I have been on various types of birth control pills for over 6 years now. I took a break from the pill a couple of years ago while my husband (then fiancé) and I were still in college, and we used condoms (which we didn't really like) until one month I was a week late. I didn't end up being pregnant, but we decided I could deal with the side effects of birth control pills for the peace of mind they offered.

Now, a couple of years later, we are married, both employed, and pretty much settled in, but we'd still like to wait a year or two before we start trying to have a baby. However it now seems to me that the peace of mind issue is not as important since we would be fine if we did have a child, so I would like to switch to a non-hormonal birth control method. I have worked with my doctor to find the pill I am on now, which I truly believe is the best pill for me, but I still have some side effects that I wouldn't mind getting rid of.

I've looked into natural family planning/fertility awareness method, but it seems like a lot of work for something that might only end up being 75% effective. I might like to do it in addition to another method.

I considered a diaphragm, but I am worried I wouldn't be able to get it out! I have never been able to feel my cervix (I have short fingers...maybe that's the problem?) so I'm worried once a diaphragm was in I wouldn't be able to reach it for removal.

The method I am considering most seriously right now is the sponge, but since the today sponge has been off the market, there aren't many user reviews available. I've ordered a box of protectaid sponges and a box of today sponges just to try them out, but I'd like to hear other people's opinions on their ease of use and effectiveness.

And actually, advice on any non-hormonal method of birth control would be appreciated!

Thanks!

-Sara

I was on birth control but have recently switched to a diaphragm so that I can begin to chart my cycles and body temperatures for when my husband and I do want to conceive. I also wondered how a diaphragm would be taken out. I didn't think it would be easy...however it is very easy to take out. You can definitely reach up there and get it out, even with short fingers I'm sure. It doesn't go as far up as you would think. And my Dr. said that was in, it can't go anywhere else....so it's not going to disappear. As FYI, it doesn't even go as far up as your husband would during penetration. But it doesn't block him penetrating, rather he just goes up alongside it in a sense, but without feeling.

I would definitely suggest the natural family planning (charting cycles and temps) along with the diaphragm. It will help you understand your body more. Prepare for a couple of months of irregularity once going off the pill. One nice thing is after I know for sure that I have ovulated, than I don't use the diaphragm anymore for that cycle. But I must be absolutely sure that it has been a few days since I have ovulated.

Hope this helps!