Even though when used properly, condoms are a very efficient form of STI and pregnancy prevention, the data is rather conclusive in this regard.
Even though they are the most widely used and legitimately effective form of contraception, condoms don’t work for everyone. Alternatives should be sought out for a variety of valid reasons, such as latex allergies, excessive friction, and simple curiosity about trying out a different method of contraception.
In this article, we have shared some of the alternatives to condoms that might help you avoid pregnancy.
Some of the best Condom Alternatives
- Combined Oral Contraceptive
Combined Oral Contraceptive pills are pills that are particularly designed for females and Oestrogen in addition to progesterone are combined in the pills. It is advised to use the pills three weeks out of every four, either as a daily tablet or less repeatedly in the form of a patch every week.
Less than 1 woman in 100 will become pregnant annually when utilizing this technique, thus it can be said that the pill is over 99% successful. It stops an egg from releasing, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm from passing through, and thins the womb lining to inhibit an egg from implanting and developing.
- Female Condoms
This preventative can be 79–95% effective if you follow the directions precisely and utilize it correctly. Because there is less demand, which is primarily due to a lack of awareness, it is a very unpopular strategy. There is no reason, though, why it couldn’t function equally as a male condom.
- Caps/ Diaphragms
Another alternative for condoms is Caps or Diaphragms which is a flexible latex/silicone device that covers the cervix and discourages sperm from entering when used with a spermicide gel. One benefit is that there are no side effects or health risks as it is a chemical-free substitute to hormone-based contraceptive techniques. However, for it to be 92–96% effective, it can be filthy and must be left in place for at least six hours.
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- Progesterone Only Pill (The Mini-Pill)
Progesterone is the sole hormone the pill provides for women (there is no oestrogen), and it must be taken every day without fail within the same 3-hour window. After taking the pill, women may find that their periods are inconsistent and unexpected, or they may even be completely stopped. If used as directed, the pill is 99% effective, however, even with few health hazards, there is a potential of developing ovarian cysts.
- Fertility Awareness Apps And Devices
Fertility awareness apps use sophisticated algorithms and your smartphone to anticipate your vaginal temperature, period, and ovulation to determine if you are fertile. However, fertility awareness and “natural” planning are similar to one of the earliest techniques of birth control. It’s only a little window of a few days, but if your calculations are off, it might lead to pregnancy.
- Copper IUD / Coil
A copper IUD or Coil is a tiny, plastic, copper T-shaped device that is implanted inside the womb. Copper possesses characteristics that destroy sperm, impeding egg implantation and fertilization. This won’t affect ovulation, thus it shouldn’t affect the body’s normal hormonal cycle. It is well-liked by women who require reliable contraception but do not want or are unable to use hormones. The menstrual cycle will typically become heavier, more painful, and frequently longer as a result. Depending on the specific device used, it can last up to 10 years and is over 99% effective when installed properly.
- Depo Shots
Depo Shots are determined as a progesterone dose that is injectable to women every 12 weeks. It is a great method of contraception, but it has adverse effects for women including weight gain, and it also takes them roughly a year to become pregnant again after stopping the procedure. With this approach, less than four women per thousand become pregnant every two years, making it incredibly successful. However, because it can thin the bones, it is not recommended for long-term use.
- Nexplanon Implant
This method of birth control involves inserting a progesterone-releasing rod about the size of a matchstick beneath the skin of a woman’s arm. This stops ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the womb lining for a continuous three years. However, a woman’s periods can become lighter and less frequent or they might stop entirely.
To stop bleeding during the first few months after the implant, a tablet may occasionally be added. The best thing is that the alterations are immediately reversible upon removal of the implant, making this the most successful treatment available for women who have a less than one in a thousand chance of becoming pregnant within a three-year timeframe.
- The Patch
The patch is quite comparable to an implant in that it has an efficiency of 91–99%, and it works well since a woman can simply stick it on her arm and forget about it. Hormones in it are present in trace amounts and enter the body but if it comes off, it loses some of its potency.
- Mirena IUS
Mirena IUS is another little plastic T-shaped device that is an alternative to a condom that is inserted into the womb and delivers progesterone over five years. Although it contains a hormone, this is a wonderful option for those who have very heavy periods because it suppresses the womb lining and, as a result, lessens or even prevents periods. It is used for this purpose even in women who do not need contraception. After the IUS is removed, fertility returns with around 99% effectiveness.
- Sponges
The sponge is another alternative to condoms, having additional spermicide added to help prevent conception. They are a single-use product that, like a condom, cannot be worn for more than 30 hours at a time, but they last far longer.
The sponge itself covers your cervix to inhibit the sperm if they do get there. Spermicide slows the sperm down and prevents them from moving toward the egg. They are simple to use and all you have to do is wet the sponge to activate the spermicide before inserting it as high as you feel comfortable.
However, It cannot be used while the lady is on her period, and there is no STI prevention.
- Male Sterilisation Or Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical treatment used for both permanent male sterilization and contraception. To prevent sperm from entering the urethra and preventing the fertilization of a female through sexual activity, the male vas deferens are cut, knotted, or sealed during this surgery. It may qualify as a permanent surgery.
- Jaydess
Jaydess is the smaller “hormone coil,” which is a more recent method of birth control, lasts for three years, and contains only around 25% of the hormone dose of the Mirena. Younger women who have never given birth or those who desire even less hormone in their bodies may find it more suited because it is even simpler to fit into smaller wombs. Even though they will probably be lighter and there may initially be spotting or erratic bleeding, 90% of women will still have their periods using this strategy.
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The Final Words
When used correctly, condoms protect both you and your companion. If you have a latex allergy or don’t have the time to take continuous medicine like birth control that needs to be refilled, there are contraceptive alternatives you can utilize. Though many of the condom substitutes won’t shield you against STDs, unlike condoms, it is important to keep this in mind before using any of them.