Long before the development of barrier and hormone-based contraceptives, natural methods were used to prevent pregnancy. Such methods can be quite reliable when used correctly. These methods are often free as they don't require any tools or devices and a woman can avoid the introduction of chemicals into her body. Most natural methods require a bit of practice for a woman and her partner to feel confident.
Refrain from Intercourse
Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the one truly effective method in preventing pregnancy. While continuous abstinence may not be reasonable, temporarily avoiding intercourse while a woman learns the cycle of her periods can ensure conception does not occur while learning a natural method of contraception. Many natural methods of contraception require periodic abstinence.
Temperature Method
A basal thermometer is used every morning to record the woman's body temperature. This type of thermometer is very sensitive. WomensHealth.gov points out that a woman's body temperature will rise about 0.4 to 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit on the first day of ovulation. She will also have an increase in slippery, clear vaginal discharge. Planned Parenthood explains that a woman is fertile when the temperature has increased and lasted for at least three days and until the temperature drops, which will be right before the next period. The basal temperature should be taken when the woman is completely at rest, so before she even gets out of bed. Drinking alcohol or being ill can cause the body temperature to rise, making it difficult to track ovulation at that point. Planned Parenthood points out that between 12 and 25 out of every 100 couples using this type of fertility awareness-based method will get pregnant.
Cervical Mucus Method
Tracking a woman's cervical mucus can be an effective way to prevent pregnancy. Beginning with the period, vaginal secretions are masked by the loss of blood. Planned Parenthood explains that a few days following the period there will be minimal vaginal secretions. It is safe to have sex during these "dry" days if the menstrual cycle is generally long, meaning it is more than 28 days in length.
When the vaginal secretions are tacky, intercourse is generally safe until wet, slippery clear secretions appear. This marks ovulation, the riskiest time of the month to have sex. From this point until the period has ended a woman should abstain from intercourse. This method is not very effective in women who have minimal vaginal secretions or a short menstrual cycle. Abstinence should be practiced for the first month of cervical mucus tracking to prevent errors. Planned Parenthood explains that of 100 couples who use this method correctly for one year, three will get pregnant.
WIthdrawal Method
The withdrawal method is a process of removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating. The American Pregnancy Association warns that pre-ejaculatory fluids can still impregnate a woman. Having sex more than once in a day can make the pre-ejaculatory fluids even riskier because the presence of live sperm is more likely. The failure rate of this method is about 18 to 19 percent.
