Hi Starfish,
I wouldn't recomment Birth Control Pills either. I have taken it for 11 years but then everything inside me started to resist and in the end I decided to stop taking them. I had loads of problems with my sex drive, it was practially non existent, luckily it got a bit better and I am looking after guys again lol. I also had headaches and spotting. I felt very relieved when I didn't take the pill anymore and much more free, hard to describe but I wouldn't wanna take the pill again.
If you are interested in natural methods I would recommend you NFP (Natural Family Planning), here's an introduction:
Natural family planning - fpa
or you can also have a look at this book:
Amazon.com: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement: Books: Toni Weschler
Take care,
Anne