Birth control is an important topic for many couples as they try to determine the best time to start their family. For other individuals, it is a protective measure to prevent contraception through recreational sex. Several pharmaceuticals have been developed to prevent impregnation and other methods, such as condoms, attempt to reduce the risk of pregnancy more naturally. If you are looking for an organic approach to preventing pregnancy, there are several approaches you can take.
Calendar Method
The calendar method utilizes calendar-counting to map out the menstrual cycle over a 6- to 12-month period, according to WomensHealthChannel.com. When charting the length of your cycles, you can estimate the start and end of your fertile period by subtracting 18 from the length of your shortest cycle and 11 from the length of your longest cycle. The first day of bleed is considered the first day of the cycle. For example, if you have a short cycle of 29 days and a long cycle of 32, you will have a fertility period between days 11 and 21. You should abstain from sex starting on day 11 until day 22. However, this approach is only effective in 60 percent of women.
Cervical Mucus Method
This organic method requires the examination of cervical mucus in the vagina to predict your fertile period. In most women, mucus becomes clear and watery shortly before ovulation begins. You should monitor the condition of your mucus and abstain from sex for several days after the mucus changes color or condition to avoid pregnancy. According to Epigee.org, the failure rate for this method is only 20 percent, but it can be more effective when performed with another method of fertile period tracking.
Symptothermal Method
This method is a combination of the calendar and the cervical mucus methods of birth control. It also integrates a woman's basal body temperature. You should take your temperature every day following the start of your fertile period, watching for a spike in your body temperature. The spike indicates that progesterone production and ovulation has occurred, marking the end of your fertility period. After the spike in body temperature occurs, wait three days before resuming sexual activity.
