Hormonal vs Nonhormonal Birth Control: What’s the Difference?

Many people use birth control for a myriad of reasons. Whether your goal is to prevent pregnancy, manage your periods, reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, or something else, birth control can be a great addition to your health care journey.  

However, birth control is not one-size-fits-all! When it comes to choosing a birth control method, everyone has different needs and considerations. With so many options out there, it’s important to find one that works for you, your body, and your lifestyle.  

Luckily, there are a handful of both hormonal and non-hormonal options available and talking to a nurse or doctor can help you determine which one is right for you.  

Birth control information 

There are benefits to both non-hormonal and hormonal options. For example, non-hormonal birth control can have fewer side effects than hormonal birth control, and copper IUDs can prevent pregnancy for 12 years. 

Hormonal birth control can help prevent or lessen acne, bone thinning, cysts and infections, iron deficiency, and PMS. The pill can also regulate and lighten periods, reduce cramps, and lessen your risk of ovarian cancer.  

Birth control types  

Forms of hormonal birth control include:  

• The implant 

• Hormonal IUD 

• The patch 

• The pill 

• The ring 

• The shot  

Forms of non-hormonal birth control include:  

• Cervical cap 

• Condoms and internal condoms 

• Copper (non-hormonal) IUD 

• Diaphragm 

• Spermicide & contraceptive gel 

• Sponge  

• Fertility awareness methods 

• Withdrawal  

The type of birth control you choose is dependent on your goals and what works for your lifestyle. Here are some things to consider when deciding on a method: 

• Does it require a doctor or nurse to insert or administer? 

• Is it effective at preventing pregnancy? 

• How easy is it to use? 

• Does it help with periods? 

• Does it have less or no hormones? 

• Does it help prevent STIs? 

All of these forms of birth control are available at your local health center. The pill, the patch, and the ring can be conveniently ordered from the comfort of your home through the Planned Parenthood Direct app.