What the Heck is Vegan Birth Control?

The choice to prevent or delay conception has become a fundamental right of most women in the UK over the past century, and we are fortunate to have a wide range of contraceptive options (see IYASU’s History of Contraception blog). But what about vegan birth control?

Contraceptive choices can be a lot more complicated for those among us who have adopted a vegan lifestyle. Especially if you are trying to align vegan principles across all aspects of your life.

So, let’s find out more about vegan birth control that doesn’t use animal testing or animal-derived substances like lactose or magnesium stearate.

Veganism has gained momentum over the past decade with many adopting this lifestyle philosophy for its health and environmental benefits. In 2023, over 700,000 people signed up for “Veganuary,” the highest number on record, and now 2-3% of the UK describe themselves as vegan.

Of course, most of us instantly recognise the dietary implications of being vegan. But this lifestyle choice encompasses decisions far beyond food, extending to ethical choices concerning clothing, accessories, beauty products and medication.

Veganism: “a philosophy and a way of living which seeks to exclude – as far as possible and practicable – all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.

Strictly following this guidance precludes the utilisation of any medicines or products which have been tested on animals. However, as all prescription medications are tested on animals, this presents an insurmountable barrier in many consultations. In reality, many vegans will consider the phrase “as far as possible and practicable” making certain medications feasible.

Asking patients about their diet during contraceptive counselling is not part of a GP’s routine practice. But it is increasingly necessary for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to recognise the needs of individuals and subsections of society with strong ethical, moral, and religious beliefs.

In this blog, we take a detailed look at the options available for vegan birth control.

This method avoids any type of medication or physical barriers, so it is entirely vegan-friendly.

Natural family planning is currently being strongly promoted by certain social media influencers. Whilst being drug free it is also very unreliable with a high failure rate of 24% – meaning that 1 in 4 people using this method will have an unplanned pregnancy.

Standard condoms are not vegan-friendly as they are made from latex (a natural rubber) which is softened with casein, a protein derived from goat or cow’s milk. Also, they come ready-lubricated with the enzyme lactoperoxidase which is derived from dairy products or beeswax.

However, vegan condoms are readily available from a number of brands such as HANX, Skyn Elite, Fair Squared, Glyde Ultra, and Durex Real Feel. Most are also made from latex. But plant-based enzymes such as thistle extract are used instead of casein to soften the rubber, and a water-based lubricant is applied.

Labelling of packaging with PETA, The Vegan Society or The Vegan Action Foundation gives further reassurance to the consumer that brands are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Used correctly, vegan condoms are just as effective as standard condoms at preventing pregnancy (98%) and importantly also protect against STIs. Vegan condoms do tend to be slightly more expensive than standard condoms. Remember that oil-based lubricants should not be used with any condoms as they can cause latex to split.

However, there is no female version of a vegan-friendly condom.

Like condoms, diaphragms and caps are classically made of latex which has been treated with casein to make them more flexible. They must be used with spermicides to be effective.

Typical spermicides contain nonoxynol-9 which can cause vaginal irritation and thus increase the risk of transmission of STIs (sexually transmitted infections),

However, diaphragms such as Cay and Milex, and caps such as FemCap made of silicone are entirely vegan. And when used correctly with a vegan spermicide such as ContraGel or CayaGel, these methods are 92-96% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Unfortunately, while being a vegan birth control, they do not provide any protection against STIs. They must be kept in place until 6 hours after sexual intercourse.

The copper IUD is a highly effective method of contraception which prevents pregnancy in 99% users. It is hormone-free and a fantastic option for many women including those who are vegan.

Copper IUDs are long-acting reversible contraceptives, meaning they can provide 5-10 years of contraceptive protection (depending on brand) and may be removed at any time should the user wish to start or add to their family.

When it comes to vegan birth control, Mirena, Kyleena, Levosert and Jaydess are great long-acting contraceptive options. Levonorgestrel is a synthetic progestogen, so LNG-IUDs contain no animal products.

They also have the added benefit of reducing menstrual blood loss, (although some women may find irregular bleeding patterns problematic).

All currently available oral contraceptive pills, including combined and progestogen only contraceptive pills contain lactose, making them less suitable options for vegans.

The Evra patch is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any hormones derived from animals, nor does it contain lactose. The active ingredients are ethinylestradiol (a synthetic oestrogen) and norelgestromin (a synthetic progestogen).

One patch should be applied on clean, dry skin every week for 3 weeks, followed by a “patch free” week. The patches should not be placed near the breasts.

These are both types of combined hormonal contraceptive rings. They are placed into the vagina for 3 weeks at a time before being removed and disposed of prior to a hormone-free one-week interval.

The active ingredients in both brands are ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel which are synthetic hormones (therefore not from animals). However, magnesium stearate (sourced from pork, chicken, beef, or dairy) is used in the manufacturing process to stop the rings sticking to the factory machinery that shapes them.

Another issue, particularly for people who are vegan for environmental reasons, is that the rings are not biodegradable, and their disposal contributes to plastic pollution.

Nexplanon is a matchstick-sized contraceptive implant which is over 99% effective and lasts for 3 years. Its active hormone is the synthetic progestin etonogestrel but small amounts of magnesium stearate may be present.

These 12-weekly progestogen injections offer further contraceptive choice for vegan birth control as they contain the synthetic hormone, medroxyprogesterone acetate.

Depo-Provera is given by a healthcare professional, whereas Sayana Press may be self-administered after the first dose. As with all other contraceptives, their suitability for each individual should be discussed fully with a healthcare provider.

After completing their families, sterilisation is a permanent contraceptive option for anyone, not just vegans. Male sterilisation carries fewer operative risks and is more effective than female sterilisation.

Having studied the contraceptive options available to vegans in detail, we feel that a hierarchy of vegan-friendly contraceptive options has emerged. Different aspects will be more important to individuals depending on their personal beliefs and moral values.

We have attempted to rank the methods from most to least vegan-friendly, listing their advantages and disadvantages. However, ultimately, we believe that no option should be entirely restricted, and that no vegan should feel guilty for using a contraceptive method that contains small amounts of animal-derived excipients.

The best choice is the one that encompasses the best interests and healthcare of the individual. The vegan philosophy acknowledges that each must follow its ideals only as far as possible and practicable, including vegan birth control.