What are my contraception options?

QI would prefer not to use any form of hormonal contraception, I just don’t like the idea of putting extra hormones in my body. How effective are the withdrawal or rhythm methods of contraception?

Philippa says

AThe simple answer is not very! The withdrawal method is what it says – your partner withdraws before ejaculation, but this is not very effective as there is a pre-ejaculate where liquid is discharged from the penis before ejaculation which has a high concentration of sperm. The rhythm method involves counting your cycle and trying to calculate the ‘safer’ time in the month to have sex. If you wish to avoid hormones then a copper coil could be an option, or condoms or a diaphragm.