https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:40:46 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1859526 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:19:00 +0000 Skadi 1859526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.persona.info/uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.persona.info/uk/</a> </p> <p>For the past ten years, we've used a fertility monitor that predicts your fertile days based on eight urine tests per month. We've never had an accident. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1859523 Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:12:18 +0000 lamariniere 1859523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Copper IUD for me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858873 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:19:49 +0000 lilyofthewest 1858873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Whups. Picture was too big. Lemme try that again. </p> [attach=3140/14/nbri91.600x446.howwelldoesitwork.png] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858865 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:15:51 +0000 lilyofthewest 1858865@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can still use progestin-only methods if you have migraines with aura -- just not estrogens. If your migraines are linked to your cycle at all (more common or more severe at specific points), using progestin-only methods might actually help make the migraines less frequent and/or less severe too. </p> <p>Non-hormonal options would include permanent sterilization, a copper IUD, male or female condoms, spermicide, female barrier methods like a diaphragm or Lea's shield, fertility awareness, and withdrawal. </p> <p>Progestin-only methods include the Mirena and Skyla IUDs, the Nexplanon implant, Depo Provera, and the mini pill. </p> <p>Some of the non-hormonal and progestin-only methods are really, really, really effective; some are scarily oops prone for a family that's probably complete. I love this chart from Bedsider for the really clear and compelling way that it ranks effectiveness. Some of the methods have the potential to be more effective if you are really careful and consistent, but these are their "real world" averages. </p> <p>Bonus point for an IUD or implant would be that they could buy you the time to decide for sure if you or your partner wants permanent sterilization. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858855 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:09:49 +0000 Vegmama 1858855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nskillet: Once we are done having kids, my partner will get a vasectomy. Until then, we'll rely on the withdrawal method. We've used it for 10 years without any unplanned pregnancies. Condoms are probably the best non-hormonal option if you want an actual barrier (and least invasive). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858797 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:52:07 +0000 JessKas 1858797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nskillet: I've had two, one pre LO (which was AWFUL to get) and one after. After having a baby it was a breeze! Just a little pinch. I had light cramps for a day or two after insertion. My periods are a little heavier but barely noticeable. I know for some people they are a lot worse. I'm really happy with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858787 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:48:45 +0000 Nskillet 1858787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JessKas: was placement of the IUD painful? Do you have any negative side effects? I'm interested in this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858784 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:47:46 +0000 Silva 1858784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>we use condoms, but when we're done having children I anticipate that my husband will have a vasectomy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858776 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:46:09 +0000 JessKas 1858776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also have migraine with aura and have a copper IUD. It's worked out really well for me. I had previously tried the mini pill as it was on the short list of birth control I could use and didn't like it at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858332 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:02:15 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 1858332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FAM + condoms. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858322 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:00:00 +0000 Snowdrop 1858322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used creighton to achieve and plan to use it to avoid when baby is here. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858302 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:53:42 +0000 rattles 1858302@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use (and love) the Creighton method of NFP. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858203 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:05:19 +0000 tororojo 1858203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use FAM for the most part, probably will do some pulling and praying in the intial months when LO2 gets here and my cycle/sleep is off. I think DH will get snipped when we're for sure done. I don't do hormonal BC anymore b/c of side effects and my being paranoid about them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1858193 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:58:39 +0000 MamaG 1858193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Nskillet: Yah, your OB might not be as willing given your age. </p> <p>I'm 40 and my OB advocates for her patients to be done with childbearing at 40. So she was completely on board when I brought it up to her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857709 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 09:47:18 +0000 MrsMccarthy 1857709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Diaphram with spermicide or Today's Sponge worked for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857706 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 09:45:37 +0000 ballerinabee 1857706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The copper IUD is non-hormonal, and supposed to work well. I had to go off of hormonal BC a few years ago because it was worsening my depression, and my mom had a BCP-related mini-stroke when I was in HS, so better safe than sorry. I'll use the copper IUD when we're done. </p> <p>My mom swore by her diaphragm, but she said keep it close. My baby brother is here because my mom's diaphragm was in the bathroom, rather than the bedside table. :wink: (and thanks for over-sharing, Mom!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857695 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 09:39:05 +0000 mamimami 1857695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The pull-out method! Been using it on and off for about 6 years now, no unplanned pregnancies and two very wanted pregnancies! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857693 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 09:38:14 +0000 Nskillet 1857693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaG: I have considered this if I have a repeat section but haven't discussed it with my OB and whenever DH and I chat about it he says he'd be more comfortable with him getting a vasectomy. I'm only 30, hence my reservations even though I am 99% positive we are done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857614 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:43:25 +0000 MamaG 1857614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Tubal ligation is my solution after #2 is born. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857604 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:39:42 +0000 autumnlove 1857604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Condoms and the mini-pill. (progestin-only) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857597 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:36:46 +0000 Circusbee 1857597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We were using the fertility awareness method for about 5-6 months before TTC, although I never really trusted myself with it at the time so we pretty much always used condoms too. I'd still like to go back to it after this baby, though, because I also dislike the side effects I got with hormonal BC. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/non-hormonal-bc-options#post-1857571 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:26:51 +0000 Nskillet 1857571@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you ladies use? After this pregnancy we are done! Can't take the pill due to migraine with aura and negative side effects. </p>