Although Joanne is not able to respond to additional questions at this time, your concerns may have already been addressed in a previous column. Please check the Ask Joanne! Archive, which contains all the Q&As that have appeared here.

I was wondering if there is a safe, effective method of birth control that is not tested on animals. I have eliminated all animal products from my diet, purchase only cruelty-free products, and am opposed to vivisection, yet I feel like a hypocrite because I continue to take the birth control pill. I have read that there are two condom manufacturers that operate "cruelty-free," but I would like to find a more reliable method for preventing pregnancy (call me paranoid!). Are there any birth control pill companies (or any other products you've heard of) that are cruelty-free? Do you have any suggestions?

Practically all pharmaceutical products have been tested on animals, are derived from animals, or contain animal by-products. This includes most birth control drugs and devices. For instance, lactose (milk sugar) is a standard excipient (an inert substance that forms a vehicle for a drug). It is used in most pharmaceutical tablets, including birth control pills. In addition, pharmaceutical companies routinely conduct research on live animals for new or altered drugs. Consequently, all birth control drugs are the result of studies that included animal subjects and are produced by companies that are involved with vivisection. Most condom manufacturers test their products on animals and generally the spermicides and/or lubricants with which they are coated contain animal products. One condom that is vegan and has not been tested on animals is Kimono, produced by Mayer Laboratories.

Surgical sterilization (for you or your partner) is another option. However, it is critical to be absolutely certain prior to undergoing sterilization that you do not want to have children because it is a permanent choice. Although these surgeries can sometimes be reversed, such procedures can be painful, difficult, and costly, and are not always feasible.

Natural birth control is an excellent, drug-free method, but it requires a significant commitment from both parties. For natural birth control to be effective, a woman must be able and willing to take and record her basal body temperature at the same time every morning; inspect, interpret, and record the characteristics of her vaginal secretions (mucus); and chart the course of her ovulation and menstrual cycles to determine fertile and infertile intervals. The male partner must be willing to abstain from sex during the woman's fertile times throughout the month and accept that sexual relations may be less than spontaneous. It is also very helpful if the woman has a regular menstrual cycle and is in a stable relationship and both parties have a strong desire to avoid pregnancy.

Unfortunately, there are no birth control methods available at this time that are suitable for all people and are safe, effective, hassle-free, and vegan. You must weigh the alternatives against the consequences of having an unwanted child and determine the method that you and your partner are most comfortable using. If the decision comes down to a not-totally-ideal birth control method versus an unwelcome pregnancy, the compassionate option is obvious.

All vegans must, at times, make compromises because we live in an imperfect world. We need to make the best choices we can based on the world we have inherited, not the society we envision and are trying to create. Making concessions for birth control is not necessarily indicative of hypocrisy. It simply means that you are being realistic, practical, and responsible.