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Non-hormonal non-IUD options

6 May, 2017
Question:

Hi. I am 42 years old with BH a bunch of kids (mix of boys and girls). I am having trouble finding a halachically and medically appropriate reliable method of birth control. I am BRCA positive with a strong family history of breast cancer and I have been advised not to use hormone based birth control. The copper IUD is not an option due to bleeding issues. What other options (in Israel) should I look into?


Answer:

We recommend speaking to your doctor about a diaphragm. When used properly with spermicide it is highly effective. While it takes effort to obtain one in Israel, it is possible. See this blogpost about where to find a provider in Israel who can fit you for a diaphragm and where to purchase it. https://derechnashim.wordpress.com/2014/01/12/מדריך-הדיאפרגמות-השלם/

Another possibility is to speak to your doctor about the (non-hormonal) IUD called Gynefix or the new ball-shaped IUD. Due to their different shape or smaller size, they may have less bleeding side effects than a regular copper IUD. If you have had bleeding issues with an IUD in the past, we would also like to know more about what you experienced. If the issue was staining, it is important to know that not all stains make you niddah. For more information, please see our article on stains.

See also our article on choosing a contraceptive method for more details about these methods.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

B'Hatzlacha!

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