Natural Methods

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Instead of involving medications or devices to prevent pregnancy, natural methods are based on practicing certain behaviours in regard to female fertility and the menstrual cycle.

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Fertility awareness methods

Fertility awareness is all about knowing when you’re most likely to get pregnant based on your menstrual cycle and avoiding unprotected sex during that time. 

Conception can occur when sexual intercourse takes place during the fertile window, from 5 days before to 1 day after ovulation.

How it works

To become familiar with your menstrual cycle, there are a lot of methods to determine when ovulation occurs (or you can combine all of them). Using these methods, you can calculate your fertile window and avoid having sex during this time.

How it's done

  • Measuring your basal body temperature every day and charting it on a special form
  • Checking your urine with an ovulation kit to measure the luteinizing hormone (LH) hormone levels
  • Observing changes in your cervical mucus
  • Using an app to follow the calendar method and track your menstrual cycles and ovulation

 

Effectiveness

76% effective based on typical use

Pros

  • No side effects
  • Low cost
  • Boosts awareness about your own body

Cons

  • This method is the least effective in preventing pregnancy
  • Requires a lot of practice to learn how to use this method correctly
  • It can be tricky, because not all menstrual cycles are regular
  • Can be challenging to avoid sex at certain times
  • Requires both partners to be fully committed to using the method
  • Does not protect against STIs

Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM)

For women who have just given birth and are breastfeeding exclusively, the lactational amenorrhea method (or LAM) may be a good option. 

This method is highly effective for the first six months after childbirth, so long as the woman breastfeeds at least every four hours during the day and every six hours through the night, and that her menstrual period has not yet returned. After six months fertility may return at any time.

How it works

The hormones that trigger lactation (or breastmilk production) interfere with the hormones that trigger ovulation. The more you nurse your baby, the less likely you are to ovulate.

Effectiveness

98% effective based on typical use

Pros

  • Convenient
  • No cost
  • Breastfeeding has many other advantages for the mother and the baby

Cons

  • Effectiveness is limited to 6 months following childbirth
  • Does not protect against STIs

Withdrawal or “pulling out”

Withdrawal or “pulling out” is an attempt to avoid having any sperm ejaculated into the vagina (or on the vulva) during sex. 

How it works

 During sex, the male withdraws his penis from the vagina (including the external genitalia) before ejaculation. Keep in mind that right before ejaculation, there is some fluid released from the penis that contains sperm.

Effectiveness

78% based on typical use

Pros

  •  Convenient
  • No cost
  • No  side effects
  • It is immediate for individuals who have no alternative method
  • No consultation or prescription required

Cons

  • It’s not easy, it takes a lot of self-control
  • It is a risky practice – even if a man pulls out in time, pregnancy can still happen
  • Does not protect against STIs

Abstinence

As a method of birth control, abstinence means not having vaginal intercourse.

How it works

Abstinence seems simple, but it takes a very high level of self-control and communication between partners. Any contact between the penis and the vagina should be avoided to avoid pre-ejaculate or ejaculate, coming into contact with the vagina.

Effectiveness

Variable. In theory, abstinence should be 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. But in practice, it’s not particularly effective as individuals often cannot commit to it consistently.

Pros

  • Theoretically the most effective method of contraception
  • No cost
  • No side effects

Cons

  • Can be very challenging
  • Partners are unprepared if a change of mind suddenly occurs
  • Requires commitment from both partners

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and may not be complete, and are not intended, nor should they be used, as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding contraception.
The lists of side-effects presented on this website are not exhaustive.
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