Natural family planning, also known as the rhythm method, is a contraceptive strategy accepted by all religions and all cultural backgrounds. By learning how it works, you will be able to know when you are fertile without spending too much: you will only need a calendar, a thermometer or your own fingers.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Calendar
Step 1. Record the first day of your period for six months
This date establishes the start of your menstrual cycle.
Step 2. During this period, calculate the length of each period, running from the first day of one period to the first day of the next (usually around 28 days)
Step 3. Get the shortest cycle length and the longest one
Step 4. Subtract 18 days from the shortest cycle length
This will be the first day of your fertile phase.
Step 5. Subtract 11 days from the length of the longest cycle
This will be the last day of your fertile period.
Step 6. Refrain from sex when you are fertile
Method 2 of 3: Basal Temperature
Step 1. Measure your basal temperature every morning upon waking, before getting out of bed
Try to do this at the same time every time and record the result in a diary or notebook.
Step 2. After marking it six times, calculate your average body temperature
Add up all the results and divide them by six.
Step 3. When you notice that three results in a row are higher than your average temperature, then ovulation has started
Step 4. Starting on the third day that you have experienced a rise in temperature, you will enter a phase of infertility
You will not get pregnant from now until the next fertile period.
Method 3 of 3: Mucus
Step 1. Every morning, use your finger to take a vaginal discharge sample
Step 2. Press this sample onto your thumb and slowly separate the two fingers to test the consistency of the secretion
Step 3. If it looks clear and stringy, like the white of an egg, you are about to ovulate
Step 4. Four days later, a phase of infertility will begin (secretions will decrease), which will last until the next fertile period
Advice
The method of natural family planning was taught by Mother Teresa to the women of Calcutta
Warnings
- This method only protects you from unwanted pregnancy, not sexually transmitted diseases, so doctors recommend that it only be used within a monogamous relationship, after both members of the couple have undergone all the necessary tests.
- This method is not foolproof: it is possible to miscalculate; however, when used correctly and accurately it can prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- When using the vaginal discharge method, remember that mucus can be altered by sexual arousal or candida.
- When using the basal temperature method, remember that it can be changed by a disease or other factors, which can affect its effectiveness.
- Be patient. These methods can take a lot of time, but using them can be worthwhile if your religion prohibits the use of other types of contraception.
