Are there really any natural alternatives to birth control? “Ashlee, I’m getting married soon and I don’t know what to do.. is there a birth control option that’s safe?” If there’s one question I’ve gotten several hundreds of times it’s this one. In this post we will talk about all the different birth controls, their effects, their purposes and safe alternatives. On top of it, I have a solution for you that you HAVE to know about.. it’s been right at your fingertips the entire time.

Open your mind and get a notebook, let’s dive in.

My Experience with Birth Control

Before we get started, I want to share a bit of my backstory so you understand that I’ve gone through what you may be going through or may have gone through if you didn’t read this post. I’ll keep it short and you can read the longer version here.

8th grade

• started my period
• began to get pretty bad acne
• HORRIBLE period cramps began
• heavy bleeding began

• 

• 

9th grade

• still dealing with terrible PMS (which isn’t normal by the way, common but not normal)
• started dating my first boyfriend
• got on birth control to clear up acne & simultaneously not get pregnant
• gained ~40 pounds and became very puffy
• acne went away but the PMS rapidly worsened and my health began to decline
• experienced recurrent UTIs + antibiotics
• onset of terrible joint and muscle pain and tears
• gut issues arose and I was forever feeling like crap
• libido completely dissipated
• MOOD SWING CENTRAl.. sorry for anyone involved back then!
• stayed on BC until 11th grade when I decided something was not right
  • skin broke back out due to hormone dependance

12th grade

• awakened to natural health and healing
• off the birth control for about a year and a half
• started to loose that extra water weight and puffiness
• skin began to clear up naturally

What I’m Doing After BC

NOW (i’m 24)

• healing infertility linked to BC and Gardasil shot (medical malpractice involved)
• replenishing major mineral, micronutrient and nutrient deficiencies from BC
• healing gut issues from major rounds of antibiotics and birth control
• aware and awake to the industry which is why I’m here to teach you, so you don’t have to deal with the hell I dealt with.

I lay out my exact guide to healing myself in the ebook below. I HIGHLY recommend you snag it before the price goes up! Okay, let’s get to the options.

What Does Birth Control Do

FIRST, HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL WILL NOT FIX YOUR HORMONAL IMBALANCE. Just had to get that off my chest!

Depending on the type, birth control either

• blocks the signaling between your brain and ovaries
• turns off follicle stimulating hormone
• releases copper to prevent pregnancy
• thickens cervical mucus to prevent transport and “sticking” of sperm/eggs

We’ll dive into the specifics below.

Different Forms of Birth Control

Mirena IUD

This copper and plastic T shaped device is placed in your uterus (womb) and it’s a hormone free birth control. The IUD releases copper to prevent pregnancy and is supposed to protect against pregnancy for 5-10 years. The copper thickens the cervical mucus which makes it difficult for sperm and eggs to reach it and survive.

Pill

The pill options are either progestin-only or combination. Progestin only = progestin only. Combination = estrogen and progestin (not progesterone, the natural hormone). It blocks the signal from your brain to your ovaries. It also disrupts the normal function of your reproductive system.

When the signaling is blocked, your ovaries tell your brain you have enough hormones and that it can stop making more. It does just that and your ovaries stop producing hormones. In addition, it should shut down FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which means your body would stop making follicles. See how this can disrupt fertility down the road?

Shot (depo)

Another hormonal birth control like the pill is the Depo-Provera shot. It’s an injection of medroxyprogesterone (man made progesterone) women get every 12-14 weeks. This shot works on your pituitary gland by causing your ovaries to stop releasing eggs. It also causes the cervical mucus to change – like the IUD – making it difficult for sperm and eggs to land and live.

Negative Effects of Birth Control

The forms of birth control above are not natural in any way shape or form. They are either a foreign object placed in your body, a shot with toxic adjuvants or are synthetic versions of hormones that your body cannot recognize. This is why I recommend natural alternatives to birth control!

• mineral depletion
• dehydration
• water retention
• puffiness
• weight gain
• infertility
• worked symptoms
• copper toxicity
• mineral imbalance
• infection
• chronic pain
• discomfort
• acne
• headache
• nervousness
• dizziness
• depression
• unwanted facial and body hair
• bloating
• fatigue
• loss of libido
• weakness

Post Birth Control Syndrome

Dr. Jolene Brighten covers this topic extensively on her website and in her book Beyond the Pill. Basically, it’s just what it sounds like. PBCS is the after effects and compilation of symptoms I list above that follow a woman taking and getting off birth control. Onset usually happens around 4-6 months after discontinuing BC. It’s a discouraging and frustrating thing because most doctors tell you you’re crazy and that you are just fine. Well, listen here friend. You’re not crazy and what you’re feeling is quite real!

Clinically I have found that women do not heal from the effects of birth control without taking the necessary steps outlined in this article.

Dr. Jolene Brighten

Natural Alternatives to Birth Control

Ultimately, the choice is yours. I encourage you to research before you make any decisions and I highly recommend you don’t allow your doctor to spoon feed you misinformation. Unfortunately, the will not teach you about the side effects and potential for infertility of a poor reaction to birth control.

Fertility Awareness Method

You know, the thing that people say doesn’t work at all. That’s because most people aren’t doing it correctly because it does take time, dedication and diligence. When it’s done properly – though – only .6 per 100 women get pregnant! It’s a non-hormonal and non-invasive birth control method. Good things don’t come easy so you have to decide if you want to commit to it.

As one of the best natural alternatives to birth control, natural family planning is when you track your period, ovulation and temperature and other symptoms. You get to know your period and hormones like the back of your hand and you learn when and when not to have sex. Your ovulation becomes a time you can recognize based on temperature, cervical mucus and more. It’s actually quite interesting and simple! I use the Daysy Fertility Tracker to really keep track of what’s going on.

Condoms

These are still an options but we need to look for non-toxic and sustainable options. Most condoms contain lubricant with latex, synthetic materials and lambskin. Polyurethane is a common synthetic ingredient found in condoms. Here’s a great post on ingredients to avoid. These are the brands I recommend if you’re going to take this route: L, Glyde, Bleucares and Sustain.

Healing From Birth Control 

First, I recommend you order this book and read it thoroughly. It’s a simple read and it’s a must.

Second, work with a nutrition professional like myself! You can setup a consult here. 

Third, work hard to heal with your knowledge! I recommend my Wild Women’s Hormone Ebook, it’s at a price point everyone and ANYONE can afford which is why I priced it so low. It will give you what you need to thrive!

You’ll need to run lab tests to understand the severity of mineral and hormone depletion or excess. You can order labs yourself or work with your doctor to order them. Remember, your doctor works for you and you can fire them anytime they dismiss you or refuse to listen to you.

You have to sign a contract with yourself to work hard at getting your body back to homeostasis (balance). This means clean eating, filtered water, proper supplementation, avoiding junk, cutting back on stress, proper workouts, regular movement, getting outside, watching the sunrise, avoiding blue light and being gentle with yourself.

I can’t wait to hear your story! Please ask questions about natural alternatives to birth control in the comments below and share your story!