Benefits of hormone-free and natural contraception

Are you looking for a natural, hormone-free method of birth control? You’re not alone—more and more women are choosing natural methods of birth control. The main advantage of these methods is: Your natural processes will not be disrupted, since no artificial hormones are used.

Unlike hormonal contraception (the pill, NuvaRing, hormonal IUD, etc.), natural methods of contraception They neither interfere with your body’s natural hormone production nor suppress ovulation. By the way, there are no side effects either. You can find out about the other benefits here on this page.

With natural birth control, your body and your cycle remain in balance. Side effects or interactions—such as weight gain, loss of libido, or mood swings—are completely absent. On the other hand, by closely monitoring your cycle, you’ll get to know your body very well. This will most likely help you develop a positive awareness of your cycle and a better sense of your body.

An Overview of the Benefits of Hormone-Free Birth Control

You keep your natural cycle

With natural birth control, you maintain your natural cycle and your hormones remain in their natural balance. 49% of all women experience menstrual irregularities at first after stopping hormonal birth control. To restore hormonal balance and stabilize your cycle, your body typically needs about 6–12 months after stopping hormonal contraceptives, though in some cases it may take longer. The natural female cycle, also known as the menstrual cycle, is a recurring process in a woman’s body that is controlled by a complex interplay of hormones. It can be divided into the following phases: menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase.

During the follicular phase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced, under the influence of which approximately 40 to 100 follicles mature. These produce estrogens, particularly the female sex hormone estradiol. Luteinizing hormone (LH) ultimately triggers ovulation. A mature egg is released from the ovarian follicle and taken up by the fallopian tube. The luteal phase begins after ovulation. The corpus luteum develops from the remnants of the follicle that remain in the ovary. This small gland produces the luteal hormone progesterone. Progesterone and estrogens ensure that the lining of the uterus thickens and is prepared to receive a fertilized egg. If pregnancy does not occur, progesterone production ceases again, and menstrual bleeding resumes after 12–16 days. A new cycle begins.

Hormonal contraceptives interfere with your natural menstrual cycle, suppressing ovulation. The administration of synthetic hormones (estrogen and progesterone) over an extended period keeps your hormone levels constant throughout the entire cycle. This artificially suppresses the natural hormonal fluctuations that occur during the different phases of the cycle.

Your ovulation will not be suppressed

Hormonal contraceptives use synthetic, foreign hormones to suppress ovulation, preventing pregnancy during unprotected sex. With natural family planning, this is not the case: you ovulate normally and ovulation is not suppressed. Many women report feeling particularly energetic, confident, and attractive around the time of ovulation. With natural contraception, you can consciously benefit from this positive awareness of your body. On the other hand, however, you must ensure that you either abstain or use a condom, for example, during your fertile phase. Furthermore, regular ovulation is not only important for getting pregnant, but—due to the release of estrogen—is absolutely essential for breast, bone, and heart health!

There are no side effects

When you use natural birth control, you completely avoid the side effects that can occur with hormonal contraceptives. One of the most common side effects of hormonal contraceptives is a loss of libido. A low or lost libido disrupts sexual desire, leaving you with no interest in sex. A lack of sexual desire is an issue that is rarely discussed, yet it poses a major problem for many couples. Hormonal contraceptives suppress ovulation and disrupt the delicate balance of your sex hormones. It is often around the time of ovulation that a woman feels the most desire for sex and appears most attractive to her partner. If ovulation is suppressed, her natural desire is also curtailed. Important: A healthy libido is a sign of good health!

Furthermore, taking the birth control pill in particular increases the risk of developing blood clots. The extent to which a pill increases the risk of blood clotting depends largely on the hormones it contains. Simply put: the higher the estrogen dose, the higher the risk of blood clots. New-generation pills, which are often prescribed to young women, can increase the risk of blood clots in particular.

Studies have shown that women who take the birth control pill have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who do not. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in Germany. These studies have revealed a link between sex hormone levels in a woman’s body and the risk of breast cancer. On average, women who take the birth control pill are exposed to four times the normal levels of hormones. Other side effects of hormonal contraceptives can include migraines, depression, mood swings, irritability, and weight gain due to water retention.

You'll get to know your cycle inside and out

The key to natural family planning is getting to know your cycle inside and out. Only when you know when your fertile and infertile days are can you use that knowledge for natural family planning and either abstain or use a condom during your fertile days. However, studies show that very few women understand how their cycle works. The assumption that ovulation occurs in the middle of the cycle is long outdated. In fact, it has been shown that 70% of all women do not fit this standard. Their individual cycles are shorter or longer and yet perfectly healthy. Ovulation does occur, just on a different day and almost never in the middle of the cycle. By closely tracking your cycle, you’ll learn to interpret your body’s signals correctly and know exactly where you are in your cycle. Furthermore, you’ll learn to better harness the strengths and benefits of each cycle phase in your daily life.

Your body awareness improves

By closely observing your natural cycle, you’ll get to know yourself and your body very well. This will help you develop a positive sense of your body and its needs, allowing you to live in harmony with your cycle. In this way, you’ll learn how to better harness the strengths of each phase of your cycle. Many women thrive during the first half of their cycle, feeling energetic and creative. During your fertile days, you may enjoy interacting with others, feeling strong, invincible, and attractive. You feel as though nothing is impossible!

During the luteal phase, many women experience a drop in energy levels, and many are bothered by premenstrual symptoms (PMS). During your period, you may need rest and time for reflection. By understanding your body’s needs, you can consciously use this knowledge to your advantage in everyday life and thus achieve a greater sense of ease. For example, schedule important work appointments (if possible) during the first phase of your cycle, when you have the most energy. Try to find peace and quiet during your period. It’s completely normal that you aren’t as productive during this time. You’ll have to figure out for yourself what’s particularly good for you in each phase of your cycle—and what isn’t.

Natural family planning with the OvulaRing

OvulaRing is a patented method for accurately tracking your cycle. The temperature sensor measures your core body temperature around the clock. This provides you with optimal support for closely monitoring your cycle. OvulaRing is suitable for all cycle types and is as easy to use as a tampon.

Do you have questions about natural family planning with OvulaRing?

Gnoth C et al. 2003, cited in: Raith-Paula E et al. 2013. Natural Family Planning Today

All or nothing Methods of natural family planning