Natural methods of contraception may not ensure 100%
prevention of pregnancy.
However< these methods of contraception are used widely to prevent
pregnancy. Natural method of contraception is more about choice and
willingness. Given below are a few of the most common ones.
Abstinence
This is believed to be the most effective natural contraceptive
method. Pregnancy can never occur if penetrative intercourse is avoided. It can
also effectively prevent the transmission of the sexually transmitted diseases.
Sociologists, doctors and behavioral analysts argue that abstinence cannot be a
long-term solution especially for married couples. It is also important that
adolescents are given lessons on sexual facts and encouraged to delay their
first sexual encounter until they are sure of their bodies and future
planning.
Withdrawal Method
This is also known as Coitus Interruptus. This contraceptive
option is controlled by the man. The moment the man ejaculates, there is a
possibility of pregnancy and if he succeeds in withdrawing right before the
ejaculation, pregnancy can be averted. However this is not rated to be a highly
effective method as there is a probability that the timing may not be very
precise and even a drop of sperm can result in pregnancy as the egg requires
just a single sperm to fertilise it. Studies indicate that just 4% of couples
are able to use the withdrawal
method perfectly.
Calendar Method
This is also known as the rhythm method. The woman needs to
calculate her fertile days according to the length of her previous menstrual
cycle. Accordingly she gets to know her fertile phase and abstains from
unprotected intercourse during that phase. There are different calendar methods
where the woman either totally abstains from sex or resorts to barrier options.
Natural Methods Based on Bodily
Symptoms
There are a few other natural contraception methods that are based on bodily
symptoms, like:
Ovulation Tracking Method
This method is based on the texture of the cervical mucus. These changes are
controlled by the hormonal changes concerning estrogen and progesterone levels.
The efficacy and practice of these methods happen through self-examination.
Throughout the cycle, the woman needs to evaluate their cervical secretions and
then decide to either totally abstain from unprotected sex or resort to barrier
methods during the fertile phase, that is, the ovulation
period. She needs to learn the difference in the texture of the cervical
secretion that gives a cue on her ovulation days. The moment they notice that
the secretion is a sticky mucus, they need to abstain and can go back to safe
intercourse after at least four days when she observes a clear mucus. Ovulation
can also be read through other symptoms like back or abdominal pain and breast
tenderness.
Basal body Temperature Tracking
Method
During her ovulation phase, the basal body temperature of the woman rises to
about 0.5 degree centigrade and stays till she menstruates. So, sex must be
avoided from the first day of menstruation until the third day of elevated body
temperature. This method is believed to be effective when sex is avoided for
about 14-21 days.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method
This method is effective for women who are
breastfeeding their kids. It is a natural contraceptive option till around six
months post delivery. Basically ovulation can be delayed as a physiological
response to nipple stimulation. The hormone that triggers ovulation is
disrupted due to the signal sent by the mother’s hypothalamus following
breastfeeding. By this method, menstrual bleeding is also stalled. Post
delivery this is a very effective natural contraceptive method that can help
the woman to avoid pregnancy till about six months following the birth of her
previous child.
