Natural Fertility Control

Q: Hello,

I am trying to find an alternative to hormonal birth control - I have been using the NuvaRing, but am concerned about side effects.  When I googled "herbal spermicide" I learned about a clinical trial in India using neem and a couple of other ingredients.  However, my pharmacist says he is familiar with no spermicide other than nonoxyl-9, which, when I tried to use it several years ago, gave me a terrible reaction.  Can you offer suggestions?  Since finding an alternative has been such a challenge I am debating starting the ring again...are you familiar with side effects and/or herbs to counteract them?  Thanks so much for your time and energy.

A: Hello, thank you for writing.  This is an interesting question.  I personally have never heard of an herbal spermicide.

The birth control option I have heard many of us choose when concerned about the health of what we put in our bodies is Natural Family Planning, also called Fertility Awareness Method, using charting of three signs - temperature, cervical fluid, and cervical position - to determine when we are fertile.  The book I am using on this is called Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.  There is also a book and website by Katie Singe, Garden of Fertility.  And I know this topic has been discussed at the Wise Woman Forum as well.

Please let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,
Karen Joy
wisewoman@herbshealing.com
www.wisewomanweb.com

Comments

[Dana]

I have had great success using Natural Family Planning.

Here is an interesting link to lemon and lime being used to fight aids and as contraceptives: http://www.aids.net.au/lemons-news-thai-aust-bg.htm

[Sheila]

Instruction on all fertility signs and the rules plus natural child spacing by following the Seven Standards of Eco-breastfeeding is available free by downloading the NFP manual (100 pages) at www.nfpandmore.org. Charts are also free. Sheila Kippley, volunteer for NFP International