Natural family planning

When a person isn't a candidate for artificial contraceptive methods, or their religious beliefs prohibit such use, a couple may choose natural family planning. This method is based on predicting the day in the menstrual cycle when ovulation takes place. Intercourse for that day and the following week carries a higher risk of conception. There are several ways to calculate the time of ovulation. The basal body temperature method requires taking your temperature with a special thermometer every morning before you get out of bed. On the day of ovulation, your temperature will rise slightly and will remain elevated until you begin your next period. To avoid conception, abstain from intercourse during the first three full days after the temperature rise. The fourth day of higher temperature through the last day of your next period are usually considered 'safe days.' The cervical mucus method is another alternative. When using this method, look for changes in the amount and consistency of your cervical mucus throughout the first part of your menstrual cycle. Prior to ovulation, your mucus is cloudy and thicker. A few days before ovulation, the mucus becomes clear and slippery. Avoid intercourse from the time the wet mucus appears until four days after it becomes thicker. Still another option for determining ovulation are the ovulation predictor kits, available at many pharmacies. These kits work by detecting the presence of luteinizing (LOO-tee-in-eye-zing) hormone in the urine; while helpful, they can be expensive. Finally, the calendar or rhythm method calls for charting your menstrual cycles on a calendar in order to predict ovulation. For this method to work, however, you must have regular periods. The rhythm method is the least effective of the natural family planning methods. For best results, use a combination of all these methods. As a group, natural birth control methods have the lowest effectiveness rate, with an average of 80 percent, and often much lower in actual use. So if it's imperative to avoid pregnancy, you may want to consider other options. For more information about natural family planning, contact a health care provider.