: Marquette, which uses the Clearblue monitor, and Creighton.

I use the babycomp, it uses basal temperature and it's very effective (more than BCP) though it requires discipline.

I have considered the non-hormonal IUD, too. i can't take BCP's.

[MamaSnoo]

If you just need a bridge until you have your tubal later, and your DH/SO does not want to have a vasectomy, you could combine diaphragm and condoms. The 2 together should be more effective than either alone. I used this strategy for while when in a long distance relationship. It was not worth it to take hormones every day when I only needed birth control every 2-3 months.

[Still-in-Shock]

Years ago, one of my friends used contraceptive foam (or jelly) AND condoms together, since it had the highest rate of success in preventing pregnancy. You would need to check with your doctor about whether you can use the foam because of the chemical content.

[MamaMolly]

Stonecali, I'm a diaphragm user too. My pcp told me how retro I was!

Hipster birth control!

[lizzywednesday]

I've been reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility as a non-hormonal b.c. option and it seems pretty straightforward so long as you're diligent.

At the moment, I'm looking for an app for my iPhone that would help me chart rather than having to keep a sheet of graph paper & pencil on my nightstand.

[Binkandabee]

Thanks for all the replies! The non-hormonal IUD sounds like a good option. I will ask the Dr. about it, but I have a tipped uterus...does that make an IUD not a good option?

[legaleagle]

Thanks for all the replies! The non-hormonal IUD sounds like a good option. I will ask the Dr. about it, but I have a tipped uterus...does that make an IUD not a good option?

I just got a copper iud 6 weeks ago and had a very easy insertion and a quite tilted uterus. No cramping or spotting issues either, so far it's great.