For many women, getting off birth control comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The decision to stop hormonal birth control is often driven by side effects, such as mood swings, weight gain, anxiety, digestive issues, and even nutrient depletion. If you’re considering this transition, you might be interested in exploring non hormonal birth control methods.

These methods allow you to regain control of your body while avoiding the unwanted side effects that come with hormonal methods.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the various non hormonal birth control methods, focusing on two of the most popular: the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) and the Copper IUD. These methods are not only hormone-free but also provide a more natural way to understand and work with your body.

Why Choose Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Many women experience long term side effects of birth control pills that impact their health and well-being. These include:

• Mood swings and irritability
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Increased anxiety
• Digestive issues like bloating or nausea
• Nutrient depletion, particularly with B vitamins and magnesium

These symptoms are often signs of post birth control syndrome, where your body is adjusting after stopping synthetic hormones.

If you’re one of the many women who are ready to stop hormonal birth control but are concerned about the potential for pregnancy, non hormonal birth control methods might be the answer. These methods offer the freedom to work with your body’s natural cycles without interfering with your hormones.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options

There are several non hormonal birth control methods to consider, but the two we’ll cover in detail are the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) and the Copper IUD.

Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)

The Fertility Awareness Method is a scientifically-backed approach that involves tracking your biological signs of ovulation to determine when you’re fertile. Unlike hormonal methods, FAM empowers you to work with your body, helping you understand your natural cycles.

TO USE FAM EFFECTIVELY, YOU’LL TRACK THREE MAIN SIGNS OF FERTILITY:

1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT): A slight rise in temperature after ovulation.
2. Cervical Mucus (CM): Changes in mucus that indicate fertility.
3. Cervical Position: Changes in the cervix that correspond with fertility.

FAM can be incredibly effective when used correctly. With perfect use, it’s 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, the typical use rate is around 75-98%, depending on consistency and knowledge of your body.

This method is ideal for women who are willing to commit to tracking their cycles daily and who want to avoid the risks of taking birth control. It’s also great for women with regular or semi-regular cycles, though it may require guidance for those with more irregular cycles.

Listen to this podcast for an even deeper dive into FAM.

Copper IUD (Paragard)

If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance option, the Copper IUD is another excellent choice. 

This non hormonal birth control method works by preventing sperm from fertilizing the egg. It’s over 99% effective and can last for up to 10 years, making it ideal for women who want long-term birth control without hormones.

The Copper IUD does have some potential side effects, such as heavier periods and cramping. I recommend testing copper levels beforehand to make sure your body isn’t already high in copper. High levels of copper in the body can cause inflammation which is what leads to adverse side effects for some.

If this is ruled out, it’s an excellent choice for those who don’t want to track their cycles daily.

Who Should Consider Non-Hormonal Birth Control?

Non hormonal birth control methods are perfect for:

• Women who are wondering how to get off birth control safely and not get pregnant.
• Those experiencing negative effects of the pill on the body.
• Anyone seeking a natural, hormone-free lifestyle and a better understanding of their body.

This transition is also a great time to focus on foods for hormone balance and gentle support strategies, like birth control detox protocols and lifestyle changes that help your body recalibrate and thrive.

How to Choose the Right Method for You

When deciding between FAM and the Copper IUD, consider your preferences and lifestyle:

• Do you prefer daily tracking or a one-time procedure like the Copper IUD?
• How comfortable are you with potential heavier periods (Copper IUD) or the need to track daily fertility signs (FAM)?
• Do you want to stay hormone-free while also gaining awareness of your body’s natural rhythms? You can technically do this with BOTH methods!

The right choice will depend on your individual needs and comfort level with each method. And if you’re working through hormonal symptoms like fatigue, acne, or mood shifts, now is the time to explore root-cause support and strategies for how to help hormonal imbalance.h each method.

Final Thoughts & Action Steps

Both Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) and the Copper IUD offer safe, non hormonal birth control methods to avoid the risks of taking birth control. If you’re ready to stop hormonal birth control and avoid unwanted symptoms, either option might be perfect for you.

For more in-depth information, be sure to listen to this podcast episode on Apple or Spotify where I break down these methods in detail.

If you’re ready to take the next step, download my FREE Breakup with Birth Control masterclass, which will guide you on how to get off birth control safely without experiencing the symptoms associated with post birth control syndrome.

Let’s make this transition as smooth and empowering as possible! Reach out with any questions or send me a DM on Instagram. I’m here to support you!

The Podcast