Natural Methods of Contraception

24.12.2012 | By: S. K.

Which are the natural methods of contraception and how reliable are they?

Natural methods of contraception are not as reliable as the other birth control methods. (PhotoXpress)

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Natural methods of contraception are the least reliable. We present 4 of the most common methods.

1. Natural method of contraception: Withdrawal

Withdrawal of the penis from the vagina just before ejaculating is one of the oldest and most practiced natural methods of contraception. The method is highly unreliable, in particular, because you can ejaculate before reaching orgasm, and because a number of men cannot fully control the ejaculation of semen.

2. Natural method of contraception: Ovulation period

This natural method of contraception is based on the fact that women have more and less safe days in their menstrual cycle. The fertile period is called ovulation. The ovulation method, or observing the menstrual cycle, predicts that ovulation begin 14 days prior to menstruation. However, the body is not a robot, and even the slightest hormonal imbalance, which is, for instance, triggered by stress, can delay a menstrual cycle. The ovulation period method is almost as reliable as the method of withdrawing the penis from the vagina prior to orgasm. Or we should say, unreliable.

3. Natural method of contraception: Temperature method

According to this natural method of contraception, a woman has to take basal body temperature every day in order to determining the time of ovulation. The woman takes her basal body temperature in the morning, as soon as she wakes up. She can measure it in the mouth, vagina or anus.

Body temperature is below 37 °C in the first half of the cycle. Approximately two days after ovulation, the temperature rises by 0.2–0.4°C and it stays there through the second half of the cycle. It falls below 37 °C during menstruation.

An increase in basal temperature is the consequence of the functioning of the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone after ovulation. Progesterone causes an increase in body temperature for 0.2–0.3°C. Therefore, when your temperature rises, you are fertile. By carefully taking notes of basal body temperature, a woman can determine an increase in temperature and thus her unsafe and safe days. This method is also unreliable. Basal body temperature can be influenced by lack of sleep, minor cold and other factors that have an effect on temperature, so you cannot completely trust these natural methods of contraception.