Hormonal & Non-hormonal Contraception Primer
Male Contraceptive Initiative provides funding and advocacy support for the development of non-hormonal, reversible forms of male contraception. But what does “non-hormonal” mean? How do these methods differ from “hormonal” contraceptives? In this post, we share a primer on the difference between hormonal and non-hormonal contraception.
Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraceptives are birth control methods that impact the endocrine system, which is the system of the body that creates the regulatory substances (i.e., hormones) that are transported in tissue fluids (e.g., blood) and stimulate specific cells or tissues into action. In other, simpler terms, hormones allow cells to effectively “talk” to each other.
Hormones are part of the function of virtually every cell and organ in the body. They control our moods, growth and development, metabolism, and more. If your endocrine system is not functioning properly, it can lead to issues related to stress management, puberty, and even the ability to get pregnant. The latter of which explains why hormones can be developed to impact the endocrine system for contraceptive purposes.
There are two main types of hormonal contraceptive formulations:
It should be noted that, while hormonal contraception is primarily used for the prevention of pregnancy, it can and is also prescribed for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and hirsutism.
Non-hormonal Contraception
Contraceptives classified as “non-hormonal” are exactly that: methods that do not affect a person's hormones. Some common types on non-hormonal contraceptives include:
These methods tend to have fewer side effects (e.g., headaches, nausea, depression, yeast infections, reduced sexual desire, etc.) than their hormonal counterparts and are not negatively impacted by interactions with other medical therapies (e.g., antibiotics). However, some of these methods, such as withdrawal and the rhythm method, have low efficacy, and might not provide reliable contraception.
Non-hormonal pharmaceutical products are currently in development for both men and women. These products will allow users greater flexibility in delivery options (e.g. pills, injectables) similar to current hormonal contraceptive offerings, without the potential drawbacks associated with hormonal method use. These products are designed to prevent pregnancy using a more targeted approach, focusing on inhibiting the activity or developmental pathway of a specific cell (e.g. sperm cells). Due to the specific action of these products, the chance of “off-target” effects is reduced, ultimately resulting in few or no side-effects.
Male Contraceptive Initiative focuses specifically on the development of non-hormonal contraceptive options for men. We feel that the time is right to take advantage of new technological developments and provide reproductive autonomy for all in a form that is reliable, safe, and reversible.
Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraceptives are birth control methods that impact the endocrine system, which is the system of the body that creates the regulatory substances (i.e., hormones) that are transported in tissue fluids (e.g., blood) and stimulate specific cells or tissues into action. In other, simpler terms, hormones allow cells to effectively “talk” to each other.
Hormones are part of the function of virtually every cell and organ in the body. They control our moods, growth and development, metabolism, and more. If your endocrine system is not functioning properly, it can lead to issues related to stress management, puberty, and even the ability to get pregnant. The latter of which explains why hormones can be developed to impact the endocrine system for contraceptive purposes.
There are two main types of hormonal contraceptive formulations:
- “Combined Methods” - contain both an estrogen and a progestin. These methods broadly work by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus.
- “Progestin-only Methods - contain only progesterone or a synthetic progestin. These methods reduce the frequency of ovulation, though most rely more heavily on changes in cervical mucus for effectiveness.
It should be noted that, while hormonal contraception is primarily used for the prevention of pregnancy, it can and is also prescribed for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, and hirsutism.
Non-hormonal Contraception
Contraceptives classified as “non-hormonal” are exactly that: methods that do not affect a person's hormones. Some common types on non-hormonal contraceptives include:
- Barrier methods: medical devices that create a literal barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the uterus. These include condoms (the most common birth control method worldwide), diaphragms, and sponges.
- Copper Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): a small, often T-shaped birth control device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. (Please note that there are also hormonal IUDs).
- Outercourse: this refers to sexual acts where the penis doesn’t go into the vagina at all.
- Withdrawal: also known as the “pull out” method, this involves removing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation.
- Sterilization: there are two types of sterilization surgeries: tubal ligation, which blocks fallopian tubes to prevent an egg from reaching the uterus, and vasectomy, which involves sealing the tubes that carry sperm out of testes.
- Rhythm or Calendar Method: a form of natural family planning that relies on tracking menstrual history to predict ovulation to determine when conception is most likely.
These methods tend to have fewer side effects (e.g., headaches, nausea, depression, yeast infections, reduced sexual desire, etc.) than their hormonal counterparts and are not negatively impacted by interactions with other medical therapies (e.g., antibiotics). However, some of these methods, such as withdrawal and the rhythm method, have low efficacy, and might not provide reliable contraception.
Non-hormonal pharmaceutical products are currently in development for both men and women. These products will allow users greater flexibility in delivery options (e.g. pills, injectables) similar to current hormonal contraceptive offerings, without the potential drawbacks associated with hormonal method use. These products are designed to prevent pregnancy using a more targeted approach, focusing on inhibiting the activity or developmental pathway of a specific cell (e.g. sperm cells). Due to the specific action of these products, the chance of “off-target” effects is reduced, ultimately resulting in few or no side-effects.
Male Contraceptive Initiative focuses specifically on the development of non-hormonal contraceptive options for men. We feel that the time is right to take advantage of new technological developments and provide reproductive autonomy for all in a form that is reliable, safe, and reversible.
Nuts & Bolts: Hormonal vs. Non-hormonal Contraception
To learn more, please visit our series of posts about male reproduction and contraception:
Looking for Something?
Welcome to your comprehensive resource on the future of male contraception! We have packed this site with vital information, and to help you find exactly what you need, we've created a detailed guide. Please use the Table of Contents on our homepage to easily navigate to the research, news, or resources that interest you most. This will ensure you can explore all of our important content with ease. You can access the Table of Contents by clicking on the button below: