features
Is
the Family Planning Method Right for You?
An all-natural
form of birth control.
Family planning,
also known as the "rhythm method" or "safe period,"
is the oldest method of birth control. It involves abstaining from
intercourse during a woman's fertile period each month, usually beginning
around the third day after menstruation ends and lasting for about
12 consecutive days.
There are several ways to determine when a woman is ovulating--where
she is in her cycle, body temperature, and vaginal secretions. Using
these elements as a guide to determine when a woman is fertile, a
couple can prevent pregnancy. Similarly, when the couple decides it's
time to have another child, it provides them with the information
about when is the best time to get pregnant.
The benefits:
Family planning through abstinence is a drug-free, device-free method
of birth control. It is especially attractive to couples who, for
whatever reason, don't want to interfere with reproduction in an artificial
way. For a breastfeeding new mom, it also has no effect on breast
milk.
The drawbacks:
Using family planning by periodic abstinence as a method of contraception
(to prevent pregnancy) means a couple can't have intercourse during
a certain period every month. Some couples find that this lessens
the spontaneity of sex. Also, this is generally not as effective a
method as others, such as barrier methods, intrauterine devices, or
oral contraceptives.
If you decide
to use the family planning method of birth control, two things are
essential:
Training by a
qualified counselor or a medical professional
Consistent use of the method
Periodic abstinence as a method of birth control can only work when
it is followed diligently. Unless you are confident that you can recognize
the signs of impending ovulation and abstain from intercourse during
the fertile period, this is probably not the right choice for you.
How to Detect
Ovulation
It is highly recommended that you take a class with a professional
before trying this method of birth control. Here are the basic methods
that you will be taught about detecting ovulation:
The Basal Body
Temperature Method: Women experience a slight--but detectable--rise
in their body temperature during their fertile period. To use this
method, a woman would take her temperature by mouth, using a basal
body thermometer, every morning before getting out of bed and write
it down. This way, she will notice the rise in body temperature that
signals ovulation has occurred. To use this form of detection, a couple
must abstain from sexual intercourse from the end of the woman's period
until three days after the rise in temperature is recorded. However,
a few drawbacks to this method are:
There's a large
chunk of each month during which the couple needs to abstain
A woman must take her temperature every day with a glass (not digital)
basal body thermometer.
Temperature readings may be affected by fever, lack of sleep, or stress.
The Ovulation Method: This method involves detecting changes in how
much mucus is produced by the cervix (the mouth of the uterus) and
how it feels. The texture of the mucus changes around ovulation, and
a woman using this method of detection must check regularly for mucus
at the opening of the vagina and assesses it for such changes.
For most women, the vagina is dry for a time just after menstruation.
Then somewhat sticky mucus appears. Just before ovulation, the mucus
becomes increasingly wet, slippery, and stretchy, like raw egg whites.
The day when the mucus seems the wettest, called the "peak"
day, indicates ovulation. Just after the "peak" day, the
mucus may become thick again--or even disappear--and the feeling of
dryness returns. Women using this method should be aware that the
texture of the mucus can be affected by a vaginal infection, sexual
excitement, or the use of lubricants. Checking mucus is best done
in conjunction with checking temperature with a basal body thermometer.
Using this method,
the "safe" days (those days on which intercourse is okay
for couples trying to avoid pregnancy) are the 10 or 11 days at the
end of the menstrual cycle and the dry days, if any, that occur just
after menstruation. The "fertile" period (during which the
couple should abstain), starts with the first signs of mucus and continues
until four days after the "peak" day.
The Symptothermal
Method: This method combines the temperature and ovulation methods.
It involves taking your temperature every day, checking your mucus,
and looking for other signs of ovulation including:
Breast tenderness
Abdominal cramps
Vaginal spotting
A change in the position and firmness of the cervix
Using this method involves abstaining from sexual intercourse from
the day you first notice feelings of vaginal wetness until the third
day after the rise in temperature or the fourth day after the "peak"
day of mucus production.
By combining these methods of fertility detection (and looking for
other signs), this is actually the most effective way to determine
the "safe" period and the "fertile" period each
month.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
