Natural birth control

Natural birth control, also known as Fertility awareness methods (FAMs), refers to a set of practices used to determine the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. These methods may be used to avoid pregnancy, to achieve pregnancy, or as a way to monitor gynecological health.

Overview

Natural birth control methods are based on observation and charting of bodily signs and symptoms during the menstrual cycle. The three primary signs of fertility are Basal body temperature, Cervical mucus, and Cervical position. Other secondary signs and symptoms include Mittelschmerz (pain associated with ovulation) and a heightened sense of smell, taste, or vision.

Methods

Basal body temperature method

The Basal body temperature method involves tracking the woman's temperature daily to determine when ovulation occurs. A slight increase in temperature can indicate that ovulation has occurred.

Cervical mucus method

The Cervical mucus method involves observing changes in the consistency and color of cervical mucus, which can indicate fertility.

Symptothermal method

The Symptothermal method combines the basal body temperature and cervical mucus methods, along with other signs of fertility, to identify fertile and infertile periods.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of natural birth control methods varies widely, depending on the method and the user's diligence in using it. According to the American Pregnancy Association, when used correctly and consistently, FAMs can have a success rate of up to 98%.

See also

• Birth control
• Menstrual cycle
• Ovulation
• Pregnancy

Natural birth control Resources
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