What’s the greenest, safest, healthiest, most affordable (okay, best) form of Birth Control?
I posted the below note to my Facebook Wall.
“Huff Post: IUD is greenest, safest form of birth control. http://huff.to/bLjKBx ”
And this happened:
Jennifer E > Disagree. Fertility Awareness Method in my book (see Persona)
Valerie > Pretty much, yup.
Sadly the FDA here in America only allows for a few types of IUD and virtually no difference between them. Europe, where it’s the most popular form of BC, has something crazy like 18 different kinds and sizes, over here …it’s a basic MEDIUM. We need to change that.
Melanie > seems great.. but then i would become a real robot.. I’d have copper in my body!!
Waylon Lewis > Nothing wrong with copper, right? I was told it’s actually healthy at least as a bracelet, where it bleeds into your wrist.
Valerie > There are other things they can use to hinder implantation if you’re allergic to copper 
Jennifer Jones Hunt > I agree with Jennifer E: FAM is the the safest and greenest—just a lot more work and has the potential to be less effective.
You couldn’t pay me enough to put a piece of metal in my uterus.
Melanie > how does FAM work? And copper seems not so bad.
Waylon Lewis > But JJH, plastic bad! And condoms aren’t compostable? We trash our world, we trash mother nature, we trash ourselves? IUDs are supposedly really safe from what little I’ve read about them thus far. I want to do articolo on this, so keep the comments, facts and experiences and recommendations coming. With thanks–
Jennifer Jones Hunt > @Melanie – FAM: temperature taking, charting, learning your body’s natural cycles. It gets easier with time but is a lot of work at first.
Jennifer Jones Hunt > I completely agree, Waylon. Condoms are bad. I had a really hard time trying to find a BC that I felt okay using – keeping mother earth and my body in mind. After much research FAM was the only option that worked for me ally. Now, considering I’m pregnant again with a wonderful ‘surprise’, if FAM isn’t done properly, it is not at all effective
Abigail > Talk to some of the women who got PID from IUD.
Kezia > ”After much research FAM was the only option that worked for me ally. Now, considering I’m pregnant again with a wonderful ‘surprise’, if FAM isn’t done properly, it is not at all effective ” <— if that doesn’t steer you away from “FAM” as birth control, what will?
Melanie > Check this.
Kezia > And where is sterilization on that list? Oughtn’t that to be number one?
Jennifer Jones Hunt > @Kezia: I openly admitted to not doing FAM properly. If you don’t take your pills on time everyday you will have the same result…as with not putting in your diaphragm in a certain amount of time before intercourse. I didn’t say it wasn’t effective if used properly.
Valerie > We can’t get Americans to brush their freakin’ teeth, there’s NO WAY we’re going to get them to take their temps, etc etc and follow FAM the way it’s supposed to be followed. Please regard above comment about baby on the way, which is adorable, but the exact reason why FAM isn’t the greenest. What takes up more energy? An accidental child or a strip of copper? how about an accidental child or a piece of leftover latex? this is a large scale issue, we need a solution that works for everyone, FAM is not for everyone. And guess what, I use it. I still wouldn’t recommend it to the masses.
Hell yes to sterilization, Kezia, it IS the truest form of green! maybe a vasectomy would be next, MEN!
Jennifer Jones Hunt > No, I certainly wouldn’t recommend it to the masses but that wasn’t the question. So, going back to the original question, I would consider it the greenest and safest IF done properly.
Valerie > @Abigail- There’s a higher rate of PID in women who use no birth control than in IUD users. and IUD’s don’t cause PID, STDs do and unclean conditions during insertion.
Mathew Gerson >Way, latex condoms indeed are 100% Biodegradable! You did the interview with me on it. In order to breakdown properly they need to end up in a landfill to compost and not our waterways…so never flush them.
Valerie > I assumed “green” applied to our species as a whole and not just individuals, that’s where I’m coming from.
There’s little room for mess up with an IUD, as with pills, shots or FAM there’s no denying that.
Valerie > I thought so @ Mathew. latex is natural, right? And while you’re at it, buy Sir Richard’s condoms!
Holly > I’m with Kezia and Valerie, sterilization is pretty effective, and, a one shot deal – then taking the leap to having no kids is really affecting your environmental impact.
Then again, if I get hung up about how green my birth control is—it might be enough for me to abstain altogether.
Waylon Lewis > Mathew, my understanding (from you, I thought) was that your Sir Richard’s condoms will be biodegradable (not compostable!), which is awesome. But that conventional condoms have other crap on them, which makes them not just latex? Enlighten me brother. Are conventional condoms just latex? And is that latex mindfully sourced?
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Valerie, we all individually do our part to be green, right… I see it on an individual level. I cloth diaper but I also wouldn’t recommend that to the masses because it can cause major health issues if not done properly. We are in agreement about the amount of dedication necessary to make FAM effective.
Valerie > @ Jennifer- And I’m glad to see we’re choosing FAM as a serious option. I haven’t had any form of BC in my body, or on my body for over 10 years and I know it can work. I also know plenty of friends that would end up knocked up because …they’re so out of whack with their cycle so we have to have something effective and pretty green to offer them. ANYTHING BUT THE PILLLLLLLLLLL!!!! It served its purpose, hell yeah!, but we know pumping that many hormones into our waterways is having negative effects on our environment and possibly our species.
Good luck with your new one on the way!
Lauren > I haven’t checked the accuracy of the data on this link. But I do know of one who experienced uterine puncture with an iud, and another who experienced a reaction to the copper.
Mathew Gerson > Sorry, I was likening “compostable” to “biodegradable”, in the sense that the condoms are made of organic bio-mass (natural latex) that under the proper conditions will break down into its constituent parts and be integrated back into the …watershed.
Most condoms, including Sir Richard’s, have Silicon based lubricant (helps prevent breakage and skin leisures) added to them. Silicon is made by combining Silica + Coke.
Some condoms have nonoxynol 9 added to them which is a chemical that is known to have a host of negative side effects and to the best of my knowledge is not biodegradable. (Sir Richard’s does not contain it)
Hope that answers your questions!
Valerie > nonoxynol 9 is no fun.
Anna Brones > Seems to me like choosing any form of birth control is “green” since it means you’re consciously choosing to not procreate. Anyone done any studies of environmental impact of using various form of BC over a certain period of time versus the impact of a human being?
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Valerie – Yes, absolutely! I’m in complete agreement with you. I used FAM in order to get pregnant with my 2 boys and used it for another 3 years as BC. Just guessing when you ovulate doesn’t cut it, so women need to have another healthy and green option if they can’t dedicate the energy and time. The pill is the worst in my book, as well. Thank you for your well wishes, dear!
Waylon Lewis > Anna, I personally am not sure about the whole “human beings aren’t green, being dead is green” logic. We have the power to be of benefit. Life is precious. Green isn’t about not living. It’s about being responsible, learning, waking up and celebrating life in all its ordinary magic. That said, you’re right—most of us “First Worlders” create a lot of suffering and waste without hardly thinking about it.
Anna Brones > Waylon, I agree with you. In fact I think when we start getting into the “nitty gritty” of things — like which form of BC makes you more eco friendly — we lose sight of the bigger picture, which is making sure that we live balanced, conscious lifestyles. At the end of the day, we all have al choices to make. For some that means having children. For others it doesn’t.
It’s easy for us to get hung up on the little things, because if someone tells us that a certain product is more environmentally friendly we feel empowered to buy it. And although we can certainly vote with our pocket book, it’s not because you buy eco dishwashing detergent that you’re going to save the world. We need to be empowered to engage in a larger, broader conversation.
Valerie > The little things add up, too. To deny that is to deny us any power right now to make a positive change. I would argue policy change is great, of course, but every day choices are the first step to a society shifting. We need to pay attention right now to how we live because we’re undoing a lot of bad decisions from the past. This even includes what kind of BC is the best for us and for the environment. If you don’t do both at this junction, you might as well sit on your hands or pick your nose. We’ve been doing that long enough.
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Anna, we are all an army of one. It would be nice for humanity as a whole to step up and make massive global changes to help the environment, however, that kind of shift doesn’t happen overnight and without many small steps. In my opinion, it is the small things that count… Replacing paper towels in your home with reusable cloth towels, walking instead if driving whenever possible, using Eco-friendly products. Any little step that you can take makes a difference and acts as an example to other to do the same thing. If everyone said what that these little efforts aren’t worth it and stops making them, we would be in MUCH worse shape… On the contrary, if everyone did even just one small part a day, think of the impact. We do need to concentrate on the small things because they really do make a difference. It’s nice that you dream big but the reality is that it takes baby steps. The bigger picture is affected by our individual choices.
Carolyn > May I suggest not using it before you’ve had a child. Otherwise it is VERY painful.
Waylon Lewis > Jennifer, Anna, if I may, and as you well know, you’re both right. As they say in Buddhist language, we must join “heaven” (vision, big ideas) with “earth” (actual action, specific “small” steps).
Waylon Lewis > Okay, any last thoughts or suggestions or advice? I’m gonna write up green birth control article tomorrow.
Anna Brones > Jennifer, Waylon: yes, yes and yes. I’m not saying the small decisions matter. They definitely do.
I’m just saying that very often we get caught up focusing on the small decisions that we lose track of the bigger picture. Just because I ride my bike everyday doesn’t make me an eco warrior and doesn’t mean that I can’t always do more. The worst al decision we can make is to become self congratulatory and complacent.
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Waylon, I don’t know if you want to go in this direction but I’ve recently read that the hormones in the pill not used by the body are expelled in urine and are, like most pharmaceuticals in our sewage, make their way back into our food and water supply.
Valerie > Jennifer, they definitely do!
So does Miracle Grow which is chocked full of synthetic estrogen and horrible for the environment (and made by Monsanto) grrr
Jennifer Jones Hunt > Valerie – I was shocked when I read that about the pill and other pharmaceuticals…and I had no idea about Miracle Grow. That is when I seriously stopped trusting our water supply. I also challenge women who have been on the pill for years to stop and try a different form of BC…they will be absolutely blown away at how much better they feel physically and emotionally.
Valerie > That’s exactly why I stopped taking it, I never felt right, always bloated and then, weirdly, I lost interest in sex. freakin’ pill! what’s the point of taking it if you don’t want to have sex? right?? haha and we haven’t mentioned the link between smoking, taking the pill and blood clots, heart attacks and cancer. there’s so many reasons to avoid popping that thing!
Elaine > IUD birth control is not for everyone. I became ill after using one. Women need to consider their own health and options, and not be swayed by external pressures, such as: This is the greenest option. Women need to pick something because: This is the best option.
Waylon Lewis Amen, Elaine. Green in this context includes healthy, of course. So what are you recommending?
Elaine > Aha! Thanks for asking. I’m not a doctor, but IMHO, I like the condom for disease protection. And if you’re in a stable, committed relationship, there are lots of choices for the pill. For women who have painful menstrual and premenstrual experience, it can be a real relief. Some birth control pills use less hormones too. They even have a female condom. They promote this in Africa for protection against AIDS. BTW, I’m really interested to read Freedom by Johnathan Franzen on the topic of over population and how we pretend it’s not there. I could go on, but I’ll spare you the rest of my diverging tangents:)
Mathew Gerson > Good article on IUD’s in todays NYT’s.
Waylon Lewis Thanks for that! What auspicious timing. Now I don’t have to write anything—their article is so well done.
Elizabeth > What about vasectomies? Safe and “green”. Though admittedly less reversible, this fact may make them even greener, in a way. It’s always irked me that so much of the responsibility for birth control falls on women’s shoulders and, like an IUD and pills, can be creepy, painful and/or sickening. It would be so nice if guys had more options besides condoms (super-temporary) and a vasectomy (fairly permanent). Is there anything effective besides these that I should know about?
Elaine > It falls on a woman’s shoulders because the consequences fall mainly on the woman. True a man has a moral, legal, and genetic responsibility for the children he fathers, but…the woman holds the baby or decides to have an abortion.
Heather > I’m a big FAN and it’s the best method I’ve ever used but….we women still undergo some “unfortunate” side effects using the non-hormonal IUD. Just another reason you MEN should worship us in every way, every day!
Waylon Lewis > Great question, Elizabeth. I don’t know of anything except the ol’pull out at the last second move, which of course is infallible.
Jarod > I prefer the ‘pull-out and pray’ method…verrry “Green”—nothing to throw away after (hopefully)…
Elaine > I rest my case.
Mathew Gerson Glad you are going to cover the topic, Waylon. It would be important to mention the importance of getting tested with every new partner you are with, especially for the cavalier serial daters who are not wearing condoms. (You know who you are)
Kayla > I used FAM for three years in my LTR and it worked perfectly. I’d temp, chart and take ovulation tests. The three times I tried BC pills, they made me emotionally nuts, when I am naturally a very balanced and happy . I also gained weight, and felt crappy (bloating, cramps) when I normally have no issues with that. There was a nagging feeling that I wasn’t myself! And I had to wait several months after I stopped them to feel like me again and it took my body just as long to function naturally again. I have an athletic, non-smoking friend who had a stroke while on bc pills. I was an IUD baby, but I guess the IUD was less effective in the 80′s. Regardless, mom had used an IUD for 15 years with no problem, but I am here! (and very glad that I am) She said that when she got pregnant with me, the IUD should have been the most effective. I guess it’s not as effective during the beginning and end of of its “shelf life.”
Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?
Reading this alone was good birth control. Bejesus. I want a vasectomy now.
The risks of birth control pills scare me, and the rest, too. So I had a vasectomy. Having 3 children already was a pretty darn good form of birth control, too.
I would love love love to see more articles like this! I quit using hormonal bc about four years ago due to some health issues (I'm talking thyroid problems, lymphatic problems, stuff that didn't even make sense) that couldn't be ruled out as being caused by anything else, and as a last ditch effort my doctor advised me to stop taking a bc pill I had started around the same time the issues started (it was seasonale, in case anyone is interested, which in retrospect, yeah, I know – inherently bad idea). The health issues (including nodules on my thyroid that were visible on two different CT scans I had) disappeared within a month and haven't returned since. The experience spawned an intense interest in this topic for me. I will never use the pill again.
Oh, as an aside, I'm also allergic to adhesive (rules out the patch) and latex (no latex condoms) as well as spermicide, so birth control has been tricky for me, to say the least. I've been using FAM for about three years now and knock on wood, it's worked so far. However, as pointed out above, the effort that is required makes me think it might not be the best solution for "the masses." I also really think you have to be in a situation where you are truly "okay" with the result (whatever that is for you) should you accidentally become pregnant, or else the stress of that potentiality can make it even more difficult to stick with. I talked to my doc a few years ago about the IUD but it's my understanding they're pretty painful if you haven't had a child previously, and also that the non-hormonal ones are actually more likely to cause side effects than the ones with hormones! I decided it just wasn't worth it, especially since I would like to have children in the next 2-3 years.
I think it's a sad commentary on society that we don't have any more options to offer than we do. We're all over high-tech warfare, but can't come up with an easy way to prevent conception without wrecking women's bodies in the process?! Sigh…
The photo in the first frame is content from http://www.thathipsterporn.com
Hopefully used with permission.
A great site…
Thanks, Annie, that's why it's linked if you click the photo.
We love that site: it's featured on our blog roll, and have done several adulatory blogs about 'em. We send 'em a fair amount of traffic, and are happy to do so. BTW, as you know if you know that site, a tumblr site, that image was almost certainly reposted, and not original to thathipsterporn.
No better choice did I EVER make in my life, EVER than sterilization.
No babies. No way. No how. No drugs. Nothing to insert, change, worry about, done and done…
Definitely agree with practicing FAM. I and my husband used it for many years since I cannot use any type of hormonal BC. We did have a surprise a few of years ago when I was 40, so I had the Paragard (copper IUD) put in, but it became lodged and I had it removed. In theory, I thought it would be great to have reliable BC that lasted until I was officially menopausal. I’m back to FAM, but it dictates a certain amount of diligence to be successful.
via http://www.facebook.com/elephantjournal
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Nye: not to have sex
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Nuray: agreed, there are no side effects of that, maybe a little lust but that's it.
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Jessica: Being gay works well and is free and environmentally friendly.
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Annie: The photo above is original content from http://www.thathipsterporn.com/
hopefully reprinted with permission and thanks…
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Annie:
Not having babies is greener than ANY form of birth control.
Sterilization of MEN is the greenest form of birth control, sterilization of women being 2nd greenest.
All the hippies who suggest "natural" temperature taking, pulling out, avoidi…ng sex during the most fertile days are not suggesting anything that most normal humans can use effectively over long periods of time and really, who would want to…?See More
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that vasectomy wasn't talked about more in-depth as there are a variety of types ranging in regards to how temporary & how effective.
Bethany:
Such a personal thing, the article very nicely concluded with this- that these decisions must be weighed ,then made incividually. For me, I had a downright lovely experience with 8 years of IUD protection but for my son' father, it was (on…ce he was old enough) a vasectomy (had to wait until he was 25- ridiculous). Also GLAD that it was mentioned that birth control is not just a woman's responsibility AND sad
As for abstinence? Hmm. Again, very individual but IMO, not very healthy for most.See More
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Judy: celibacy…abstinence….
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Barbara: All I know is that I am too sleepy and didn't read the whole article…but the picture of the little boys ..ooh scarey… I'd keep my legs crossed on the next few dates until the image faded…..at least….
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Ashley: Its kind of hard when you are married and dont want kids to be abstinent or celibate. I know mine husband wont go for that.
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Cindy: As a WHNP I'm a big fan of the Paraguard IUD – the Mirena has much more (unnecessary) packaging and hormones. I'm also a big fan of vasectomies. NFP works for some but not for most. I agree that an unplanned child would be the least green option. Healthy sexual expression is an important part of most peoples lives so reliable contraception is very important. It is also important so that women can maintain control and live the life they choose to live.
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River: One of my favorite bumper stickers read: Vasectomies Prevent Abortion
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elephantjournal.com Annie, it's not original content on thathipsterporn, it's reposted, it's a tumblr site. And you likely know it's from that site, I assume, because we linked to it in the above post like good boys and girls. We try to always link to our sources. We know thathipsterporn a bit, have done several adulatory blogs on them, they've been in touch with us.
Back in the day we used condoms and diaphragm b.k. (before kids). After two children my husband decided to go the vasectomy route. Our health insurance even covered it! It pays to read your policy as some will cover vasectomy. I was always a little wary of the family planning method since we're told sperm have a life span of quite a few days…
I have the copper IUD and I could not be happier with it. It is the BEST birth control I've ever used. TMI, but condoms made me get yeast infections, the Pill made me insane (literally) and long-term use of Depo Provera caused horrific bone problems. For me, copper IUD is the only birth control I'll ever use!
Ensure – it’s permanent but no hormones, no surgery. It is a spring that is inserted in the fallopian tube that causes scar tissue to form around it blocking an travelling cells (eggs down and sperm up) from passing. Great for those who have completed their family.
[...] The majority of our population doesn’t really find non-monogamy appropriate no matter its label (open relationship, polyamory, etc.) these people generally seem to think that those who are open are promiscuous amoral sluts with STDs. But, there is a right way to be a proper ethical slut, (and even a guide book for those who want more info); part of it includes always using protection and not screwing every person you meet. People who are out doing everyone wi… [...]
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[...] of the spectrum from condoms, the only effects of the intrauterine device will be on the user. A previous post on elephant journal discusses this method in [...]
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Temperature PLUS fertile mucus awareness works really well. All birth control works really well if it's done properly. Great book "Your Fertility Signals" http://www.amazon.com/Your-Fertility-Signals-Preg…
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired! Very helpful information specially the last part
I deal with such information a lot. I used to be looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
I had a copper IUD for 6 years before it failed me and I had an ectopic pregnancy. Also as I was getting deeper into my yoga practice I was more aware of the IUD in certain asanas – it sort of "pinched" me… but before I was very flexible it was no problem… eventually my husband and I decided to have a baby so we stopped birth control and then after I had our baby, he had a vasectomy which is THE BEST form of birth control EVAHHHH!
I also want to add that the IUD will not protect you from STD's if you and your partner are not in a monogamous relationship. So an IUD would work better for those who are monogamous but if you or your partner are not, better stick to condoms.
Oh dear. I've come to several conclusions while reading this.
1. Your facebook friends are awesome.
2. I try to do good, but I'm significantly less "green" than I realized as I never even considered that my bc needed to be greener.
3. I don't think I'm getting enough action to destroy the planet with the condoms I'm going through (and now I'm sad about that)
4. I'm overwhelmed with information that I didn't realize that I needed.
Thanks for sharing this!
I had an IUD and as birth control it was awesome. No thoughts, no worries. I could feel it from time to time in yoga. My body sadly didn't take well to it and I became dangerously anemic which I am still dealing with one year later. In retrospect the health problems this has caused (heart palpitations, lethargy, weight gain, complete loss of sex drive) made it not worth it for me at all. I wish i hadn't done it. No one knows why I reacted so badly to it. I bled and bled and bled some more. They just kept saying it would lighten up with time. I waited too long.
The Birth Control Comuter – PERLY or LADY COMP is the best, its the most easy way to use FAM, ince it does the planning for you. Its not the cheepest but in relation to what pills and other things cost in the long run, this is a one time cost and then you can use it all your life, and its a computer made of plastic, but it lasts for life is you take care of it and its really reliable. Everywoman should have one. http://www.raxmedical.com/pearly.php
A copper IUD basically gives you an abortion repeatedly. BAD KARMA
That is absolutely, undeniably, scientifically flat wrong.
I’ve used the IUD for quite awhile. It’s a no-brainer. Just remember to protect against STDs w/a condom [and review how to use it properly].
Signs/Symptoms of PID are possible w/Tubal Ligation as well. It’s an invasive procedure – with all the concomitant issues that can follow…
Research and find what works best for your lifestyle! You can take charge of you fertility.
Annie T.
Nurse Practitioner Grad Student
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I have heard that excess copper can lead to organ cancers…. My mother in law who just went through chemo/avastin treatments for the last 1.5 years with cervical cancer found that she had excess amounts of copper in the spring that feeds into their tap. Just sayin' I wouldn't put a copper IUD in after hearing that.
After being on the pill for ten years, my doctor suddenly recommended I try a hormone-free birth control method. This recommendation was based on my family history of breast cancer. I had not thought much about how the hormones had been affecting my body all of those years, not had I thought about how it might affect my risk of getting breast cancer. Basically, I wasn’t thinking about anything else except preventing pregnancy!
I turned to the copper IUD two years ago. I love it, and with a shelf life of ten years, I wish I had known about it earlier. My periods are back full on, along with cramps that I totally forgot existed during a period. But then again, I think I am closer to what my usual, natural cycle would feel like. Somehow, my cycle is in sync with the moon’s cycle, which never ceases to amaze me. That never happened when I was on the pill! When I first got it inserted, my partner could feel the fish-line like threads, but then my doc trimmed ‘em, and we were all good!
Bottom line, while I love the IUD, I don’t think there is an ideal form of birth control out there. I’m still waiting for a hormone-free, green, no-brainer, highly effective form of BC. Until then, I’m going Abe Lincoln penny- style!
No one here has mentioned using the Lady Comp. I myself have only used FAM, but know many people who have used the Lady Comp for YEARS with not one unplanned pregnancy. It is 99.3% effective. Eventually I am planning on purchasing one (you can get it on Amazon).
There is a lot that plays in to becoming pregnant and it can vary from month to month. I have been lucky to have never gotten pregnant by using charting and the withdrawal method on 'unsafe' days for four years straight. I'm unsure if this is because 1. It works (so much contradicting info on withdrawal..but I've used it on my fertile days and never gotten pregnant). 2. I've just been lucky 3. I have fertility issues (don't believe I do as I have confirmed ovulation). but…never been pregnant yet and as the years go on I trust my body and its signals more and more. Still, it is scary to just go with trusting yourself-much 'easier' to take a pill or have an IUD and know for sure that you are protected.
I would love to get an IUD but have heard too many horror stories, and my body is extremely sensitive (rejected all my piercings) so I'm sure it would reject an IUD as well. Also have heard that the copper in your body can have adverse effects and cause imbalances….
From all I've read I feel FAM and the Lady Comp are as good as it gets for BC.