Alternative Means of Contraception: Breaking Off Sexual Intercourse as a Birth Prevention Technique
In the realm of family planning, a variety of hormone-free contraceptive methods are available for couples who prefer to avoid hormone-based options. Let's delve into these alternatives and understand their effectiveness.
The pull-out method, also known as the withdrawal method, is a sexual technique where the man interrupts sexual intercourse and pulls the penis out of the vagina just before ejaculation to prevent sperm from reaching the woman's egg. However, it's essential to note that this method is not recommended as a primary means of contraception, due to its high risk of failure. It is more suitable for secondary use, especially when combined with other methods like condoms, birth control, and intra-uterine devices.
One of the most effective hormone-free reversible methods is the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Highly effective with a success rate of over 99%, copper IUDs physically prevent fertilization and can last for several years.
Barrier methods, such as male and female condoms, diaphragms, and spermicides, also offer a degree of protection. Male condoms provide about 82% typical-use effectiveness and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while female condoms are less common but hormone-free with typical-use failure rates around 21%. Diaphragms and spermicides have moderate effectiveness, with around 88% perfect use but ~88% typical use.
Sterilization, including vasectomy for men and tubal ligation for women, is another permanent contraceptive option. Both methods are highly effective, with success rates over 99%.
Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) involve tracking ovulation through body signs or calendar methods to avoid intercourse on fertile days. While the typical use effectiveness is lower (~76%), perfect use can be better (95–99%).
The lactational amenorrhea method, effective up to 6 months postpartum if breastfeeding exclusively, is another hormone-free and natural method with variable effectiveness.
Outercourse, sexual activities excluding vaginal penetration, is another hormone-free option that prevents pregnancy without the need for any contraceptives.
It's crucial to remember that the pull-out method does not offer protection against STDs. Therefore, it is advisable to get tested regularly if using this method without condoms. Moreover, when using the pull-out method, it is essential to pull out fully before ejaculation for effectiveness and for the man to ejaculate away from the woman's body.
In summary, hormone-free options range from highly effective devices like the copper IUD and sterilization to barrier and behavioral methods with varying effectiveness depending on correct use. Condom use is the only method that also provides STI protection without hormones. The pull-out method, while hormone-free, is less reliable compared to other contraceptives and should be used in combination with other methods for increased effectiveness.
[1] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Contraception. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2018/07/contraceptive-management-for-women-with-breast-cancer [2] Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Copper IUD. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/copper-iud [3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Male Latex Condoms. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/condoms.html [5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Birth control methods: What's right for you? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/birth-control/art-20046027
