Natural Birth Control
why natural can be better
There are lots of birth control methods on the market, from condoms to the Pill, but not all of them work for anyone. A growing number of us, for reasons of our own, aren't comfortable with using hormonal birth control methods, and prefer not to use barrier methods. That is why using a natural birth control method suites some better.
Some women suffer from latex allergies. Others feel that a barrier method can decrease their connection with their partner. A small percentage women find that artificial birth control methods are at odds with their personal beliefs.
No matter why women don't want to use most conventional birth control methods, they have one thing in common. They still want to have control over when and how they give birth. That's why natural birth control can be helpful. However, it's important to use these methods correctly if you don't want to become pregnant. Here are a few of the most popular methods of natural birth control and how to use them.
Abstinence is the only effective method of birth control. However, other forms of natural birth control, including awareness of your own fertility, can work well. You should be aware that the percentage of effective use is lower than with conventional methods. The Pill, for instance, is around 99% effective when used correctly, compared to a rate of about 93% for women using coitus interruptus, and about 88% for fertility awareness methods. However, the benefits of not having to deal with barrier methods and hormonal disruption outweigh the slight increase in risk for many women.
No matter why women don't want to use most conventional birth control methods, they have one thing in common. They still want to have control over when and how they give birth.
Coitus Interruptus
Coitus interruptus, or the withdrawal method, has been practiced for thousands of years, and may be one of the oldest methods of natural birth control there is. While it's not considered effective by programs in the United States, it's still used by many people all over the world. The failure rate of this method when done perfectly is around seven percent.Natural Family Planning
The other most popular methods of natural birth control fall under the heading of natural family planning, or the rhythm method. When practiced perfectly and with awareness of your cycle, the results can be quite effective. In addition, many women feel like they become more in tune with their bodies and the world around them when using natural family planning.The way these methods work is by avoiding sex during the most fertile times of the month. The four days after ovulation are the most risky for becoming pregnant, so sex must be rigorously abstained from at this time. Error creeps in when couples aren't willing to wait, or when prediction of these days is incorrect. There are a number of different ways to predict when you're going to be fertile - here are the most common.
Calendar Method
- If you're using this kind of natural birth control, you'll need to observe the length of your menstrual cycle for six month to a year. This allows you to estimate the first and last days of your fertile period - just subtract eighteen from the length of the shortest cycle and eleven from the length of longest cycle. If you had a twenty-eight day short cycle and a thirty two day long cycle, you would be considered fertile between the tenth and twenty-first days of the month.That's longer than the four days after ovulation, but the longer period improves your chances of success. This method has a high failure rate - about forty percent. That's because most women have trouble estimating and tracking cycle length, and every menstrual cycle is a little different.
Cervical Mucus Method
- Also called the ovulation method and the Billing method, this form of natural birth control tries to predict the period of fertility by examining the mucus produced by the cervix. Immediately before you ovulate, mucus will be clear and watery - when not fertile, it will be thick and whiteish. To avoid becoming pregnant, avoid intercourse for several days after you see a change in color and consistency. Because this takes into account the individual differences in your cycles, this natural birth control method is much more successful. These rates can be in the neighborhood of 90% to 95%.Symptothermal Method
- Using a combination of the above two methods and your basal body temperature (BBT), you can most accurately estimate the beginning and end of your fertile period. To predict the beginning of the fertile period, the cervical mucus is observed, and calendar dates are noted. To predict the end of the period, the body temperature is used. Three days after a rise in body temperature, sex can resume.You can even get special thermometers and devices to help you use this type of natural birth control. Success rates with perfect use are around 98%. However, just like all the other natural methods, this requires a lot of self control and cooperation from you and your partner. If you're dedicated enough to do it, however, the symptothermal method of natural birth control is the most effective, and probably the best.
Herbal Birth Control
You may be curious about whether it's possible to use herbal remedies for birth control the same way you'd use them to combat a cold or a headache. It is possible, but you should be warned that it's not the safest or most reliable of your natural options. That's because herbal birth control works in one of two ways - by inducing a period or hormonally.Since plants don't have reliable levels of their key ingredients, even the most faithful practitioner has a high chance of herbal methods not working. In addition, you may be allergic to many of these plants, and some of them, like pennyroyal, are mildly toxic. It's much safer and smarter to rely on a behavioral method of natural birth control when conventional methods are undesirable or not an option. Your body will thank you!
Natural birth control, when practiced carefully, is a viable option for most women who aren't able to use conventional birth control or who prefer not to do so. Just be sure that you educate yourself fully before you start using one of these methods, and follow your chosen method strictly. Deviations could result in an unexpected pregnancy. Remember to discuss any methods you use with your doctor before you try, so he or she is aware of them. However, correctly applied, natural birth control has great results, and can help you feel closer to your body, your partner, and the natural world.
