Hands off our hormones. Why women are ditching the pill.

It’s true…many women are choosing to move away from hormonal contraception. Whether it’s the pill, hormonal IUD, implant, or other forms of hormonal birth control, loads of women are exploring non-hormonal alternatives. 

This trend tells us that there’s a growing desire for methods that better align with individual wellbeing. And it’s completely valid.

If you’ve been thinking about stopping the pill or switching, you’re definitely not alone. Let’s explore why women are quitting hormonal contraception, the side effects of hormonal contraception, and the best non-hormonal birth control options. 

Common Reasons Why Women are Quitting Hormonal Contraception

For decades, hormonal contraception has been a go-to method for many. Of late however, there’s more awareness of its side effects, which is leading women to change. The key reasons include:

Side effects of hormonal contraception

Many women on synthetic hormones experience changes in mood, a lower sex drive, weight fluctuations, headaches, or even irregular bleeding. The contraceptive pill can also come with more serious but rare risks such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. There may, in small cases, be a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, high blood pressure, and bone density loss. Aside from that, the birth control pill is classified as a group one carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (an agency part of the WHO, the World Health Organisation).

Desire for natural birth control

A growing number of women want to learn more about birth control options that work with their body’s natural cycle. Condoms for example offer a slew of positive attributes such as dual protection by reducing the risk of pregnancy and most STIs, no hormonal side effects, they’re highly accessible, and, “When used correctly with every act of sex, 98% of women whose male partners use male condoms will be protected from unplanned pregnancy,” says WHO. This makes condoms the form of birth control with much fewer to no side effects, compared to others.

Long term causes

There are important questions being asked about the impact of prolonged hormonal contraceptive use, as well as how non-hormonal methods can stop interfering with natural hormones.

Better overall wellbeing

Women are now prioritising options that support pleasure, energy, and emotional balance alongside effective contraception.

This shift in thinking is helping many to choose options that support sexual, physical, and emotional health. That, and the fact that there’s now a broader conversion taking place about informed choices in reproductive health.

Exploring the Best Non-Hormonal Birth Control Options

There are tons of other options that are non-hormonal. The most stand-out choices include:

1. Barrier methods such as condoms

Condoms are a great choice because they’re completely hormone-free, protect against pregnancy and STIs, and the fact that you don’t need a prescription. Ultra-thin Moments condoms, for example, feel natural and can even enhance pleasure with textures, flavours, and lubricant.

2. The copper UID

This form of birth control is also hormone-free and super effective for long term use. It’s an excellent choice for women who want reliable, low maintenance birth control without the daily effort. The copper IUD however may come with some side effects, such as heavier or longer periods, worse menstrual cramps, back pain, pain during sex (dyspareunia), and possible anemia (low iron) from bleeding over time.

3. Fertility awareness-based methods

This involves tracking your menstrual cycle, basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and ovulation signs. This can be done with the help of apps or devices, and helps identify fertile and non-fertile days. But, this method does have higher failure rates (with 12-24 women out of 100 actually getting pregnant in the first year. It’s also a method that can be hard to get right, and can be thrown off by illness, stress, poor sleep, travel/time zone changes, medication or alcohol, irregular cycles, PCOS, and perimenopause.

How to Choose the Right Non-Hormonal Method for You

Choosing the right birth control method is a personal decision that depends on your lifestyle, relationship status, and priorities. Consider these practical questions:

• Do you want something that you can control in the moment (like condoms) or long-acting (like the copper IUD)?
• How important is STI protection alongside pregnancy prevention?
• Are you comfortable tracking your cycle with fertility awareness methods?
• What feels good for your pleasure and comfort?

Many women find condoms to be a great starting point because they’re easy to access, they’re hormone-free, and they can be combined with other birth control methods. 

Talking openly with your partner and a trusted healthcare provider can help you find the best fit. 

Why Condoms are an Excellent Non-Hormonal Birth Control Method

Condoms work immediately, they’re free of synthetic hormones, have little to no side effects, and are a practical solution for many women who want to move away from hormonal birth control.

Moments condoms focuses on pleasure and wellness, and stand out with thoughtful features:

• Ultra thin condom options for a natural feel like the Mega Thin 0.03 that’s 20% thinner than our Ultra Thin condoms, extra lubricated, and, of course, ultra thin
• Textured condoms (studded or dotted) options for enhanced pleasure
• Flavoured condoms for an extra bit of flirt
• Various sizes and dual lubrication condoms for comfort
  

Because our condoms are non-hormonal, they’re perfect for those who want to stop the pill or who’re looking for natural birth control options. They keep you protected while prioritising sensation and connection.

Tips for Making the Switch from Hormonal Contraception

• Talk to your doctor about stopping the pill, and find out what to expect as your body adjusts
• Combine contraceptive methods if you’re looking for extra peace of mind while exploring non-hormonal contraception
• Focus on pleasure-friendly options: the right condoms can make sex feel safer and more sensual
• If you’re apprehensive about using condoms because you’ve had unpleasurable experiences in the past, you could check your size and try again, as using the wrong size condom can create discomfort. Check out our condom size guide here.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are women quitting hormonal contraception?

Many women are looking for an alternative because of the side effects that hormonal birth control options can bring about. They’re hoping to find an option that aligns better with their body.

What are the best non hormonal birth control options?

Popular choices include condoms, copper UID, and fertility awareness methods. Condoms are especially convenient and effective when used correctly.

Is it normal to feel changes after stopping the pill?

Yes. Many women notice that their natural cycle returns, and they may have temporary adjustments that aren’t very pleasant as their hormones rebalance.

Can condoms replace hormonal birth control?

Absolutely. As a reliable form of non hormonal contraception, condoms offer effective protection without synthetic hormones many women are trying to avoid. Explore our range of Moments condoms and find out what works best for you.

Choosing the right contraception is a personal decision. For whatever reason, be it side effects of the pill, removing hormonal birth control, or simply looking for a more natural alternative, there are empowering choices available. 

Stay informed, talk with your doctor, and find the best birth control method that suits you and your body.

Written by Helena Lorimer