If 
you’re here reading this I’m going to bet you’ve consider coming off birth control. Maybe you already have come off? I’m guessing that either you’ve experienced unwanted side effects or you’ve realized that the Pill really isn’t treating your hormonal health problems. If you’ve recently stopped taking birth control, be sure to check out my how-to guide for the transition.
First of all, congratulations! You’ve just made a hugely important step towards restoring your natural cycle and living in your Flo. Stick with me and you can have beautifully clear skin, clockwork pain-free periods, and heal your PCOS or endometriosis - all without the Pill. You don’t need it!
“But, wait, what about contraception?” - you say? I hear you, which is why I want to dedicate this post to exploring your natural alternative options. How did I go pregnancy scare-free for years before choosing to have my baby when I was ready? I’m going to let you in on a secret...
I still use condoms!
I’ve been married to my husband Vic for a few years now, but we have always and still use condoms. I know a lot of people feel like a committed relationship is no place for condoms. It’s like we see condom-less sex as a sign of love and trust. Well, I have to say, I don’t agree. If your man loves you, he will use condoms! Here’s why:
- They allow you to forgo synthetic hormone exposure. I am so hormonally sensitive and cannot tolerate, like many of you who struggle with PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis, the synthetic hormones in oral contraception. I also get to maintain my micronutrient balance and my microbiome health by not having to take the pill. Much smarter option.
- They actually work. If you don’t want to be on birth control then you need an effective alternative and condoms really do work when used as they’re supposed to be used (which really isn’t that hard to figure out!). When used correctly and consistently they are about as effective as the Pill at preventing pregnancy.
- They prevent bacterial and viral infections. Your lady parts are very sensitive and prone to picking up any bacteria or viruses going. STD’s can impact your fertility as well as being super uncomfortable and unpleasant. If you want to be a mom at some time in the future - use condoms today! It’s the best way of protecting your vaginal environment and keeping your reproductive organs healthy. Check out my post on bacterial vaginosis if you want to know more.
- They prevent HPV contraction. Although you can cure yourself of HPV naturally (more on that later!), having HPV puts you at risk of cervical cancer. It’s best to never get this virus in the first place and the best way to avoid this as much as possible it is by using condoms.
- They don’t depend on trust. I love and trust my husband fully. I don’t think that condoms are somehow anti-romance nor do I think that they can’t be part of a loving relationship. The Ashley Madison scandal should have everyone thinking about the reality of modern relationships! To my mind, if your partner loves you - he will wear a condom, honestly it’s the modern chivalrous version of putting his cape over a puddle. Because if you were to contract a disease this way, it could cause you health problems for your whole life. It’s up to your man to do the research to find a condom he likes using - there are so many out there these days there’s really no excuse. We use L condoms and Trojan Ultra Thin brands. If he really resists condoms, make it something fun and flirty - buy samples of a few brands and invite him to give you a condom fashion show!
Top tip: I only use condoms with spermicide when I’m ovulating, because spermicide can be irritating to the vagina and cause you to be susceptible to infections.
More natural alternatives to hormonal contraceptives
If you want to be super-safe about preventing pregnancy you can always double up with another natural method. I have a few to recommend.
You can make using these a part of your foreplay - having a diaphragm in over dinner can feel kinda sexy if you know you’re going to be in bed with your partner later!
- The diaphragm. A new one-size-fits all Flo-purple diaphragm just came to the US! Caya is available by prescription, but you no longer need to find a doctor who knows how to do a fitting.
- The Today sponge. Even though you can still buy the sponge at RiteAid or CVS, you never hear about them anymore. I don’t know why, because it’s a great natural alternative contraceptive. You do use spermicide with this, but you could choose a natural option like ContraGel.
You can use living in your Flo to also manage your fertility -
- Tracking your cycle. Living in your Flo means being aware of where you are in your cycle week to week. This is wonderful for planning your diet, your exercise and your activities, but it can also be useful information when it comes to preventing pregnancy. It just takes a little more awareness and engagement with your body to pinpoint your fertile window. You can track your BBT (basal body temperature) with a device like Daysy or LadyComp, and/or observe changes in your cervical fluid, and then avoid sex completely during your fertile time or know to use condoms plus a spermicide to be safe.
And, if you want to be super-super-safe --
- Wild carrot seed (also known as Queen Anne’s Lace). This ancient herbal remedy has been used for centuries by women to prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterine wall. You can take wild carrot seed if you have sex when you’re fertile and the condom breaks (these things do happen!). The first thing you might think of in this situation is Plan B medication, but that can disrupt your hormones and your cycle, so if you’d rather have a natural alternative look into the wild carrot seed protocol. For more information on studies and dosage read this informative site who references the master herbalist Robin Rose Bennett’s work with this herb.
Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this - the science of your body is on your side!
to your FLO,
Alisa
Good things come in threes:
I want to hear from you!
First, what form of contraception do you use?
Second, what's your favorite condom brand?
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Ok thanks a lot for this informations but you don't say a word about intra uterine device which is also natural and perfectly safe and most af all very easygoing which is not the case of condoms of sponge which left few place to unplanned sex.
Thanks a lot for you response; Bests regards.
My sister is having severe side effects from the Mirena iud which she had inserted about a year ago and has not been herself for about six months or longer. She was recommended it because of the horrible pms and heavy periods she got every month and as a form of birth control. They lost the string when inserting it, so when she started having these terrible symptoms they could not remove it and she was basically told it was in her head.
Well, it seems she is not alone. She has virtually had NO period, massive mood swings, depression and, as of recent, a hard time breathing. She has been in and out of the hospital a number of times and the gynecologist and doctors were in no hurry to take it out. There is a ton of information and personal stories of women who have had terrible experiences with this. While there are probably some who do fine with the iud, there are many, many women who have horrible experiences and many women are suing Bayer as they are not informed of these major side effects and dangers that can be associated with this hormone-based method of birth control. Mirena uses levonorgesterel– a progestin birth control hormone–and slowly releases a small amount into the uterus over time. Because it releases hormones directly into the uterus, it releases a lower level of hormones into the body than oral contraceptive pills.
I truly hope that you do not have any of these symptoms and that the iud works for you. It makes me angry that women around the world are not being told the whole truth about the effects of this form of birth control.
https://www.drugwatch.com/mirena/
http://www.mirenaside-effects.com/
(This is a website set up by Erin Brockovich who leaves it open for people to share their stories)
I just had an IUD inserted a week ago and it was painful! I'm still feeling discomfort and cramping. Now I'm regretting it. Just how safe are IUDs? Is the low dose of progesterone for the 5 year IUD safe and does it really not affect your natural hormone production?
Hello Alisa, I love your work and the truth is hormonal imbalance is rampant. My 26 year old daughter just got diagnosed with PCOS and now we know why her acne is so bad. They prescribed metformin but I am a bit skeptical about it. I read that she could/should supplement with B-complex and perhaps a few other things. I personally like bee pollen and maca powder although I don't have hormonal problems. I just take them sporadically. I suspect that her contraception pills from earlier may have brought that on (YAZ brand). Any advice on what to do next?
Hi Isabelle,
I am sorry that your daughter is having these symptoms!There are so many things that she can do, this is the great news! You, and she, really want to look at the underlying causes and start to manage those: those are blood sugar balance, adrenal health, liver health and micronutrient deficiency. I never recommend just using supplements, as these are just that: supplemental. I would recommend that you pick up a copy of the book (WomanCode) for starters. If you/she wants more guidance and supporting in implementing the steps of the protocol, we also offer the online program. And take advantage of the free initial consults that we offer! You can speak with a counselor live and ask any questions you have about how our system works. You can sign up here:http://bit.ly/12Xruvm
Alisa
What about the copper (Non-hormonal) IUD - any concerns? Thanks for all the wisdom you share!
Hello Lauren,
I've had a copper spiral for 10 years and I didn't notice very big problems.
I knew it had to be replaced after 10 years (according to my Dr), so recently I went to the doctor. I wasn't sure I wanted it again, but my Dr convinced me: "what else would you take?" (I don't want hormones.)
Since I have my new copper spiral (1 month now), I have swollen eyelids every morning. I've had swollen eyelids in the past, but it was not every day. Moreover, lately I never had swollen eyelids anymore since I follow the advice in "Woman code"
Now however, since the new copper (non-hormonal) IUD, I have swollen eyelids every day. Thanks to the forum "mothering.com", I started to look deeper and found a very interesting article on birth-control-copper-toxicity-estrogen-excess.
"Copper and estrogen are succinctly related. Copper tends to raise estrogen in the body, and estrogen tends to cause copper to rise. Both copper and estrogen tend to feed one another. There are long term consequences of both copper toxicity and excess estrogen. High levels of copper can cause numerous symptoms, ranging from migraines to PMS, chronic fatigue and allergic reactions...".
According to the book "Woman code", I have symptoms of estrogen excess, so I am thinking of have the copper removed...
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this important information. This is something OBs never mention in the clinic.
Hello, I just had an IUD placed two weeks ago and it was very painful and I am still cramping heavily. My doctor says it could be normal since I have never given birth. Now I am starting to regret it and not sure if this was the right choice. There is some much controversy over the IUD being harmful vs. the best choice of birth control. In your book you mentioned IUDs and didn't haven anything negative to say about it. I am hoping for some clarification form a holistic point of view. Is the small amount of progesterone in the 5 year IUD safe? Does it cause more harm then good?
Hi Stefanie,
There is no one answer: some women have issues with them, some do not. Any hormone you put into your body will affect you, bottom line. That is why is works for contraception. Sometimes the mechanics of the IUD don't work for women. It is very personalized. Listen to your body!
Alisa
I just read that in India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, men chew a spoon full of papaya pips and become infertile after three months. It's natural and reversible. It also works with rats and other animals. Have you ever heard something about it?
We have used Trojan natural lamb condoms for some years without a hitch. We find them smooth and satisfying. The only issue with them is possibly that they don't have a reservoir tip to collect the cum so you have to leave a space but this is manageable.
I had a copper IUD for almost three years. I hated it. My periods were crazy heavy, I felt like an emotional wreck and just "off". I had it removed and have been charting my cycles using the Kindara app and I feel so much more in control of my body. I think it was in "Taking Control of Your Fertility" that I read that copper IUDs essentially make your uterus a hostile environment for egg implantation. They make your uterus mildly inflamed for 10 years. I read that and my side effects made sense to me. I am so much happier and learning more each day how to be healthy and happy without artificial hormones. It only took 34 years, a three year old daughter and a happy marriage to figure it out! LOL
I've been prescribed the pill due to INTENSE INTENSE dysphoria during the week before my FLO. I also take other psychotropics meds on a daily basis for depression and anxiety, but these emotions break through those treatments. I have noticed a lot of the side effects of the pill that you listed...particularly dysbiosis, which also sucks. I considered the copper IUD and don't think I could bear the pain. The OTC diaphragm "Caya" sounds interesting..and the Carrot seed!! I very much dislike condomes. the smell is a serious turn off.
Hi Laura,
I am sorry to hear things get so intense! I definitely encourage you to find something that works better for you. Let me know if we can help!
Alisa
There's a terrific amount of kndolewge in this article!
Was on BCP from age 15-25
Abnormal paps, 2 colposcopies
Mirena IUD from 25-28
Removed and diagnosed with PCOS/insulin resistance, weight gain, etc
Changed diet per your book, track with your app, no more PCOS.
Husband wants me back on pill because: I was skinny then, less moody and we could have sexy during ovulation. I need help and advice because, as of right now, the debate is BCP or divorce. I see BC and synthetic hormones as poison and my body is perfectly functioning now...so why mess it up? I've just been struggling to lose weight for 5 years... I'm 30 5'-6" and 183. Happy weight is 155 ish (not concerned about the number but more how I look and feel).
Please help!!
Hi Sara,
I am so sorry to hear there is conflict in this area for you. I wish there was a solution I could provide you. I would recommend that if you could both see a counselor for a few sessions to talk this out in an environment that would let you be heard fully and safely, I would suggest this. Listening to your body and honoring it is so important, and so is your relationship. I hope that you both can work this out in a way that can preserve both of these.
Sending love and support,
Alisa
I wish I could trust just using condoms more, but I got pregnant using them (in what we thought was a correct, responsible way). I've never been on hormonal birth control and don't plan to be, but I feel like no method is truly reliable at this point
Thanks so much for these resources! I'm getting my IUD out next week after using the pill or IUD for almost 20 years. I am hoping it will help my digestion and mood and I'm looking forward to being off hormones. But, I am super worried about accidentally getting pregnant since I'm going through an unstable time in life (although in a very supportive relationship). I feel like I'm not fully prepared to get off BC but seems like I need to for my health. What are the first steps? Are condoms really enough? I'm sure my cycle will be irregular so how do I even know how to prevent pregnancy without knowing if I'm ovulating? I already have a pretty healthy diet but hoping your system will help the transition. Thanks!
Hi Amanda,
You will definitely want to take 4 to 6 months to track your cycle and get to know your cycle length and your phases (you can tell by cervical mucus and the way you feel). Until then, always use the condom and another method, like the sponge just in case the condom brakes.
Alisa
Hi Alisa,
Thanks for the great article!
I'm intrigued by the mention of QAL, and I read up on the herb on Robin Rose Bennett's website. I need to take a second look at her study, but at first glance it seems that QAL interferes with progesterone production and that it is this interference that prevents pregnancy.
If QAL does interfere with progesterone production, how would you recommend using this herb? Do you know whether it would be safe (particularly for hormonal balance) to use over an extended period of time? After reading the primary literature on the herb, I'm thinking that QAL would be good to use during ovulation, in addition to other methods (condoms, etc.), but that it would be best not to use the herb continually throughout one's cycle, because then the risk of hormonal/progesterone imbalance would be greatly increased. What do you think? The results of the study were actually quite promising, and certainly very intriguing, which is why I'm so interested in possibly using this as one of my birth control options.
Thanks for all of your hard work and for your thoughts on QAL!
Best,
Sidney
Hi Alisa,
I recently got diagnosed with PCOS back in May. The past 10 years i have gone on and off BCP's. Just recently went off 4 moths ago and thanks to my diet, I am regularly getting my period.
I never use to wear condoms with my boyfriend and it's a hard adjustment to getting back into it. I just started tracking my period (i am new to this) but I am not sure of the time during ovulation that it is critical to use a condom vs. when its not.
What is the best app to track your period?
I am terrified of 2 things:
1: going back on BCP's
2. getting pregnant
I feel like I'm playing with fire not being completely educated with my ovulation cycle. I have been going back and forth with the idea of a copper IUD but am scared due to horror stories i have heard.
I would love to hear some advice as I am a bit lost here.
Thank you,
Molly
Hi Molly,
You can us the FLO period tracking app: https://myflotracker.com/
You will get support throughout the month that will help you know where you are in your cycle and will help you to manage any symptoms that crop up!
For pregnancy prevention - please do be mindful as ovulation is not always regular for women. Condoms are great, and you can also use a barrier method like the sponge, or get a non-hormonal IUD. Most birth control methods have a down side, but when you need it, you need it.
Alisa
Very Interesting article. Sadly im Highly allergic to condoms even the natural ones. I also enjoy being spontaneous with the hubby and most of what you mentioned sounds like they would require plenty of planning. Im also unable to take BCPs or have any type of iud if i ever want to have another child which i do. We have two and i want to wait a few years before we have another. Ive had major problems getting pregnant with 4 miscarriages prior to our first child. What ways can yiu recommend that are natural to prevent pregnancy especially in someone who enjoys sex but all the tracking methods are inaccurate and cannot take any type of bc on thr market nor use condoms or any type of chemicals. Abstinence is NOT an option. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Especially for random spontaneous encounters with the hubby. Thanks so much!
Hi Alisa,
Is it still possible to experience benefits from following your cycle in terms of diet and exercise as outlined in your book even if I stayed on the pill? Would I just need to adapt for the fact there is no ovulation phase and increased progesterone throughout the month?
I'm not sure I'm ready to go off the pill but would like to make changes in other areas!
Thanks!
Courtlynd
Hi there,
You can absolutely cycle sync while you are on the pill! Though you are not ovulating, it is great to support your body with the right foods for each phase to support hormonal health long term.
Alisa
Hi, I use the Skyla IUD (Which has one of the lowest hormone levels), and I've never felt that I had any side effects. I feel like it works really well I don't have to think about whether I'm going to get pregnant or not. I thought this article was informative, but I'm not willing to get off of birth control at this time. I was wondering if I could still do the my flo app. Or do you have to be hormone free to be a part of this?
Im starting your book now and I hope I will learn more there.
Hi Elizabeth, You can absolutely use the app while on hormonal BC!
Alisa