Are you a woman who has taken birth control? Do you know someone who has taken birth control? Hormonal birth control is the most widely prescribed drug in the USA.
There are several types of birth control and I will list them, but I am not going to debate the pros and cons of each one. I really want to share with you all some of the downsides of these methods of birth control for your health (especially if you are chronically sick) and to also share the more natural methods which are even more effective than most others.
1. Hormonal Birth control is probably the least safe to use, especially on a long-term basis. Artificial or synthetic hormones feed the viruses that live in us. There are many risks associated with it in terms of side effects (they are drugs, after all), including cancer amongst others. Remember that as per Medical Medium, cancer is caused by a virus + toxins. If you can help it, do not fill in the toxins part of the equation with something you can control. Whether you take a pill or use a coil, it is a good idea to switch to something that is not hormonal as there are many options available. Also remember in his first book, Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery lllness and How to finally heal, he talks about how the shift in hormones can trigger viral symptoms – remember it is NOT the cause. Artificial and synthetic hormones are not much different in effect.
2. Barrier methods are much more highly recommended and the safest of those, is probably the good old condom. However, even having said that, most commercially available condoms are really full of the junkiest stuff in terms of the chemicals and lubricants applied to them. There are fortunately many many safer (and vegan) options, which I want to outline for you here:
- Sustain condoms – they used to tout Aloe as part of their lubricant, but has since changed the formula to contain silicone (plastic) amongst others. However, since we do not even know what is in brands like Trojan, it’s better to choose a company whose ingredients you are familiar with.
- Glyde Condoms (do not use their flavored varieties, they contain the good old natural flavors) – but they are vegan and fair trade but again, contain silicone plastics.
- Lovability condoms – they contain a silicone oil and corn ingredients in their lubricant (should tell you just HOW prolific the use of corn is in the world)
- Sir Richard’s condoms are free of glycerin, spermicide and parabens – however, they do still contain some silicone, ammonia and corn.
So I think that the market for condoms has improved and is offering much healthier options. However, they are not perfect. If you used them only once in a while, then you can do some of the anti-plastics tea and help yourself along. It really is the best barrier option we have available, especially if you use a healthier version. There are women who are too sensitive to handle the lubricants even on these condoms. For them, keep reading below.
In the realm of putting things inside women’s vaginas, I am totally not in favor of any of those, including a diaphragm made of plastics, and copper coil, made of the HEAVY metal copper. Remember that Medical Medium talks about the connection between copper and Eczema and psoriasis? There is a big one.
3. The safest method is the mucous method – also known as the Billings method (from the couple that first pioneered this method) and in its more modern form known as the Creighton Model Fertility Method (don’t panic, if you can use it to get pregnant you can use it NOT to). This form of birth control relies upon knowing your body a little better (THAT knowledge has never let us down). It involves learning to read your vaginal mucus. When your mucus is what is known as fertile mucous, you are most likely to make a baby. When you have a mucous that is non-fertile you are unlikely to make a baby. The method is VERY effective. The Creighton Model involves 8 classes and a couple of them with your partner. It is definitely worth your time to learn to read your vaginal mucus. And couples who use this as birth control are able to enjoy barrier-free sex in the knowledge that they likely will not get pregnant. I know a few couples who have used this method for years very very successfully. You don’t need to rely on ovulation meters, basal body temperature etc. You rely on the signals your body naturally gives you and this appeals to me on every level as the best way to practice natural birth control.
This is by no means a comprehensive review of ALL birth control methods out there, but is a brief guide for you to explore a little more deeply. I would love to hear your comments, what do you use? What would you change? Which method are you drawn to the most?
16 thoughts on “Birth Control – Good, Bad, & Ugly”
Hi Muneeza! I know this is an older post, but do you have any information about impacts of a hormonal IUD like the Kyleena on health? Since the hormones are localized I’ve been told the impacts are smaller but I suspect I’m experiencing some side effects. Thank you!
Kristen – hormonal IUDs are like taking birth control pills, so the health effects you see here for the pills are similar to the effects from the IUD. They are NOT recommended as there are detrimental health effects in the mid and long term.
Hi Muneeza,
Which lubricant is recommended and safe to use?
aloe gel, or coconut oil (but cannot do that with a condom)
Hi Muneeza. I have been on the hormonal pill for nearly 9 years. I am going to get off of it but am terrified I have done irreversible damage to my body. I now have elevated cholesterol and TSH and I am convinced it is the pill.
Lindsey you have not done irreversible damage! You can heal from all that poison exposure. Do you have the Thryoid Healing book and the liver rescue book? They both talk about the conditions you are describing.
I have a copper IUD. Should I get it removed? I am almost 40 and I have terrible heavy periods. I am ready for menopause and to be done with menstruation — is getting an oblation or having your uterus/ ovaries removed a worthwhile option for some?
Crystal, I am not in a position to tell you to make or not make a health decision. The fact is that copper is highly toxic to the body and contributes to the heavy metal load. I would never use a copper IUD or have copper touch or in my body in any way shape or form.
Thank you so much for this important information I don‘t get it how the mucous method works Do you have some manual or so how my girlfriend can start with it and learn to do this method?
Hi Marcel. I recommend taking a Creighton Model class to learn the mucous method. You can do an internet search to find classes that will work for you.
You are very welcome!
Thankyou for sharing this information
Thank you Muneeza for taking up a topic that is rarely discussed. Never knew that there were different types of “ingredients” in condoms. You learn something new everyday.
You are welcome, Charlotte. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Hi Muneeza, thankyou for this very detailed and informative blog, myself and my husband really appreciate all your time and effort you put into giving us the right information.
Hopefully in the future you could provide us with the correct information in regards to womens sanitary products.
You truly are an angel.
Thankyou.
Thanks for reading Adrianne. I will talk about women’s health later for sure.