Using ovulation as an indicator for family planning can help you accurately predict your most and least fertile times. This effective, inexpensive method requires organization and planning. If you are not diligent about tracking your fertility indicators, you will not be able to rely on the ovulation method for family planning.
Theory
The idea behind the ovulation method of family planning is that the body produces signs of impending ovulation. Being able to read these signs can allow you to know whether or not you are fertile at a given time and plan your sexual activity to improve or reduce the chances of conceiving a child within a given menstrual cycle. Engaging in sexual activity shortly after ovulation increases your chances of becoming pregnant.
Uses
The ovulation method can be used to prevent pregnancy if you avoid sexual activity during your most fertile times, immediately before and after ovulation. Likewise, the method can also be used to time intercourse in order to conceive a child. You can chart your ovulation in order to predict your menstrual cycles. An awareness of ovulation may help if you are having difficulty conceiving by giving you an indication of potential problems within your body, such as an unusually long menstrual cycle or a failure to ovulate during some cycles.
Signs
One sign of ovulation is a change in your cervical mucus. During a cycle, this mucus changes in consistency from being absent just after the menstrual period has completed to developing a white, creamy consistency as ovulation approaches. Just prior to ovulation, the consistency typically changes to that of egg whites and the mucus becomes clear or cloudy. Another sign is the position of your cervix. As ovulation approaches, the cervix becomes softer and more open. Immediately after ovulation, it closes and becomes firm again. Your basal body temperature, the temperature immediately upon awakening, is another indicator of ovulation, as it remains slightly lower prior to ovulation and rises suddenly when ovulation occurs.
Practical Application
To effectively use this method of family planning, you need to chart ovulation indicators every day. Take your basal body temperature, examine your cervical mucus and feel the position of your cervix daily. Track the changes on a chart to get a full picture of where your are in your cycle so that you can predict when ovulation is imminent. In general, multiple signs of impending ovulation should agree in order to make an accurate determination for family planning purposes. According to Canadian Family Physician, the ovulation method of family planning is up to 98.5 percent effective when done correctly.
Affecting Factors
You cannot use the ovulation method in conjunction with hormonal birth control because it significantly impacts the production of cervical mucus and inhibits ovulation. Other drugs that may affect the production of cervical mucus include antihistamines, antibiotics, tranquilizers and some cancer drugs. Sexual intercourse may obscure your ability to recognize changes in the cervical mucus or cervical position.
