Opting Out of Hormonal Birth Control: The Rise of Natural Family Planning
Food for thought: are hormonal birth controls just another unnecessary substance being added to your body?
Reasons to Steer Clear of Hormonal Birth Control:
As access to information expands, we find ourselves increasingly invested in uncovering the best practices for maintaining our physical and mental well-being. Through our research at ReWild America, it becomes evident that modern approaches have strayed significantly from the natural methods employed by our ancestors. Instead, there's a noticeable shift towards strategies that are marketable and profitable, prompting us to question whose interests these practices truly serve.
Here are compelling reasons to reconsider hormonal birth control methods for your physical and mental health:
Avoidance of Artificial Additions: Hormonal contraceptives introduce external substances into the body, whether in the form of pills, patches, internal devices, or injectables. These additions disrupt the body's natural hormonal balance, which can have far-reaching implications for overall health.
Financial Costs: The financial burden of hormonal birth control can be significant, particularly when factoring in ongoing expenses for prescriptions, doctor visits, and potential side-effect management. For individuals on tight budgets, these costs can pose a considerable barrier to access.
Unwanted Side Effects: Hormonal contraceptives are notorious for their potential to induce a range of undesirable side effects. These may include weight gain, mood swings, depression, decreased libido, cramping, irregular bleeding, and adverse effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood clotting. Such side effects can significantly impact quality of life and overall well-being.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Hormonal contraceptives have been associated with an increased risk of blood clots, particularly in women who smoke or have other risk factors. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that women using combined oral contraceptives had a 3.5-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to non-users.
Negative Impact on Mood: Some women report mood changes while using hormonal contraceptives. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that women using hormonal contraceptives were more likely to be prescribed antidepressants compared to non-users.
Impact on Bone Health: There is evidence suggesting that hormonal contraceptives may negatively impact bone density, especially in adolescents. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with decreased bone mineral density in young women.
Increased Risk of Certain Cancers: Several studies have suggested a possible link between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer risk. Others link it to an increased risk of cervix cancer. A meta-analysis published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that current or recent use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with a small but statistically significant increase in breast cancer risk.
Disruption of Natural Hormonal Balance: Hormonal contraceptives work by altering the body's natural hormonal balance, which can have various effects on overall health. Often, the health reasons individuals go on birth control can be corrected by lifestyle and diet changes. Some studies have suggested that hormonal contraceptives may disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms and other health issues.
For those of you who want to avoid pregnancy, there are other options! Natural Family Planning offers a variety of different ways to track one’s cycle.
NFP offers a deeper connection with oneself and with one’s partner.
What is Natural Family Planning?
Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a versatile approach to both birth control and planned conception. It harnesses the body's natural cues to monitor ovulation, enabling individuals to predict fertile and non-fertile periods with precision. When diligently practiced, NFP emerges as a safe and effective method to achieve desired reproductive outcomes.
Various methodologies exist within NFP (see here), each offering distinct approaches to fertility awareness. One such approach is Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting, which is the method we will focus on.
BBT Charting involves tracking the body's basal (resting) temperature to detect subtle changes, particularly the slight spike that typically accompanies ovulation. When paired with ovulation strips, this method offers enhanced accuracy in pinpointing fertile windows. Understanding the timing of ovulation enables individuals to make informed decisions about intercourse, whether to avoid it during fertile periods or actively pursue conception.
For a deeper dive into the underlying science of BBT Charting and its efficacy, look here.
Basal thermometer: used to take the body’s resting temperature first thing in the morning before much movement or getting out of bed. This type of thermometer gives a more precise temperature measurement.
Reasons to Use Basal Body Temperature Charting:
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting offers a natural and empowering alternative to hormonal birth control methods. Here are reasons to consider incorporating BBT charting into your reproductive health routine:
Cost-Effective Solution: Unlike hormonal contraceptives that can incur ongoing expenses, BBT charting requires minimal to no financial investment. Whether opting for a basic thermometer or utilizing specialized fertility tracking apps, the cost remains within reach for most individuals.
Harmonizing with Natural Rhythms: BBT charting operates in harmony with your body's natural indicators and rhythms, respecting its innate balance without introducing artificial hormones. This approach preserves hormonal equilibrium and avoids potential side effects associated with synthetic contraceptives.
Side Effect-Free: Unlike hormonal birth control methods, BBT charting poses no risk of side effects. It offers a safe and non-invasive means of contraception or conception support, empowering individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
Versatile Functionality: BBT charting serves dual purposes, effectively aiding both birth control and conception endeavors. Its adaptability caters to diverse reproductive goals, offering a versatile solution for individuals at various stages of their fertility journey.
High Effectiveness with Proper Use: When employed correctly, BBT charting boasts a remarkably high effectiveness rate in preventing or achieving pregnancy. This method's reliability hinges on consistent and accurate tracking practices, ensuring optimal results.
Enhanced Body Awareness: Engaging in BBT charting fosters a deeper understanding and connection with one's body. By deciphering their unique cycle and physiological changes, individuals gain invaluable insights into their reproductive health, fostering a sense of empowerment and autonomy.
Fosters Communication: BBT charting encourages open communication between partners, fostering shared responsibility and understanding regarding reproductive choices. It strengthens the foundation of mutual trust and support within relationships, promoting a collaborative approach to family planning.
Empowers Self-Management: With BBT charting, individuals assume control over their reproductive health journey. By bypassing the need for frequent healthcare provider visits or prescriptions, this method puts autonomy squarely in the hands of the user, promoting self-reliance and independence.
If this method has sparked some interest, keep reading to find out how to utilize it at home and see the linked resources for further information.
An example of how temperature changes throughout various parts of the cycle.
How to Use Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting Effectively
Utilizing BBT charting for fertility awareness is a straightforward process, offering insight into your unique reproductive cycle. Here's how to harness this method effectively:
Gather the Essentials: Begin by acquiring a basal thermometer, a specialized device designed to measure subtle changes in basal body temperature. This investment is one-time and forms the foundation of your tracking routine. If you are doing this by hand and not utilizing an app, have a calendar ready to chart each day’s temperature.
Ovulation Test Strips: For enhanced precision, consider supplementing BBT charting with ovulation test strips. These strips enable you to pinpoint the day of ovulation and delineate your unique ovulation window. By testing in the days leading up to expected ovulation, you gain a comprehensive understanding of your fertility cycle.
Consistent Measurement Protocol: To obtain accurate readings, it's crucial to take your temperature consistently each morning before engaging in significant movement or getting out of bed. This consistent timing ensures reliable data points for analysis. It’s important to note that sickness, alcohol consumption, and very little sleep, along with other stressors, can throw off the body’s temperature and give inaccurate readings.
Streamlined Tracking Solutions: Simplify your tracking process by leveraging technology. Utilizing apps like Natural Cycles and wearable devices like the Oura Ring streamlines data collection and analysis. These tools automatically sync your temperature readings and other pertinent information, offering a comprehensive overview of your fertility status. While these apps may require a subscription fee, they streamline the tracking process and provide valuable support throughout your fertility journey.
The Oura Ring can replace using a thermometer each morning and taking your temperature - if you wear the ring all night, it constantly monitors your body’s temperature. The app for the Oura Ring automatically syncs with Natural Cycles and gives it the data it needs to track your cycle. Additionally, you can input extra information to the Natural Cycles app such as physical and emotional symptoms and other bodily measures (mucus tracking, etc.). The Natural Cycles app supplies individuals with a plethora of information surrounding the outcome you are trying to achieve and the best and safest ways to practice.
By embracing BBT charting with modern tracking tools, you gain invaluable insights into your fertility cycle. Whether tracking manually with a thermometer or opting for app-based solutions, the key lies in consistency and diligence. With practice and patience, BBT charting emerges as a powerful tool for fertility awareness and reproductive empowerment without adding extra hormones and throwing off the body’s natural balance.
Resources:
NIH Natural Family Planning Information
Advantages and Disadvantages to NFP
Natural Family Planning Methods
Benefits of Getting Off Birth Control
