We all like ease and convenience, especially when it comes to birth control. The long-term use of synthetic hormones, such as the progestin in Implanon, will invariably increase a woman's danger of developing serious chronic illness.

Progestin is loaded with dangerous side effects, including increased risks of:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Breast cancer
• Dementia

And in addition to those health risks, who knows if Implanon users will incur the numerous problems -- such as injury upon removal -- that forced Wyeth to pull its implantable Norplant from the market six years ago in the face of  numerous health-related lawsuits.

One more caveat: If you're overweight or obese -- at least 30 percent above your optimal weight -- the FDA says the Implanon device won't be nearly as effective.

The fact is, there's simply no reason to use dangerous synthetic hormones and risky surgically implantable devices at all. There are many safe birth control alternatives, among them:

Male condoms: Condoms have a 98 percent effectiveness rate when used correctly. A water-based lubricant will increase the effectiveness; do not use an oil-based lubricant, however, as they break the latex.

Female condoms: These thin, soft polyurethane pouches fitted inside the vagina before sex are 95 percent effective. Female condoms are less likely to tear than male condoms.

Diaphragm: Diaphragms, which must be fitted by a doctor, act as a barrier to sperm. When used correctly with spermicidal jellies, they are 92 to 98 percent effective.

Cervical cap: This heavy rubber cap fits tightly against the cervix and can be left in place for 48 hours. Like the diaphragm, a doctor must fit the cap. Proper fitting enhances the effectiveness above 91 percent.

Spermicides: Creams, jellies and suppositories contain chemicals that kill sperm. While they can increase the effectiveness of other forms of contraception listed here, I don't recommend using them alone.

Other natural methods to scientifically check your fertility.

Additionally, any of the above methods can be combined with natural family planning, in which the woman charts her cycle by regularly monitoring her first morning oral temperatures with an accurate thermometer, and also checks her cervical mucous for appearance and "ferning" patterns. If these two methods are combined, then their effectiveness approaches that of birth control pills.