Safe alternatives to the pill
Safe alternatives to the pill are becoming increasingly important for many people these days. This may be partly due to the side effects of the pill, and partly due to growing awareness of our health.
In this article, we’ll show you the safest alternatives to the pill.
The safest alternative to the pill: NFP according to Sensiplan
The safest contraceptive option apart from a vasectomy is Natural Family Planning (NFP) according to Sensiplan. With this method, you monitor two bodily signs:
- Your basal body temperature
- Your cervical mucus
Alternatively, you can also monitor your cervix. These bodily signs tell you when you are in your fertile window and when you are not.
If you do not wish to have children, you should avoid penetrative sex during your fertile window. Many people use barrier methods such as condoms during this time.
Pearl Index for NFP according to Sensiplan: 0.2 to 0.4
Safe and permanent contraception: vasectomy
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure in which the vas deferens are severed, cauterised at both ends and sutured. This prevents sperm from reaching the outside.
Pearl Index for vasectomy: 0.1 to 0.9
Another alternative to the pill: copper-based contraception
You can choose between the copper coil, the copper chain and the copper ball. All three contraceptives can remain in your body for several years. The copper renders the sperm harmless, thereby preventing eggs from being fertilised.
| Method | Pearl Index |
|---|---|
| Copper IUD | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Copper chain | 0.1 to 0.5 |
| Copper ball | 0.3 to 0.8 |
Contraception using barrier methods
Barrier methods refer to contraceptives that prevent sperm from entering the womb. These include:
- Condom: Is pulled over the penis. Also protects against sexually transmitted infections.
- Femidom: Inserted into the vagina before sex. Also protects against sexually transmitted infections.
- Diaphragm: A latex or silicone membrane that must be inserted at least half an hour before sex. Also requires a special gel.
| Method | Pearl Index |
|---|---|
| Condom | 2 to 12 |
| Femidom | 5 to 25 |
| Diaphragm | 1 to 20 |
Conclusion: NFP is the safest hormone-free alternative
If you’re looking for hormone-free contraception, NFP according to Sensiplan is the safest method. With the ovolution app, you can use NFP easily and safely – as a certified Class I medical device.