Natural Methods of contraception

A.    Abstinence
o    This method involves avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile period of a woman's menstrual cycle.
o    It is also known as the rhythm method and requires an understanding of the menstrual cycle and fertility awareness.
o    Abstinence during this period can greatly reduce the chances of pregnancy.
o    However, it is important to note that abstinence is not 100% effective and there is still a risk of pregnancy if sexual intercourse occurs.

B.    Coitus Interruptus 
o    This method involves withdrawing the penis before ejaculation to prevent the release of sperm into the woman's body.
o    However, it is important to be aware of pre-ejaculatory fluid which can contain sperm and increase the risk of pregnancy.
o    Coitus interruptus is one of the least effective methods of birth control, with a failure rate of around 22%.

C.    Calendar Rhythm Method
o    This method involves keeping track of your menstrual cycle to determine when are the fertile days and when are the non-fertile days.
o    To use this method, maintain a diary of at least 6 menstrual cycles, then calculate the fertile days.
o    Fertile days can be approximately calculated by subtracting 18 days from the number of days in the shortest menstrual cycle for  the start of the fertile period and subtracting 11 days from the number of days in the longest cycle for the end of the fertile period.

o    The window of fertility is typically the 14 days prior to the onset of the next menstrual cycle.
o    Therefore, sexual intercourse should be avoided during the fertile period to prevent pregnancy.
o    Conversely, sexual intercourse during the fertile period can facilitate conception.
o    The effectiveness of this method heavily relies on the individual being able to accurately track their menstrual cycle.

o    This method has an estimated failure rate of 24% in the first year of use according to a study by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

D.    Standard Days Method
o    This method is a modification of the Calendar Rhythm Method and is typically aided by cycle beads or smartphone apps.
o    Red beads represent the first day of the menstrual cycle, brown beads represent non-fertile days, and white beads represent the fertile period.
o    This method can be useful for people with regular menstrual cycles, with intervals between 26 and 32 days.
o    However, this method is less accurate if the menstrual cycle is not regular or falls outside the appropriate duration.
o    According to a trial published by the World Health Organization, the Standard Days Method has a typical use failure rate of 5.3%

E.    Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method
o    This is a symptom-based method that measures the temperature of the body at rest to determine the fertile window for facilitating or avoiding conception.
o    Before ovulation, the body temperature decreases slightly, and then rises during ovulation due to hormonal changes.
o    To use this method, take your temperature immediately after waking up and before getting out of bed. If you work nights, take your temperature after waking up from your longest sleep cycle.
o    The first day that your temperature drops or elevates is considered the first fertile day and it extends through three consecutive days of temperature elevations. You can use this method with the calendar method to increase its effectiveness.
o    The normal range of BBT is between 36.1°C to 36.4°C (97°F to 97.6°F) before ovulation and 36.4°C to 37°C (97.6°F to 98.6°F) after ovulation.

F.    Cervical Mucus Ovulation Detection Method
o    This is a symptom-based method that involves analyzing the cervical mucus to identify the fertile period.
o    After ovulation, the mucus becomes thin and flexible due to estrogen and progesterone, allowing for sperm viability and motility. The mucus stretching between fingers is greatest during ovulation (spinnbarkeit sign).
o    The fertile period begins when the mucus is thin, slippery, and clear, and lasts until four days after the last day of cervical mucus having this appearance.
o    To use this method, begin examining your mucus from the last day of your menstrual cycle, using your fingers and tissue paper. A stretchy consistency of egg whites is a good example of how cervical mucus will look during ovulation.

G.    Two-day Method
o    This is a symptom-based method that checks for vaginal secretions daily to determine the end of the fertile window.
o    If vaginal secretions are present for two days in a row, you should avoid unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy.
o    If you have no vaginal secretions for two consecutive days, the fertile period has passed and you can have unprotected intercourse without risk of pregnancy.
o    This method has a typical use failure rate of 14% per year.

o    The window of fertility is typically the 14 days prior to the onset of the next menstrual cycle.
o    Therefore, sexual intercourse should be avoided during the fertile period to prevent pregnancy.
o    Conversely, sexual intercourse during the fertile period can facilitate conception.
o    The effectiveness of this method heavily relies on the individual being able to accurately track their menstrual cycle.