For women who are sensitive to birth control, don't have access to it or who are not interested in taking synthetic hormones, natural birth control methods can help prevent pregnancy. These methods are not as reliable as hormonal birth control or condoms but can be effective if practiced correctly.
Fertility Awareness Method
This method involves calculating a woman's fertile time based on the idea that ovulation occurs 14 days before the menstrual period occurs. Couples monitor cervical mucus, basal body temperatures and calender dated to determine when to abstain from intercourse.
Withdrawal Method
The withdrawal method involves the man removing his penis from the vagina right before he anticipates ejaculating. This method is considered unreliable because it's hard to time ejaculation and pre-ejaculate may contain sperm.
Lactational Amenorrhea Method
This form of birth control relies on a mother's own body to provide birth control protection for as long as she is continually breastfeeding exclusively and on demand.
Avoiding Intercourse
Some couples do not participate in sexual intercourse. These couples instead participate in other sexually satisfying activities like oral sex, manual stimulation or mutual masturbation.
Abstinance
Abstinence is a method upon which couples avoid all types of sexual activity. This is often practiced for moral or religious reasons but can be used to prevent pregnancy as well.
