Women who cannot or do not wish to use hormonal methods of contraception have other alternatives.

There are methods in which a barrier (mechanical or chemical) is placed in the vagina to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus. These include the diaphragm and cervical cap, spermicides and the female condom.

The intrauterine device (also known as the coil) is inserted in the uterine cavity by the doctor.

The natural family planning methods (NFP) include the temperature method, the calendar method, the cervical mucus method (ovulation method) and the symptothermal method. The basic idea of the natural methods is to determine the fertile and infertile days of the menstrual cycle by self-observation. With all NFP methods you have to keep records of your observations and interpret the resulting charts. The contraceptive computer has been developed to simplify this process.

Breast feeding provides contraceptive protection for a limited time.

Sterilization is only an option if you are absolutely sure that you don't want to have any more children.

Men can also take responsibility for contraception. The methods of male contraception include vasectomy (sterilization), the condom and coitus interruptus (withdrawal).

Termination of an established pregnancy is not considered a contraceptive method.