Natural methods

Natural methods are defined as the techniques of avoiding pregnancy through observing the symptoms and signs that occur naturally in the fertile and sterile phases of the menstrual cycle. There are several natural methods:

Ogino-Knaus method:

It is based on the calendar and consists of avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile days of the cycle. For this, prior knowledge of the cycle is required, identifying the days on which ovulation occurs, which in regular 28-day cycles occurs on approximately day 14 of the cycle. A record of at least 12 months is recommended to study the cycle of each woman well. Taking into account that the life span of the sperm and the ovum is about 24-72 hours, no relationships should be maintained between days 8 and 18-20 of the cycle.

Basal temperature method:

It is based on the fact that ovulation can be determined by changes in a woman's basal temperature. The temperature should be taken every day before getting up to detect the rise in temperature of approximately 0.5 ºC that follows ovulation and to avoid intercourse on those days. It first requires a few training cycles to be able to use it.

Coitus interruptus:

It consists of the withdrawal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation, but it has a high failure rate due to the presence of sperm in the pre-ejaculatory fluid and because it requires self-control on the part of the male.

Billings or cervical mucus method:

It is based on daily observation of cervical mucus to determine the fertile days based on the change in vaginal discharge. The first postgla days the discharge is stickier and thicker and gives a feeling of dryness in the vagina and in the fertile days it is transparent, more fluid (like egg white) and feels more humid. Intercourse should be every other day to avoid confusing semen with cervical mucus. Intercourse should be avoided for up to 4 days after the most fluid mucus peak.

Synthothermic:

Combine some of the methods described above, such as basal temperature and cervical mucus. It requires prior learning and registration.