Q: What Are My Natural Birth Control Options?

Photo by Mai Le.

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Q: I’m interested in learning more about natural birth control and am considering the intrauterine device, ParaGard. My question has two parts. First, are there any health measures I should consider before inserting the device? Secondly, what should I do to prepare my body? -Michele U, Buffalo, NY

A: Great question! For our readers who might be unfamiliar with ParaGard, let me explain what is and how it works. The non-hormonal birth control is a T-shaped flexible plastic device that is inserted into your uterus during a routine office visit. It releases a tiny bit of copper to kill sperm and changes the environment to make implantation of a fertilized egg less likely. You can keep it in for up to 10 years and when you are ready to have it removed, your health care provider easily slides it out.

Unlike birth control pill, ParaGard does not alter your hormone levels. The device is effective immediately after insertion, it does not decrease your risk of fertility after removal, it’s safe during breast feeding, and is 99% effective. Some women experience side effects like pain and cramping during and after insertion which can last for days to months during the adjustment period (especially if you have never had children as your uterus is not used to something being up there), spotting between periods and a heavier menstrual flow.

Okay, so, now you know how it works. To answer your question Michele: because the ParaGard releases copper in small amounts, I advise women take a zinc supplement daily as zinc and copper deplete each other. I also advise women get screened periodically for anemia if they are spotting a lot or if their flow is much heavier or longer.

The ParaGard is probably not your best option if you already have really bad menstrual cramps or a really heavy flow because it might make them worse. If you have a small uterus or are looking for protection against sexually transmitted infections (which of course it does not provide), then I would advise another option.

Dr. Carrie Jones has practices in Tigard and Sherwood, Oregon where she focuses in all aspects of women's health. She is an adjunct professor at the National College of Natural Medicine, and writes and speaks regularly on the subject of women's medicine.