Understanding the Pros and Cons of Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Nearly all sexually active women have used some form of birth control at some point during their lives. Birth control helps prevent pregnancy so you can control your health and your future.

Birth control methods can be roughly divided into two types: hormonal and non-hormonal. Understanding the pros and cons of each type can help guide you in your search for the optimal method for you.

Richard Roberts, MD, and the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe offer a wide variety of birth control methods, so women have the widest array of choices. In this post, Dr. Roberts and his team discuss the differences between hormonal and non-hormonal methods to aid you in your decision.

Know your options

Before discussing the pros and cons, it’s important to know the key differences between each treatment and which methods fall into each category.

Like the name implies, hormonal methods use hormones to help prevent unintended pregnancy. These methods use estrogen, progestin, or a combination to prevent ovulation or make the uterus or cervix “inhospitable” to pregnancy. Some methods do both.

Hormonal contraceptives include:

• Birth control pills
• Patches
• Rings
• Implants
• Injections
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

There are different brands and types for many of these methods, as well.

Non-hormonal birth control works to prevent pregnancy using methods that don’t involve hormones. These methods include: 

• Condoms
• Diaphragms
• Sponges
• Tubal ligation
• Vasectomy
• Cervical cap
• Abstinence

Fertility timing and withdrawal are other non-hormonal methods, but they have a far lower success rate in preventing pregnancy.

Hormonal vs. non-hormonal: Pros and cons 

Both hormonal and non-hormonal have unique advantages and disadvantages, and knowing about them can help guide your choice.

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control is very easy to use. With the exception of the pill, these methods offer continual, long-term protection that lasts anywhere from a few months to several years. These methods are also highly effective at preventing pregnancy with prevention rates approaching 100%.

Hormonal methods can also result in lighter periods, and they may lessen your risks of certain types of cancer, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or premenstrual syndrome.

Cons

Hormonal methods may also increase your risks of medical problems, including stroke, heart attack, breast or cervical cancer, and blood clots. If you smoke, these risks can be much higher. 

With IUDs, there’s also a risk of uterine puncture. These methods also offer no protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Finally, hormonal birth control methods can cause temporary side effects, like breast tenderness, nausea, or headaches. The good news is, these effects typically go away once your body adjusts to the hormones.

Non-hormonal birth control

Not surprisingly, non-hormonal contraceptives don’t have the risk of hormone-related side effects to worry about. you can use these methods only when needed, and you don’t need to wait before they become effective.

Perhaps the most important benefit is that some non-hormonal methods also provide a measure of protection against STDs. That said, it’s still possible to contract an STD even with these methods (with the exception of abstinence).

Cons

The biggest drawback for non-hormonal methods is that they tend to be less effective overall compared to hormonal methods, and they require vigilance to achieve the best results. 

For instance, fertility timing (also called the fertility awareness method or FAM) can have a fairly high success rate, but only when you follow stringent guidelines and never deviate from them. This method depends on knowing when you ovulate, and since stress, illness, and other factors can affect ovulation, there’s a risk that even with awareness, your timing could be off.

Many methods use spermicide, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Other methods may increase the risk of urinary tract infections or toxic shock syndrome.

Choosing the best contraceptive method

Having the right birth control method tailored to your preferences helps you feel more confident and relaxed during intimacy and beyond. To find out which method is the best one for you, call 936-756-7788 or book an appointment online with the team at OB/GYN Associates of Conroe in Conroe, Texas, today.