On this week’s episode of Food Freedom and Fertility we are discussing how to avoid pregnancy until you want to get pregnant! We will discuss all of the potential forms of birth control. Sophia and Caitlin will help you understand what options are out there and give their feedback from a profession and personal viewpoint.
One of their favorite methods of birth Control is a non-hormonal option. They remind women that you will always ovulate before you get your first period post-partum. Condoms are a fairly efficacious form if you use it correctly and there are also non-toxic brands that have quality ingredients and steer clear of no oil-based lube with a condom. Fertility awareness method is the form of a wearable and observing cervical mucus .
Some other forms of Birth control discussed this episode are the following:
Copper IUD
- Intrauterine device
- Insert during period, so cervix is open and more pliable
- Copper is toxic to sperm
- Acts as a spermicide
- Doesn’t prevent ovulation and fertilization, just implantation
Is there a connection between copper IUD and autoimmune onset? Some research suggests:
- Immune system will always react to foreign device in body
- Mechanism of action for IUD is to get immune system to react
- It can cause, trigger, contribute to severity of autoimmune disease
- If you have any complications, can cause injury or scar tissue which may affect fertility
- Most people don’t have these problems, just a risk to be aware of.
Diaphragm and Sponge:
· Women inserts it through vagina up towards cervix
· The sponge soaked in spermicide
· Diaphragm doesn’t impact sensation while having sex (not like condom)
· You can insert in advance
· Spermicides aren’t always very healthy for women
· Don’t want to alter vaginal pH
Withdrawal Method:
· This method is exactly what it sounds like
· Not very effective, higher risk
· Relies very heavily on responsibility of man
· May take some of the pleasure out of it
Surgical Options:
· If you are having a C section, they can do this at the same time
· Partial hysterectomy, remove ovaries and/or uterus
· Benefit to leave ovaries
· Want to ovulate
· For long term health (think bones)
· Want to keep ovaries if able
· These are essential organs
· Women can die from hysterectomy
Tubal Ligation:
· Ectopic pregnancy risk is higher
· Impartial or partial non-closing
· Body can regrow an opening
· Can cause health risk if pregnancy occurs after
· If not having a planned C-section, it is a MAJOR surgery
· Cutting the tubes that carry sperm
· Making sure that sperm doesn’t enter future ejaculate
· Not 100% effective
· Think about long term life, what would happen if relationship dissolves
Hormonal Options:
· Can be very easy to use
· They work by shutting down ovulation
· Shut down feedback system of YOU creating your own hormones of you creating follicles and getting ready to ovulate
· OR drastically decreasing estrogen
· Thick cervical mucus, sperm has a more difficult time getting through
· OR impact uterine lining
· Sperm have more difficult time getting through uterine lining
· Can be pill form, injection, or inject object into vaginal anatomy. Can also be patches, implant to skin into arm
· Some can be more localized towards sex hormones
· Arm injection doesn’t always stay put and doctors may “lose” it. Can’t find it, “sorry, you may never get pregnant”
· Also, risk of plastic in body
· Any hormonal BC WILL get into your breast milk
IUD: Hormonal:
· Made of plastic
· Contain hormones
· Typically lose your cycle
· Significant increase for infection
· For ANYTHING that you put in your body
· Direct route right into uterus! Much more dangerous than just a vaginal and vulva yeast infection.
· Have a conversation with your doctor about how long you plan to be on the pill/contraceptives for!
A takeaway from this information would be that you must do what works best for you and your life. Informed consent is important so that you can make the best decision for you. Be sure to understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives you have.
Thank you to our Season 2 Sponsors. Be sure to use the code on their site for a Food, Freedom and Fertility discount.
- Proov Testing Kit and online app 15% OFF in $15 or more FFF15
- FullWell: FFF10 10% pre-natal, fish oil or men’s pre-natal
- Prenatal nutrition library: FFF20 20%
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