Natural Birth Control

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING

Many women are finding that for long term birth control, hormonal methods are not what they are looking for. Although it has helped to diminish the expression of hormonal imbalances such as acne or painful near debilitating period symptoms, a growing number of women have also become aware of related reactions, such as loss of their natural sex drive & libido, weight gain, and more. I myself had very difficult periods and and found birth control to lessen the symptoms where I could feel functional and able to handle the day. However, I became aware of holistic and spiritual practices to regulate my cycles and avoid unwanted pregnancy. First I stopped using commercially bought “period ware” as I like to call it and experimented with cloth pads and cups. I noticed an improvement in my cycle and later decided to get off of hormonal birth control and never looked back. On top of being expensive hormonal methods are also having an environmental impact ending up in drinking water and natural bodies of water from the urine of women on birth control. So we are giving synthetic hormones to anyone drinking the affected tap water including children and men. I have provided some practical information about some methods that are available.

The Diaphragm

Ortho All Flex Diaphragm – (Discontinued)

Here in the U.S. it can be difficult to locate a diaphragm. But it has not disappeared. Ortho Flex Diaphragm has been discontinued as of April of this year 2014. What’s more frustrating is that it can be a challenge to find a doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or even Midwife that fits them, prescribes them, or has them. Even more frustrating is when they just try to push the more expensive and hormonal methods on you when you clearly state your preference for a barrier method.

CooperSurgical – Milex Diaphragm 

This company manufactures the Milex Diaphragm which is made out of silicone, not latex. It is not available in any major (corporate) pharmacy, there may be a few small pharmacies that have accounts with CooperSurgical, but it’s like finding a needle in a haystack. You can contact CooperSurgical to get all the steps you need to take to obtain one. Generally you will need an M.D. or O.B. to write a prescription for you, he or she will have to contact CooperSurgical and get an account if they don’t already have one, and then send your Rx to Cooper and order it for you. It will be sent to your clinic where you can then get it from your doctor. You may have to pay out of pocket.

Website: CooperSurgical 

Phone: 800.243.2974 or 203.601.5200
Fax:   1.203.601.4737
Operating hours:  Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 8:30 pm EST

Caya Diaphragm

There is a new design in the diaphragm world, the Caya Diaphragm, but you have to order it from Europe, it is not available in U.S.A.

You can order it from here: Ethical Family Planning

Educational video on Caya Diaphragm insertion and removal.

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The FemCap

Also difficult to locate in the U.S. Seen as more comfortable than the Diaphragm as well as giving more room for more spontaneous play as it can be worn for 48 hours at a time. Here in the U.S. you will have to have a doctor give you a prescription and order it for you. In Europe it’s available over the counter. However you can have it sent to your home or your doctor’s office. The FemCap is covered by the California Family PACT program, this would be the green “Health Access” card. However you may run into difficulty if your clinic or Planned Parenthood do not have it on their Rx list. So check first.

Go to the FemCap Website to find the different ways you can purchase it. Get the FemCap

Order FemCap from here:
Medical Center Pharmacies in San Diego, CA
Office: 619.262.4373
Fax: 619.263.1557

Educational Tutorial on FemCap, insertion and removal.

Contragel Green

Natural alternative to spermicide and again it’s another product manufactured and from Europe. In the U.S. it cannot be called a spermicide since it does not have the active ingredient nonoxonol-9 which has been known to cause irritation and increase risk of HIV and other STDs. Not approved as a spermicide in U.S. but it is In Canada and Europe, so you decide what you want.

Good things about ContraGel Green

• Hormone Free
• Free of Nonoxynol 9
• Vegan
• Available Over The Counter
• MUST Be Used With A Barrier Contraceptive
• Compatible With YES Water Based, Organic Lubricants
• Over 35 Years Production History
• European Manufactured
• CE 0124 Certified and Health Canada Approved

Ingredients: Water, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Methyl Cellulose and Sorbic Acid

You can purchase it from Overseas: Contragel Green But it’s going to be way expensive to have it shipped to the U.S.

I found this small company, Groovy Green Organics, on the East Coast that supplies it. Lowest price I could find, and the only supplier I found in the U.S. The owner Lisa was very acessable and helpful when I needed. She sales organic products.

Here is where you can purchase it in the U.S. Groovy Green Organics – Contragel Green

 

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