There are alternative approaches to contraception that do not rely on the use of hormonal drugs or devices. These methods revolve around identifying a woman’s fertile period, usually centered around ovulation, in order to abstain from sexual intercourse during this time. By avoiding intercourse during the fertile window, conception can be effectively prevented without the need for contraceptive hormones or devices.
The calendar method, which operates under the assumption that ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before menstruation, has been widely used in the past. However, due to its significant rate of failure, it has been largely replaced by more effective methods of contraception.
The temperature method of contraception relies on the natural increase in a woman’s body temperature during the latter half of her menstrual cycle, following ovulation. To implement this method, a woman measures her temperature daily using an ovulation thermometer. Sexual intercourse is considered safe only after a sustained rise in temperature lasting at least three days has been observed. This method allows for the identification of the fertile window and assists in avoiding conception without the use of hormonal interventions or devices.
The cervical mucus method is a technique that involves tracking and observing changes in the appearance and quantity of cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle in order to identify the fertile period. Specific changes in the mucus occur prior to and during ovulation. By monitoring these changes, women can determine when they are most likely to be fertile and adjust their sexual activity accordingly to prevent conception. The symptothermal method combines the observations of both cervical mucus and basal body temperature to enhance the accuracy of identifying the fertile window. These methods provide natural alternatives to hormonal contraception and offer women greater control over their reproductive choices.