Blog - Kim & Amy: Recent Episodes
Red Tent Sisters
Since 2007, blood sisters Kim & Amy Sedgwick of Red Tent Sisters have been providing holistic solutions to women's fertility, sexuality and contraceptive dilemmas. In Red Tent Sisters: The Podcast, Kim & Amy interview experts on a variety of reproductive and sexual health topics to bring women the best in holistic, eco-friendly solutions to women's most pressing reproductive and sexual health concerns.
Struggling with menstrual pain and fertility issues 14 years ago, Amy turned to an unexpected source for wisdom. Now, she helps others do the same.
From love languages to maintaining erotic desire, learn new tools for navigating romantic partnerships.
“What led you to become a sex coach?” It’s a question I’ve been asked many times before, but something about his eyes made me want to share the whole story.
Trace the story of Amy's journey from a mainstream health approach to one that includes ancient spiritual practices.
Navigating "that time of the month" is as much about learning to go with the flow as it is about balancing hormones or reducing symptoms.
While celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow may have popularized vaginal steaming, this self-care practice is hundreds of years old and is rooted in ancient shamanic practices.
If you and your partner experience conflict over how often you're getting it on, the solution may lie in discovering and communicating your "desire style."
Just because a lube is natural doesn't mean it's sperm-friendly. Here are the brands and ingredients to look for to optimize fertility.
Between its lack of commercial marketability, and the media regularly conflating it with the Rhythm Method, FAM rarely gets the attention it deserves. Thankfully, that's changing.
The world is constantly sending us messages intended to make us feel bad about our bodies. It's up to us to learn to love ourselves for the beautiful beings we are, and to support the next generation to do the same.
For both pre-teens and adults alike, that white or yellow crumbly discharge in underwear can be a source of confusion and even embarrassment. Is it normal? If so, what is it?
Books, blogs, comics and other fun ways to receive the sex education you should have got (but didn't).
Ovulation predictor kits and pregnancy apps may be leading you astray. Five tips for optimizing conception.
Ever wonder what that "white stuff" is in your underwear? Stop guessing when you're ovulating and learn to decode signs of fertility.
From books to apps, sales to students, there are lots of affordable options for those looking to adopt natural birth control.
One person's "heavy" menstruation is another person's "light", so how do you know if your bleeding is normal? And what can you do about it?
The need to be “right” is a recipe for resentment and arguments. Vulnerability can be the antidote.
A new research study confirms what we've long suspected - mood disturbances are correlated with the use of hormonal contraception.
Before heading to the pharmacy, give these simple home remedies for UTIs a try. You may eliminate the need for antibiotics!
Weight gain, depression and libido are well documented issues. But this little-known side effect I had to learn for myself.
Relationships can serve as a mirror, highlighting our deepest wounds. A year of solo living has given me the courage to step into that discomfort.
What the American Board of Family Medicine has to say about the efficacy of apps for contraception (it's good news for those looking for natural birth control).
From material to colour to sizing, here are five things to consider before buying your next menstrual cup.
The pull-out method has been dubbed "pull and pray" and compared to Russian roulette. But is withdrawal really that risky?
The importance of redefining "normal", having realistic expectations, and going with the flow when it comes to addressing intimacy conflicts.
Stress and exhaustion are both libido killers. Add in a lack of privacy and feeling “overtouched” and it’s no wonder sex ends up at the bottom of the to-do list.
Fertility Awareness can be trickier when you're travelling, but it is possible! Here are five ways to make it work.
Nobody should have to suffer from period cramps. Here are five alternatives to popping painkillers.
Study finds surprising data on the efficacy of a contraceptive app. How does it stack up against sympto-thermal approaches?
Since ovulation doesn't always occur on Day 14 of your cycle, here are three ways to take the guesswork out of fertility.
The industry has evolved since we opened our online doors 7 years ago. "Green" is no longer niche, which we see as something to celebrate.
If you find yourself regularly feeling "not good enough" as a mother, you're not alone.
Natural, effective birth control does exist! From FAM to the IUD, here are five contraceptive options to help you find a method that fits with your values.
If you’re looking for a body-safe, eco-friendly lube coconut oil can be a great choice. Learn the do’s and don’ts of when (and how) to use it.
Vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding, and debilitating cramps meant Amy had to take days off work every month. Now, her menstrual cycle is symptom-free.
Phrases like "your moon time" imply that our menstrual cycle should be synced up with the lunar cycle. But is there science to back that up? What's really behind our desire to bleed on the new moon?
Lube isn’t just for when you’re going through menopause or breastfeeding. Studies show that women of all ages and stages find lubricant increases pleasure.
Many of us spend years trying not to get pregnant, but what about when you do want to conceive? How does the pill affect your fertility?
Symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and irregular periods are often dismissed, but could actually point to a thyroid condition (one in eight women will have one during her lifetime).
It's shocking how little we are taught about the female body and how much unnecessary confusion, stress, and (dis)ease this can cause. Here's how you can help change that!
Having difficulty getting pregnant? In our experience, there are a few different causes of infertility that often get overlooked. For example, you may be among the many people with subclinical hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or endometriosis. These conditions can all affect fertility but often go undiagnosed. The good news is they can be managed.
Hollywood isn't normally a place we'd suggest turning to for sex education, but these ten films (and TV shows) offer a refreshingly candid perspective and an opportunity for thought-provoking conversations with a friend or partner.
Low sexual desire can be caused by hormonal changes (menopause, breastfeeding, the pill), relationship issues, and stress. There's no one magic cure-all but these natural libido boosters may be just what you need (and they're things we should probably be doing anyway).
Whether you're using fertility awareness for conception, birth control, or body literary, these apps can help make it easier to track your cycle.
The five supplements most health practitioners agree women should be taking - cod liver oil, Vitamin D, Probiotics, Vitamin C, and a good quality multi vitamin.
Our top fiction picks with powerful messages about being a woman (including The Red Tent, The Birth House, The Dovekeepers, and The Mists of Avalon).
The Diva Cup and other reusable menstrual products offer an alternative that's healthier for your body and the environment (plus they save you money!)
Stress, hormonal birth control, and diet can all affect sexual desire. Learn five ways to increase your libido and have more fun in the bedroom.
Without the context of body language and tone, texting can lead to some serious miscommunication. Set the stage for a successful conversation with these five tips.
Oral sex doesn't need to be a one-sided activity! Learn tips to make blowjobs fun for him AND you.
Thinking of coming off the pill? Justisse is a completely natural form of birth control that's over 99% effective.
Trying to cut down on your coffee intake? These caffeine-free alternatives are filled with health-promoting ingredients (but still taste delicious!)
Trouble orgasming with your partner during intercourse? You're not alone! 70% of women need some kind of clitoral stimulation in order to climax.
Tired of condoms that don't fit right, cause yeast infections, and generally kinda suck? Better options do exist! Learn how to choose the right condom for you.
We're taught so little about our bodies it's not surprising there's confusion about when a person is fertile. That's why we're clearing up some "misconceptions" and giving you the low-down on how likely it is to conceive while menstruating.
Have a toy that knows exactly how to turn you on? Worried it might make it hard to orgasm from other kinds of stimulation? How to enjoy your favourite vibe without getting stuck in a rut.
Photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
LGBTQ books aren’t just for kids with two mommies or two daddies. They can help all children understand the importance of inclusivity, and encourage them to be allies in the fight for social justice.
Running Red Tent Sisters has shown us how valuable books can be for starting conversations about issues of sexuality and reproduction. Whether it's giving your pre-teen daughter a book about what it's like to get your first period, or casually leaving open a passage of erotica for your partner, our customers have repeatedly shared how books have helped open up conversations they may not have been able to start on their own.
In this week's episode of Red Tent Sisters TV, we explore some of the best books for creating a dialogue with children about sexual orientation, gender identity, and how babies are made. We know first-hand from Amy's daughter that these questions start early which is why we’ve selected titles for a range of ages, including toddlers.
We'll share:
1) Our favourite book on "What Makes a Baby" (by Toronto's own Cory Silverberg)
2) The true story of two male penguins raising a baby penguin in Central Park Zoo
3) Amy's daughter's favourite gender-bending bedtime story
4) Suggestions for using your "bold voice" to be an ally for those who are marginalized
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters and ecosex.ca, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for women seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
Want more inspiration from the sisters? Join our mailing list for updates, articles, and special offers. Or, join the conversation on Facebook & Twitter.
Looking for hormone-free birth control? Wondering if the IUD is right for you? The sisters give the low-down on the pros and cons of using a copper IUD.
There's been a lot of buzz in the media over the last few years about the copper IUD and it's popularity has been on the rise. For those looking to ditch the pill and go hormone-free it can be great. It lasts five years which makes it an inexpensive option, plus it allows for spontaneity and has an extremely high efficacy rate. But like all birth control options, it's not the right choice for everyone. In today's episode of Red Tent Sisters TV we share:
- How it works (if you're like us, the IUD was glossed over in health class so it feels sort of mysterious )
- The efficacy rate
- Potential risks and side effects
- First hand stories from Kim who had an IUD inserted last year (including her "secret" pain management strategy for having it inserted)
- Who shouldn't use the IUD
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for people seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
A vibe can be a couple's best friend. The question is, how do you help HIM see it that way (and make sure he doesn't feel "replaced")?
Historically, sex toys were marketed towards the single lady. That's certainly changed in the last few years with the popularity of the We-Vibe and other couple toys, but it can still be tricky to introduce a vibe to a lover without implying they're doing something wrong. That's why our #1 tip is to make it clear that toys are all about adding to the existing pleasure (we can always have more fun!) Here are some other suggestions for introducing some buzz into the bedroom without hurting anyone's feelings:
- Shop together so he feels part of the process. Bonus: looking at all those fun accoutrements might just spark some other experimentation.
- Choose something that's versatile. That way, if it turns out you don't love using it together, you can always use it solo.
- The media really isn't doing us any favours with their depictions of sex. Most of what we see is missionary-style intercourse and yet the woman seems to come every time. In reality, 70% of women can't orgasm from intercourse alone. Seventy percent! Knowing that, it makes sense to add some extra stimulation :)
Looking for toy recommendations? Here's a list of Kim's personal faves for partner play. You might also be interested in our Gift Guide for Couples.
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters and ecosex.ca, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for women seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
Want more inspiration from the sisters? Join our mailing list for updates, articles, and special offers. Or, join the conversation on Facebook & Twitter.
Feeling horny but blood and mess stress you out? How to make sex on your period as hot (or hotter) than any other time of the month.
It seems like a cruel trick of nature that many of us feel a heightened sense of sexuality during our period when internalized shame about menstruation tells us we should be keeping ourselves and everyone else as far away from our blood as possible. If you’re one of these women, you’re not alone. There’s evidence to suggest that oxytocin (aka, “the cuddle hormone") rises prior to menstruation making it more likely that you’ll feel the urge for sexual intimacy.
From an anthropological perspective, menstrual blood has not always been considered shameful. In fact, in many cultures menstruating women have been considered magical and powerful (for instance, "Gypsies said a woman could win any man's love with a potion of her own menstrual blood"). We think it's time we reclaimed our sexuality during this powerful time of a woman's cycle.
In this week’s video we explore some logistics and practical tips for exploring pleasure and sexuality during "that time of the month", including:
- Why your hang-ups (not your partner’s) might be the biggest obstacle to enjoying sex on your period
- Why a menstrual pad can be your best friend
- Our fave non-penetrative forms of sexual pleasure
- The pros and cons of sex in the shower
- Other ways of minimizing mess
If you're interested in picking up the blanket we mention, we’re Lunapads Ambassadors which means you get 5% off your order with the coupon code "AMBFIVE" and the ambassador number 515009.
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters and ecosex.ca, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for women seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
Want more inspiration from the sisters? Join our mailing list for updates, articles, and special offers. Or, join the conversation on Facebook & Twitter.
Scared your period will be heavier? That your cramps will be worse? That your skin will break out? What to expect when you ditch hormonal birth control.
Coming off the pill can be scary. If you're like us, you were put on it not just for birth control, but also to "manage" other hormonal issues which means there's the fear that the symptoms will be as bad (or worse) when you come off. While every woman's experience is different, today we're sharing our own journey (we were both on the pill for over ten years), as well as what we've learned from supporting hundreds of women to transition off hormonal birth control, including:
- How long it takes to return to a normal cycle
- When to come off the pill if you're planning to start a family
- What's really happening to your body when you're on the pill (hint, you're not actually ovulating!)
- Suggestions for addressing the underlying causes of endometriosis, PCOS, cramps, and other menstrual health issues "treated" by the pill
- Benefits of coming off the pill (increased libido. Woohoo!)
If you're thinking about coming off hormonal birth control, we encourage you to download our free "Ditch the Pill" report which includes more details about Amy's personal journey as well as lots of info about the benefits of switching to natural contraception.
Have a friend who might benefit from this info? Click the "Share" button at the bottom left of this post to share this article on your favourite social media channel.
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for people seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
Natural, effective birth control does exist! These methods won't mess with your hormones (so you'll keep your libido, fertility, and sanity intact).
Do you love your Diva Cup 90% of the time, but sometimes find it's painful or awkward? You're not alone! Even menstrual cup fans agree it's not always a perfect "fit."
We've been raving about the diva cup since long before we ever started selling them. But even for us, there are days when it just doesn't feel quite right. In this segment of Red Tent Sisters' TV Amy & Kim explain:
- The pros and cons of using a menstrual cup
- Why insertion can be easy one day and tricky the next
- Tips for adding lubrication to make things slippery smooth
- Our fave position that helps make insertion easier
- Alternatives for those days when your Diva Cup just won't cooperate
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for people seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
In the words of porn star Annie Sprinkle, "The answer to bad porn isn't no porn. It's to try and make better porn." Thankfully, there are filmmakers doing just that - creating movies that are empowering for the performers, and the audience.
In the last few years the "feminist porn" movement has really taken off. The Feminist Porn Awards is celebrating its ninth year, and the Feminist Porn Conference is becoming an annual event (which the sisters are excited to attend this year!) What constitutes feminist porn? It has a focus on authentic pleasure, women are involved in the production, and the performers are paid a fair wage. If you've written off porn because you've only ever seen mainstream films that turned you off (literally), today's video is for you.
Many of the films we recommend, such as Erika Lust's Life Love Lust, have trailers which allow you to get a sense of the different styles (including how different they are from mainstream porn).
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we're not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters, they've been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for people seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood. .
We're sharing our own stories, shifting the conversation from obligation to pleasure, and providing tips for making the experience fun for everyone.
As women and couples begin rethinking hormonal contraception, old-fashioned methods of birth control are making a comeback. But are they effective? They can be. Here's how.
Does sex hurt? You're not alone. Almost 3 out of 4 women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives. Historically there has been very little research or dialogue about dyspareunia but fortunately, that’s changing.
The Diva Cup is one of our absolute favourite things. Not only is it way better for the environment and your body, it also saves you lots of moolah. But, we’d be lying if we said it was an easy decision or transition. Amy wandered around a local store picking up the Keeper (her first menstrual cup) and putting it back down for over an hour before finally committing to buying it. Kim eyed the Diva Cup at the local feminist shop in her university town of Halifax for nearly a year before making the leap.
When it comes to menstrual cups, it’s rarely love at first sight. Even after you make the initial commitment, reusable menstrual cups can take some getting used to. The good news is, if you stick with it, you will likely find yourself a devoted convert raving about how much you love it! It has all sorts of benefits, and many small, unexpected joys (like not having to pack a box of pads in your luggage or having to worry about how to dispose of dirty pads while on a camping trip!)
Thanks to some awesome suggestions from our Facebook community, we’ve come up with a handy list of things to consider when making the switch to the Diva Cup:
- If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to menstrual cups, so patience is key. We suggest giving yourself 3-6 months before deciding if it is the right fit for you.
- Skip the gas station restroom (for now). Instead, we recommend inserting the Diva Cup at home so you’re as comfy as possible (comfy=relaxed pelvic floor muscles = easier to insert a silicone cup into your vagina). Sticking close to home also means it’ll be easier to readjust the position if necessary, and if you really can’t get it working, you can switch to a pad or tampon.
- Less is more. When it comes to cleaning your Diva Cup, the fewer products you use the better. The company does NOT recommend the following: vinegar, tea tree oil, scented/fragranced soap, castile/peppermint soap or any other oil based soap, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, pre-moistened wipes, hydrogen peroxide, dishwashing soap or bleach (aren’t we switching to the DivaCup to avoid bleach in our vagina??) So, what should you use? Since silicone is non-porous it doesn't harbour bacteria which is why we keep it simple and just wash ours with hot water and skip the soap altogether.
- What about public washrooms? This is a really common concern. Depending on your cycle and how often you have to empty your cup, you may be able to time it so that the majority of changes happen at home or in a single stall washroom. However, if you’re out for the day, try stashing a damp cloth in your purse. You can just thow it in a ziplock bag, but if you want something prettier, our friends at Lunapads have some super cute carrying cases.
- Avoid an “uh oh” moment. Even though the Diva Cup shouldn’t leak down the road, it may leak during the learning phase. That’s why we recommend wearinga pad or pantyliner for the first few cycles until you get the hang of things.
- It’s all about the twist. Speaking of avoiding leaks, once you insert your Diva Cup, you need to twist the bottom (not the stem) 360 degrees in order to create a seal so that all the blood goes into the cup, rather than around the sides. This is often the biggest challenge but once you get it, it should be smooth sailing.
- Slip and slide. Sometimes it can be a little uncomfortable to insert the DivaCup, especially on lighter days when you have less natural lubrication. One of our Facebook friends suggested inserting it while you’re in the shower, and we’ve had other Diva Cup fans suggest running it under the tap before putting it in. You could also use a natural, water-based lube (but please stay away from silicone lube, silicone on silicone can degrade over time).
- Break the seal. Remember how we said that the “twist” was key for creating a seal? Well, you definitely, definitely want to break that seal before you take it out, otherwise you might feel like you’re pulling out your uterus along with your diva cup! Usually squeezing the bottom will do the trick but if you want to be sure, you can run your finger around the edge to release the suction.
- Got a question? The internet's got you covered. If you’re looking for more tips and suggestions, there are tons of helpful online websites and forums. The DivaCup website is a great place to start and we’d also highly recommend the Menstrual Cup Live Journal. With over 11, 000 entries, you can pretty much guarantee they’ve covered it all.
- If it doesn’t work, find yourself another body-friendly option. Unfortunately, as much as we adore the Diva Cup, it isn’t for everyone. Our mother heard us rave about it for years, but she just couldn’t get it to work for her. If that turns out to be the case, don’t despair. Fortunately there are lots of other wonderful eco-friendly options. We’re big fans of Lunapads – like the Diva Cup, resuable pads are way better for your body, the environment and your pocketbook – and for those that prefer an internal product, there are brands like Natracare that make unbleached, organic cotton tampons.
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for people seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
Infertility rates attributed to age alone may in fact have more to do with pre-existing reproductive health conditions (conditions that can be addressed with the right support).
How to validate the pain, encourage them to be their own “expert” and why admitting you don’t know what to say may be the best gift you can give.
- Validate the pain. We all know how bad it feels when we share something painful with someone and they act dismissively – quickly telling you about something they have lived through that was much worse, or alternately, telling you it is no big deal. Not being able to conceive is akin to a major loss – similar to the death of a loved one, or the loss of a relationship. For the time that it is experienced, it is the loss of a dream, an imagined lifetime relationship, a role, and an identity. Unlike the other losses mentioned, it does not exist at one finite time. Instead, the loss is re-experienced every month at the time of menstruation. Instead of trying to tell a woman “Relax, it’ll happen”, acknowledge their feelings by saying something like “That must be really hard for you – I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?” And if they do, ask open-ended questions like “How is that affecting you” to avoid making assumptions or judgments.
- Avoid giving advice. Infertility can be caused by a great many things – there are both male and female factors, sometimes a combination of the two, and sometimes the cause is totally unknown. Female-factor fertility issues account for about 40% of infertility cases and within that 40% the issues leading to fertility challenges are numerous – ovulatory failure, endometriosis, infection, fibroids, and many more. What this means is that no two women are exactly the same and thus no two approaches to addressing infertility will be the same. If you know someone who got pregnant after vitex or trying acupuncture, it doesn’t mean it will work for the next woman. Be sensitive and avoid telling a woman what she should be doing.
- Encourage them to “Be their own expert.” All too often when women have trouble conceiving they end up swept into a medical system that is very dismissive of women’s deep intuitive knowledge. I frequently find that my clients have a sense of where the problem lies. Encourage your friend, loved one or colleague who is struggling with fertility to tap into his or her own gut instinct. Ask if they have a hunch what the problem is. If they have difficulty knowing the answer, encourage them to seek out resources or professionals who will assist them in relaxing and tapping into that inner wisdom.
- Facilitate the right kind of support. One of the things most women who are struggling to conceive feel is a sense of loneliness and isolation. Reproductive function is a very private topic for the majority of women and as such it is easy to end up feeling alienated from friends, colleagues and family members. The stress of isolation can lead to depression, relationship strain, and further health issues. Thus it is paramount that women struggling to conceive receive support. It is important that the support come in the form of good friends who will say the right things (as above) and/or from professionals who are experienced at validating the challenges while also focusing on solutions and hope. While forums and online infertility support groups can be helpful, they can also increase stress and contribute to a feeling of helplessness. For this reason, thoughtful, professionally mediated support – whether group or private, is preferable.
- Give Permission. One of the most difficult things for women to do when they are struggling to conceive is to be around other women who are pregnant or have young children. If you know someone who is struggling to conceive, try to be sensitive when sharing news, and give permission to your friend (better yet, encourage them to give themselves permission) to skip baby showers and other similar events that might be triggering or painful. As discussed in point one, feeling unable to create the family you desire is a huge loss and these types of events just serve to underscore what is being missed. While it will be impossible to avoid pregnant and new mothers entirely, it is possible to reduce the number and intensity of events that will be most painful.
Supporting those who are suffering is often difficult, especially when we can’t relate to the problem. I hope the tips above have provided some useful strategies for supporting someone in your life who you know to be struggling with conceiving. One of the final tips I would like to add is that it is okay to say you feel awkward or don’t know how to support them. In fact, in all likelihood, modeling that kind of openness and vulnerability will assist her in doing the same, which may be the greatest gift you can give.
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters and ecosex.ca, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for women seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
Want more inspiration from the sisters? Join our mailing list for updates, articles, and special offers. Or, join the conversation on Facebook & Twitter.
I’ve recently come off the pill. How long will it take for my cycles to go back to normal?
This is a complicated question because there are dozens of factors that contribute to a woman’s overall health and affect how quickly she will “bounce back” from hormonal birth control. The research indicates that, on average, it takes women nine months to return to regular fertility following use of the pill.
In my clinical experience over the past six years, there are three major factors that seem to have the biggest impact on a woman’s recovery:
#1: The age at which you first went on hormonal birth control, relative to your first period. Ideally you would have been cycling naturally for at least four years prior to starting on the pill as this is about how long it takes for a girl’s reproductive system to mature fully. When girls are put on the pill too young, it essentially interrupts their hormonal development, a process that may have to “complete” later when they come off it again.
#2: The total duration of time that you have been on hormonal birth control relative to your reproductive years. For example, a woman who has been on the pill for 3 of the 12 years since getting her period will typically fare better than a woman who has been on the pill for 10 of the 12 years since getting her period.
#3: Your reproductive health status prior to going on the pill. Unfortunately, although the pill can help manage the symptoms of irregular cycles, painful periods, or absent menstruation, it does not fix the underlying issues that cause those problems. If you had cycle issues prior to going on the pill you are likely to have them when you come off the pill again. Fixing the underlying issues that caused these menstrual issues in the first place requires careful attention and the support of a good holistic health team, including a Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner (HRHP) who is trained to interpret a menstrual cycle chart.
There are many other factors that influence a woman’s return to normal cycling post-pill (some of which I hope to address in upcoming blog posts). For more information about coming off the pill, the patch, the shot, or the ring, I recommend picking up a copy of “Coming off the Pill” which includes recommendations for how you can support your body’s detoxification process and return to reproductive health. Or, better yet, book an appointment with an HRHP who can provide you with individualized support tailored to your needs. To apply for a no cost consultation, please send us an email at clientcaresister@redtentsisters.com.
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters and ecosex.ca, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for women seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
Want more inspiration from the sisters? Join our mailing list for updates, articles, and special offers. Or, join the conversation on Facebook &Twitter.
Women who seek non-hormonal options for birth control are frequently frustrated by their efforts to seek alternatives.
If you are looking for a birth control method that is highly effective, cheap, easy to use, side-effect and risk-free, and convenient all at once, you are likely to be disappointed, as there is no perfect contraceptive method out there. However, there are some options which come close to fitting the bill, and knowing your personal priorities can help you to land on a birth control option that feels right for you, is in alignment with your personal values, and has drawbacks you can live with.
Here is a quick overview of our favourite non-hormonal options. We have included efficacy ranges using information from the most highly regarded research to date that can be found in Contraceptive Technology (see reference at end of blog). Efficacy rates are presented as a range, with “perfect use” as the highest level, and “typical use” as the lowest level. Typical use refers to rates that include the results of a device failing (e.g., a condom breaking) or improper use of a method by the user (e.g., not leaving a diaphragm or cervical cap in for the required amount of time after sexual activity).
Condoms: Aside from protecting against STIs, condoms continue to provide one of the best non-hormonal birth control options on the market. They are relatively inexpensive, easily available, and relatively high on the effectiveness spectrum (82-98% effective). The most obvious drawbacks that couples experience are reduced sensation and inconvenience. If you run out during a moment of passion it can be rather frustrating. And since they are one-time use they are not ideal for the environment.
FemCap & Diaphragm: Barrier methods that cover a woman’s cervix are among the oldest known approaches to birth control, dating back thousands of years. Modern diaphragms and cervical caps like the FemCap are intended to work primarily as spermicide holders. Until recently, most spermicides contained toxic chemicals like nonoxyl-9. However, you can now purchase a product called Contragel for use in these products. The advantages to them are that they are reusable, don’t hinder sensation and give the woman control. The cons are that they need to be inserted prior to intercourse (which can be a challenge for spontaneity) and have lower perfect use efficacy rates than condoms (88-94%).
IUD: While the most commonly prescribed IUD these days has hormones in it (Mirena), you do have the option of requesting a copper IUD. Copper has been used as a contraceptive since Egyptian times. The advantages to the copper IUD are that it is effective, long-lasting, and convenient (once inserted it doesn’t require any “work”). It is also a more environmentally sound choice. The drawbacks to IUDs are that they can be painful to have inserted and can worsen menstrual cramps if you are already susceptible to them. They can become dislodged, puncturing the uterine walls, although this is very uncommon. IUDs can lead to spotting and irregular cycles, especially in the first six months after insertion. Despite these drawbacks, the copper IUD does provide the most effective reversible form of non-hormonal birth control (99.3%) aside from Fertility Awareness (see below) and is an extremely cost effective option ($50 for five years).
Withdrawal: While withdrawal is probably the cheapest, easiest and most commonly used birth control method worldwide, the challenge is that its efficacy depends almost entirely on a man’s level of ability to anticipate his orgasm and take action prior to ejaculation. As a result, some women are not comfortable relying on withdrawal, particularly because they have little way of knowing whether it has worked. Men who have excellent control can achieve efficacy rates as high as condoms (up to 96%) but rates can be much lower for men who don’t have high levels of control (78%).
Fertility Awareness: This is our preferred approach to birth control as it can enhance the efficacy of any of the above methods while also providing a whole host of other benefits. Because a woman is only capable of conceiving on one day of each menstrual cycle, Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) – not to beconfused with the much less effective rhythm method, aim to teach women how to read their physiological signs of fertility in order to track her days of fertility with impeccable accuracy. When done correctly and with support, the method is 99.6% effective. At Red Tent Sisters we teach the Justisse Method of Fertility Management, which is a Canadian, pro-choice, pro-woman, body literacy approach to Fertility Awareness. FAM puts the control into women’s hands, but can also be used by couples to share the responsibility of birth control. Unlike most methods it is environmentally-friendly, body safe, and highly effective when done correctly. For information about instruction in the Justisse Method of Fertility Management please check out our signature programs or send us an email on the “Contact Us” page.
To read more about the health and environmental risks of the birth control pill and other hormonal contraceptives, we invite you to read our report “5 Reasons to ditch the pill & reclaim your health, happiness & future fertility.”
Kim & Amy Sedgwick love to discuss sex, periods, and all the other things we’re not supposed to talk about. The co-founders of Red Tent Sisters and ecosex.ca, they’ve been featured in every major Canadian news outlet and have become a trusted resource for women seeking natural (effective!) birth control, a more joyful sex life, and an empowered journey to motherhood.
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Trussell, James (2007). "Contraceptive Efficacy". In Hatcher, Robert A.; Trussell, James; Nelson, Anita L. Contraceptive Technology* (19th ed.). New York: Ardent Media.
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