The Truth about Hormonal Contraceptives

ovulation | ov u la tion: the discharge of a mature ovum (egg cell) from the ovary, into the fallopian tube for possible fertilization.

It’s such a simple definition for a complex and beautiful process that could also be considered a monthly miracle of female biology, since it requires healthy anatomy, physiology, and hormone levels to correlate according to God’s original design for a woman’s fertility. It is precisely what the body is prevented from doing when a woman is on hormonal birth control pills or, at least, what it is not supposed to do when she is.

Many women come to FSI or CCL class open to learning but still using contraceptives such as the Pill. The classes offer a first opportunity to question contraception or a first opportunity to feel supported while doing so. Some students and teachers have found that charting while still on the Pill leads to thoughtful conversations. Students can see firsthand the Pill at work on their body and how their chart looks quite different from that of a healthy, ovulating woman as they are used to seeing in class materials.

What does the pill do to a woman’s body?

According to the drug packaging insert, hormonal birth control pills work first by suppressing ovulation, then by thickening cervical mucus, and finally by thinning the lining of the uterus or endometrium. This third mechanism of action is abortifacient because it prevents a fertilized ovum or newly conceived life from implanting and developing. Many women are not clearly informed by a medical provider of this third mechanism of action, but we know it happens because breakthrough ovulations occur up to 28% of the time with the most commonly prescribed combination oral contraceptives, and from 33-65% of the time with progestin-only pills. Many women are also not clearly warned of the numerous possible side effects of hormonal birth control pills, including but not limited to menstrual difficulties, heart disease, blood clots, stroke, cancers, bone density loss, and depression.

DID YOU KNOW THAT HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES…

  • …Don’t Cure Period Problems. Many women are prescribed birth control to “solve” a problem with their cycles. This can lead to masking symptoms without addressing the root cause. You deserve treatment that restores your health.

  • ...Have Unnecessary Risks. Since hormonal contraceptives are not usually medically needed, the risks they carry are likewise unnecessary. Certain contraceptives can create blood clots and others are even classified as Group 1 carcinogens – the same class as asbestos and tobacco.

  • …Can Actually Make Reproductive Disorders Worse! Hormonal contraceptives can mask symptoms or serious disorders, which worsen the longer they go untreated. Undetected PCOS and endometriosis can have lasting effects on fertility.

  • …Can Kill Sex Drive. Multiple studies have confirmed that hormonal contraceptive users experience dramatically lower libido. Contraceptives are also linked to depression and mood changes which can impact your sexual intimacy.

  • …Are the Risks Worth It? Hormonal contraceptives have a long list of side effects including: dry eyes, migraines, weight gain, moodiness, dry skin, bloating, nausea, blood clotting, acne, fatigue, vaginal irritation, depression, anxiety, depleted nutrients, and even an increased risk for some serious diseases.


Why not choose a completely safe, healthy and effective fertility awareness based method (FABM) with none of these side effects?

Looking for more information about natural alternatives for birth control and contraceptives? Learn about Natural Family Planning at ccli.org or visit Fertility Science Institute to discover FABMs for you. 

Source: Fertility, Cycles & Nutrition (5th Ed) by Marilyn Shannon and Article by Melissa Gorley published in Family Foundations in January 2022.