Natural Methods
How reliable is it?
- With careful use 2 women in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
- with lesss careful use 2 to 20 women in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
How it works
- A woman keeps a daily record of her body temperature, changes in cervical mucus and other signs of ovulation . these tell her when she is most fertile and should avoid sex or use barrier method (for example, condom or diaphragm)
Advantages
- No side effects
- No mechanical devices or hormones are used.
- Knowing when the woman is fertile means pregnancy can be planned.
- Gives a woman a greater awareness of her body.
Disadvantages
- Women with irregular periods, after childbirth and around the menopause may find this method difficult.
- Daily record keeping is needed
- May involve avoiding sex at some times of the month.
Comments
- Methods should be learnt from a specially trained teacher and some charge a fee.
- Some people use a condom or diaphragmduring the fertile time rather than avoid penetrative sex.