The A to Z of hormone-free options

CONDOMS

Female condoms, like their male counterparts, protect against STIs and pregnancy, and are available for free in many clinics.

PROS They can be put in up to eight hours before having sex. Condoms are also the only natural contraception that helps prevent STIs.

CONS There’s a small risk they may split. Also, if used incorrectly, they can slip or get pushed up into the vagina – if this happens during sex, you may need to seek emergency contraception.

INTRAUTERINE DEVICES

IUDs are T-shaped plastic devices that contain copper and stop an egg from implanting in your uterus.

PROS They can prevent pregnancy immediately (for up to a decade) and don’t interrupt sex. IUDs can even be fitted as a method of emergency contraception.

CONS Your periods may be heavier, more painful or last longer and there’s a small risk of infection after insertion. There’s also a very minor chance of perforation of the uterus or that the IUD could be displaced.

DIAPHRAGMS OR CERVICAL CAPS

Both dome-shaped devices, diaphragms fit into the vagina and over the cervix, while caps need to be put onto the cervix directly. They initially need to be fitted by a professional and used in conjunction with spermicide for maximum effectiveness.

PROS Both can be put in before sex so they don’t disturb the moment (add extra spermicide if you have sex more than three hours after putting it in). They won’t affect your menstrual cycle either.

CONS It’s recommended that you do not use a diaphragm or cap during your period, and some women can develop cystitis.

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

This involves monitoring your fertility signs (cervical secretions, menstruation cycle and basal body temperature) to find out when during the month you can have sex with a reduced risk of pregnancy.

PROS There’s no need for any intrusive devices or chemicals. Apps, such as Dot and Natural Cycles, can assist with getting to grips with the process.

CONS You’ll need another form of contraception if you want to have sex during your fertile times. Between September and December 2017, one major Swedish hospital reported that 37 of the 668 women who had sought an abortion through their services were using Natural Cycles as their sole method of contraception. SPONGES

As you might imagine from the name, the sponge is, well, a sponge, which contains spermicide to help prevent pregnancy. They are a single-use option and can’t be worn for more than 30 hours at a time.

PROS They’re easy to use but require a bit of prep – you have to wet the sponge to activate the spermicide, and then insert it, as far up as is comfortable. They also need to be left in your vagina for at least six hours after sex, so include this in your 30-hour calculation.

CONS Sponges aren’t recommended for women who’ve had physical trauma in the area, given birth, or been through miscarriage or abortion recently.