Natural

[nottooblushing]

I do not believe in chemical birth control for me, I respect other people's choices, but have chosen not to use it myself. I am about to be married and am wondering about how effective natural family planning is and how one goes about getting started with it.

[demonbuttercup]

I found this from Planned Parenthood



If You Choose Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FAMs)...

... a professional will teach you how to keep keep track of your menstrual cycle to help you predict "safe" and "unsafe" days. Abstain from intercourse (periodic abstinence) or use condoms, diaphragms, caps, shields, or spermicide during nine or more "unsafe" days.

FAMs may include


checking temperature daily

checking cervical mucus daily

recording menstrual cycles on calendar

keeping a very accurate record of when your period comes each month

keeping track of your menstrual cycle using a string of beads called CycleBeads

75–99% Effective
Not effective against sexually transmitted infections — use latex or female condoms to reduce the risk.

Advantage


no medical or hormonal side effects

Possible Disadvantages


requires expert training before effective use

uncooperative partners

taking risks during "unsafe" days

poor record keeping

illness and lack of sleep affect body temperature and may interfere with the temperature method

changes caused by vaginal infections and douches may interfere with the cervical mucus method

must have regular menstrual cycles that are never shorter than 26 days and never longer than 32 days to use CycleBeads

Cost
$5–$8 and up/temperature kits (drugstores)
$13/CycleBeads (www.cyclebeads.com)
Free classes often available in health and church centers.




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[Brandye]

On the opening page of this board click birth control on the left side and you will find a whole list of "natural methods." They run the gamut from simply looking at the calendar to rather sophisticated analysis of the mucous aroung the cervix. The Billings technique is the most advanced and likely to be the most dependable. A google search will turn up many sites - some commercial and some simply informational. Like Demon, I trust Planned Parenthood.

Generally, the claims for effectiveness are inflated, by selected sample sizes if not out and out lying. Consider that even if you have a perfect timing of ovulation, you need to block out about a week for no vaginal sex. The less certain methods, such as simply watching the calendar, would require that you avoid vaginal sex of about one-third of each month.

There are those who use these methods and are perfectly satisfied. If pregnancy is more than a minor inconvenience, use something more certain. I know more people who have become pregnant using "natural" methods than who have used them for long periods.

The Billings method, which is probably the best, does require training for both you and your husband.

[nottooblushing]

Thanks so much. I had googled, but was overwhelmed with the results and really needed a jumping off point. Now I have it!

[Angelicflowers]

I HIGHLY Recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I'm not sure of who the author is. I think EVERY woman should have her own copy of it. It discusses EVERYTHING needed for either conception planning or natural birthcontrol.

Good Luck!

[wifey]

my boyfriend and i use condoms...his decision entirely...he doesn't mind it and it's working so far...