Are you looking for a more natural form of contraception? What methods are you probably wondering? What is involved?
The drawbacks of these methods , for example , are not reliable contraceptives.
Be sure to involve your partner as well. These methods cannot work unless both partners agree.
1. Pay attention to the ovulation period
These methods are only relevant to your body – without the use of any instruments or medications. It doesn't cost money or it costs very little, and contraception can be safe and effective if these methods are used correctly. However, these methods are difficult to implement correctly.
The basic approach is to predict which days of the month are most likely to conceive, and then avoid sex on those days.
It sounds simple, but accurately predicting the ovulation period is not easy. If the menstrual cycle is irregular, then it is best to change to another contraceptive method.
If contraception is used in this method, the chance of conceiving can be as high as 24%, unless the ovulation period can be accurately predicted each time.
In contrast, the chances of conception for other contraceptive methods are:
Use only male condoms, 18%
Use of contraceptive membranes, 12%
Taking birth control pills, or using a contraceptive patch or vaginal contraceptive ring, 9%
Use subcutaneous implants or intrauterine devices (IUD), less than 1%
Natural contraceptive methods also include safe-period contraception, standard daily contraception, cervical mucus checking, and basal body temperature. Let's take a look at each one.
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2. Safe period contraception
This approach requires a lot of preparation and is not easy to implement.
In addition, the safe period calculation may feel confusing, so safe period contraception is not reliable.
First, menstruation needs to be monitored for 6 to 12 months before contraception can begin.
This information is then used to make some calculations to determine the ovulation period.
You can use the following formula:
Subtract 18 from the shortest number of menstrual cycle days.
Counting the number of days from the first day of menstruation to the next step, the first day of ovulation is obtained.
Subtract 11 from the number of days of the longest menstrual cycle.
Counting the number of days from the first day of menstruation to the next step, you have to get to the last day of ovulation.
Avoid having sex between the first and last ovulation days.
There are applications that can calculate the security period. But for this approach to work, it must be closely monitored.
But this is often difficult because the menstrual cycle usually has subtle changes. Thyroid disease, eating disorders, excessive weight loss or gain, high-intensity exercise and use of illegal medications can all contribute to irregular menstrual cycles.
3. Standard Days Method (SDM)
This method is similar to safe-period contraception, but simpler, and everyone uses a fixed ovulation period (days 8 to 19 of the menstrual cycle) and is therefore easier to use.
You can use software, a calendar, or a string of colored beads to keep track of what period you are currently in.
This method works best in people with a menstrual cycle greater than 26 days or less than 32 days.
4. Cervical mucus method
This method requires you to check the cervical mucus at certain specific times during your menstrual cycle.
There is very little mucus at the end of menstruation, and there is particularly much mucus at the time of ovulation. You can also observe changes in mucus texture or color throughout your menstrual cycle. These clues may help you figure out the ovulation period.
Cervical mucus during ovulation is clear, sticky, elongated, and egg white. It can be checked several times a day with a tissue or finger.
It's best to make a chart so that you can look at the pattern of changes in uterine mucus between different menstrual cycles – and then you can know when to avoid sex.
5. Basal body temperature method
Another way to identify the ovulation period is to make a daily temperature table. Use an basal thermometer to measure body temperature at the same time every day.
When ovulating, body temperature rises by nearly 0.5 degrees Celsius (1 degree Fahrenheit).
It is also best to be aware of other symptoms that may arise, such as breast tenderness, low back pain, or bloating.
But this method also does not accurately determine the date of ovulation. And, if you have a disease that causes fever, or are stressed, or drank an alcoholic drink the night before, or travel to an area in a different time zone (resulting in different wake-up times), or sleep in a room that is hotter or colder than usual – all of these can affect the basal body temperature, making it difficult for this method to work.
6. Extracorporeal ejaculation
There is a method of contraception that prevents sperm from encountering eggs. This requires a lot of self-control. Ejaculation doesn't succeed every time, so there's a 22% chance of conception with this method.
7. Breastfeeding
This method only works for the first 6 weeks after childbirth – and only if menstruation has not been restored and breastfeeding exclusively, with no use of milk powder or bottles at all.
Breastfeed at least every 4 hours during the day and at least every 6 hours at night (pumping with a breast pump doesn't count!). ）。
This form of breastfeeding inhibits ovulation.
Because there are many details to pay attention to, this is also not a reliable method of contraception.
8. Herbal contraception
There is a lot of advertising that some herbs can be used for contraception. But few studies can support this approach. And the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any of the herbs for contraception.
You may have heard of the following herbs:
Neem;
Castor beans;
gossypol (for men);
Triptolide (for men);
Evodia;
Wild carrot (wild carrot flower).
These herbs are said to be able to:
Suppressed ovulation;
Prevent egg fertilization;
Prevents the conceived egg from implanting in the womb.
But there is little research to support these claims and the contraceptive efficacy of these herbs. Some herbal methods are even toxic.
Therefore, you need to discuss with your doctor first which method is safe.
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