Fertility can be controlled without hormones.

These methods include:

• Physical barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms, which prevent the sperm reaching an egg.
• Intrauterine devices (IUD), also known as a coil, prevent the sperm reaching an egg, and thin the lining of the uterus to make it less likely a fertilised egg would embed itself.
• Spermicidal agents which kill or disable sperm.
• Abstaining from intercourse when an egg may be in the oviduct.
• Surgical methods of male and female sterilisation. An example is a vasectomy, where the sperm ducts are cut and tied.

Benefits and risks

• Condoms are easy and quick to use, but sometimes they can tear or rip.
• Diaphragms need to be put in just before sex and left in several hours afterwards.
• IUDs need to be fitted by a health professional. They can remain in position for up to 10 years. However, there is a small risk of them causing an ectopic pregnancy.
• Spermicidal agents can be added to other physical barriers such as condoms, but some people can have allergic reactions to these.
• Abstaining can be used successfully, but if the timings are not accurate the chance of pregnancy is higher.
• Some surgical methods cannot be reversed, and are considered permanent.