No contraceptive method, besides abstinence, can provide 100 percent efficacy. The wisdom of ancient practices combined with current scientific knowledge can help women to gain a measure of control over fertility. Alternative contraception methods may not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and should not be a substitute for regular medical care. A qualified health care provider should be consulted before using any alternative remedy.
Natural Family Planning
Also known as the ovulation or mucus method, this form of birth control is dependent upon the woman's observation of body changes that indicate fertility, such as a rise in basal body temperature or a change in the appearance of vaginal mucus. Fertile mucus resembles raw egg white. A special thermometer is used to take the temperature at the same time every morning. The type of mucus and the basal temperature are recorded on a calendar. The goal is to determine when ovulation occurs and to calculate when menses will begin. According to Toni Weschler, author of "Taking Charge of Your Fertility," natural family planning requires commitment and detailed instruction, available through books or through fertility awareness workshops. To avoid pregnancy, the couple must abstain from unprotected sex for several days near the time of ovulation. The National Institutes of Health report that the rate of pregnancy for couples who are trained to use natural family planning are 15 to 20 pregnancies out of 100 women per year.
Cervical Cap
Barrier methods prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. They include condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that barrier methods are among the oldest and safest forms of birth control. Cervical caps come in four sizes and must be fitted by a health care professional, who will teach the woman to place and remove her cap. The cap is a small, thin, thimble-shaped device made from rubber that covers the cervix and is held in place by suction. Caps use less spermicide than diaphragms, are less likely to be felt by the woman's partner, and can remain in place up to 48 hours. The cap needs to be cleaned and cared for properly, and should be replaced annually.
Herbal Methods
There are no scientifically controlled studies on the safety of long-term use of herbs for birth control. Effects can be unpredictable and many herbs have potentially dangerous side effects when taken in high doses. Indigenous women, however, relied on select plants for natural birth control. According to Susun S. Weed, author of "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year," women of the Shoshone tribe drank 1 cup of stoneseed root infusion daily for six months to bring a permanent end to fertility. Hopi women used dried and ground Jack-in-the-pulpit mixed with cold water. Depending on the dose, the concoction was thought to provide short-term protection or to have lasting effects. An infusion made by boiling the entire thistle plant was said to inhibit fertilization among Quinault Indian women. Weed states that all variations of thistles are edible, including the artichoke.
References
- MedlinePlus: Birth Control and Family Planning
- "Taking Charge of Your Fertility "; Toni Weschler, MPH; 2006
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Barrier Methods of Contraception
- "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year"; Susun S. Weed; 1985
- Fertility Awareness Center: Learning Fertility Awareness
