Natural family planning is a variety of safe and inexpensive methods used to prevent pregnancy. The methods are meant to help couples know when the woman is fertile and able to become pregnant. In some instances, natural family planning methods may help a couple with conception. However, these methods are not as effective as other types of contraception and, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, 25 percent of women who use the methods become pregnant.
Ovulation Method
The ovulation method is sometimes called the cervical mucus method. It is based on the amount and consistency of mucus produced by the cervix during the month. Immediately after menstruation, the cervix produces very little mucus, but as the month progresses, mucus production raises. As ovulation approaches, your mucus becomes thin, clear, stretchy and sticky. This type of mucus makes it easier for sperm to swim to the uterus. Women trying to avoid pregnancy should not have sex when this type of mucus appears, while those wishing to conceive are encouraged to engage in intercourse at this time. Check cervical mucus by using your finger to get a sample of the mucus and test its elasticity; if it stretches several inches, you are about to ovulate. According to the University of California, the ovulation method has a 20 percent failure rate.
Basal Temperature Method
Body temperature is low during the first part of a woman's monthly cycle and becomes slightly elevated when the egg is about to drop. This happens about 24 to 72 hours after ovulation, and your temperature remains raised until the next menstrual cycle. Women who choose to follow the basal-body temperature method need a basal thermometer to take their temperature. When following this method, you must take your temperature every morning, the same time each day and take it the same way, either by mouth or rectum. Keep track of your daily temperature, and be aware that your temperature may be affected by lack of sleep, smoking and stress. According to Planned Parenthood, the change in your temperature is subtle, approximately 1/10 to 1/2 of a degree. Couples using this method to prevent conception should not have sex from when the temperature has remained higher for 3 days until it drops again before the next period. Effective rates vary from 2 to 20 percent.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method, also known as the calendar method, requires a woman to keep track of her menstrual cycle for 6 to 12 months. After those 6 to 12 months you can determine your shortest and longest menstrual cycles. According to the University of California, you must subtract 18 days from your shortest menstrual cycle to determine the first fertile day of your average menstrual cycle. Subtract 11 days from your longest cycle to find the last fertile day of your longest cycle. The answer to the shortest cycle is the first day of your fertile time and the answer to the longest cycle is the last day you are fertile that month. If you use this method to avoid pregnancy, abstain from sex during the time between the first fertile day and the last. This method has a 9 percent rate of failure when used correctly.
