Chapter 17. BIRTH CONTROL METHODS

17.1.1. Natural Methods of Family Planning

Natural family planning is referred to as physiological or traditional method. It is based on awareness of the time when the woman is likely to conceive so as to abstain from intercourse or to use other birth control methods. The fertile or infertile periods can be recognized if you know about the phases of menstrual cycle or about the signs of "likely" days. Awareness of likely fertility can also help when the couple is striving to conceive.

Physiological methods are as follows:

• rhythm (calendar) method;

• basal body temperature;

• cervical mucus;

• symptothermal;

• lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).

Physiological methods of birth control can be used when the woman's menstrual cycle is regular (except for LAM, when there are supposed to be no periods).

Advantages:

• the natural family planning methods are helpful both for the purpose of contraception and when the couple wants to conceive;

• no adverse effects;

• no expenses;

• greater satisfaction with intercourse after a period of abstinence (in some couples).

Disadvantages:

• need for constant daily monitoring (for no less than 3-4 menstrual cycles);

• difficulty with determining the fertile period by the woman/couple during the first months of using this method, for instance with interpreting the condition of cervical mucus;

• need to enlist the partner's participation for the method to work;

• certain conditions of both partners, need for abstinence or coitus interruptus, using barrier contraception during the fertile phase;

• dependence on living conditions, working hours (night shifts), concomitant conditions and diseases accompanied by changes in body temperature, etc.;