Natural methods of contraception. Natural birth control methods MVP cannot be used

Measuring basal body temperature, calculating ovulation, tracking the consistency of cervical mucus are all different methods of natural contraception. Trust them or not? Read our article.

Natural planning methods involve tracking and fixing the indicators of the female body during the entire menstrual cycle - calculating ovulation, tracking the consistency of cervical mucus, etc. Such methods of contraception are not effective compared to modern pill and even barrier methods of contraception.

The effectiveness of natural contraception is only 60%, and at the same time requires close and daily attention to the indicators and signals of the girl's body.

How do natural methods of contraception work?

Natural methods of protection have a general focus, and are based on the observation of certain symptoms and manifestations of the female body. The entire menstrual cycle is usually divided into two phases: fertile (when conception occurs and is possible), and infertile phase (when conception is impossible). Fixing these phases will allow you to highlight a special period - withdrawal, when the possibility of becoming pregnant is more likely.

Natural methods of contraception are not ways to protect against unwanted pregnancy, but only allow you to determine the best period for conception - the fertile phase. You can use this information in different ways - refusal of sexual relations will be the best prevention of unwanted pregnancy, regular sex during this period will promote conception.

Pros and cons of natural methods of contraception

Some of the benefits of the natural method of contraception include:

• Dual use - detection of the fertile phase for conception or its prevention;
• Absence of complications and undesirable effects;
• The financial side of the issue is the lack of cash costs;
• Increasing the role and participation of men in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. In addition, men get to know and understand better how a woman's reproductive system works.

The pros and cons include:

• Inefficiency. In 50% of cases, these methods are ineffective, and pregnancy occurs;
• Daily routines and recording of one's condition can sometimes be burdensome;
• For accurate calculations and error prevention, it is necessary to have a certain list of knowledge and take into account many individual characteristics.
• Forced need to refuse sex during the dangerous period of the fertile phase;
• The presence of concomitant diseases, namely vaginal infections, will greatly complicate the determination of the nature of cervical mucus;
• Lack of protection against sexually transmitted infections;
• High risk of unwanted pregnancy.

Calendar method of contraception

Using the calendar method, you can calculate favorable days for conception by analyzing the duration of menstrual cycles over the past six months - a year. The method is based on several principles:

• occurs 14-15 days before the onset of a new menstrual bleeding;
• Fertilization of the egg can be carried out for another 24 hours after ovulation;
• Spermatozoa remain viable and, accordingly, the possibility of fertilization for 5-7 days after entering the female body.

The beginning of the fertile period is determined by simple calculations, for this you need to know the duration of the shortest menstrual cycle, and subtract 18 from this figure - the result will be the beginning of the period. To determine its end, the number of days of the longest cycle is needed, from which 11 is subtracted. According to observations, it is impossible to say about the reliability of the method.

Scientists during the year observed 100 couples who were protected by this method, and 14 to 50 couples became pregnant.

Temperature method of contraception

The temperature method is based on the relationship between increase and ovulation. To obtain results, every morning immediately after waking up, you need to measure the body temperature rectally, for 5 to 6 minutes.

In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the temperature will be stable, and will stay at 36.8º. But upon the onset of the ovulatory period, the temperature will rise to a mark of 37.2 - 37.8º, and will not decrease until the onset of menstrual bleeding. For most girls, ovulation occurs about two weeks before a period. This method does not allow you to accurately calculate the date of ovulation itself; its completion can only be judged by the fact of the onset.

Studies have proven the low effectiveness of this method - out of 100 observed couples during the year, 20 - 50 become parents.

Interruption of sexual intercourse

One of the most ancient, widely known and used methods of protection is coitus interruptus. Thus, the man does not allow the penetration of sperm into the genital tract of the girl, removing the penis some time before ejaculation.

There are quite a few reasons for the inefficiency of this method, ranging from the difficulty of reacting in time to ignorance of some physiological features of the male genital organs and the ejaculation process itself. Due to the anatomical and physiological features, a small amount of spermatozoa are contained in the preputial sac, and are able to be released at the very beginning of sexual intercourse along with natural lubrication.

Excretion study or Billing method

The main diagnostic criterion in the onset of the fertile period, according to this technique, will be changes in the cervical mucus. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the nature of female secretions and mucus changes. Gynecologists use a simple test - thin, clear mucus that stretches into threads between the fingers will indicate ovulation. At safe cycle times, the mucus will be thicker and more stringy.

The advantages of this method of calculating the fertile phase include the absence of the need to use chemicals and the barrier method of protection. But, like any other method of natural contraception, the Billing method is not accurate and has low efficiency. The girl needs a long period of observation, certain knowledge, self-discipline and abstinence from sex throughout the entire period of the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle.

Who Should Use Natural Methods of Contraception?

• Girls who have contraindications to the use of chemical and physical methods of contraception;
• Girls with regular menstrual cycles;
• Couples for whom the use of other methods of contraception is prohibited by philosophical, personal or religious beliefs;
• Couples who are ready to take a break from intimate life for more than a week, just in the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle;
• Girls who are not a burden to carefully monitor the slightest changes in their body and record them daily.

Since ancient times, people have tried to control childbearing. Women tried to save themselves some trouble or prevent the birth of a child from the wrong man. Men did not always want children to appear every time after he "inadvertently" dropped his seed. The appearance of an unscheduled, completely legitimate heir or bastard was often quite inopportune for the rulers. And it was not easy to economically feed and raise numerous offspring. From time immemorial, they have racked their brains and thorny empirical way to prevent conception.



Today, out of a hundred women, 64 are protected. WHO statistics say that it is thanks to modern contraception that it has been possible to reduce maternal mortality by half, and infant mortality by three times.

All currently existing methods of contraception were known in the ancient world. Let's try to trace the development of each of them from time immemorial to the present day.

natural contraception

It refers to methods that do not require the use of special equipment. Success is guaranteed only by knowledge and some skills.



Coitus interruptus

This method today, according to statistics, is used by about 7% of the stronger sex.

The Latin phrase coitus interruptus - "interrupted sexual intercourse" gave the name, perhaps, to the oldest method of preventing conception, which is always at the disposal of a man. It was used by the ancient Africans.

The third book of Genesis spoke of the popularity of this method in ancient Palestine.

Details about him are told in the Biblical story about Onan, who was forced by his own father to copulate with his brother's wife. Then the unfortunate one was noticed in sin - he spewed his seed onto the earth. As often happens, the story passed from mouth to mouth, overgrown with other details, and as a result, poor Onan began to be mentioned in completely different circumstances.



Yogi way

A curious physiological contraception was developed in India. Men owned a special yoga technique called "vairoli mudra", which allowed them to block the sperm channel.

With the help of a special massage of the abdomen, the uterus was moved forward or backward for a woman. Later, European women who ended up in the Dutch part of the colony were also taught this method of protection.



Prolongation of lactation

The poorest African tribes still practice this barbaric method of contraception. A nursing mother, prolonging lactation for several years, simply depletes her body, and conception is impossible due to dystrophy of the uterus and infertility.



Ogino method

A simple biological method was developed by a Japanese doctor, after whom it was named. This attentive and experienced gynecologist suggested abstaining from sexual intercourse 8 days a month. Only 2% of women in the world use the calendar method, perhaps because a whole 96 days without sex accumulate in a year.

Some, in order to shorten the time frame of the ban, use the method of daily measurement of basal temperature, which gives a more accurate idea of ​​the onset of ovulation, and therefore "dangerous" days.



Samurai egg

The ancient Japanese method of male contraception required only striving and self-discipline: for a couple of months, patiently keep only a few minutes "manhood" in a vessel with water at a temperature of at least 40 degrees. This protected against surprises after intercourse with the opposite sex, at least for several months.

By the way, modern men inadvertently have the same "greenhouse effect", warming what belongs to their primary sexual characteristics in traffic jams, sitting behind the wheel for several hours a day.



Barrier contraception

In an effort to take control of childbearing into their own hands, the advanced thought of mankind went one more way, inventing special means that stood up as a barrier between a man and a woman.



Chastity belt

Probably the most insurmountable barrier was the "chastity belt", which was invented long before the Middle Ages. Even in ancient times, such "haberdashery" was quite popular among the powers that be, although often such means of protection are associated with the Arab World. They were widely used in the Middle Ages, when they were called "Bergamum castle" or "Venetian lattice". Skillful craftsmen tried to come up with a "lock" with a special secret. Some were equipped with a small guillotine that cut off everything they tried to open the belt, at the same time collecting "evidence" that could tell about female infidelity attempts.



Male barrier contraceptives

In the era of Lucretius and Ovid, the "forefather" of the modern male condom was widespread - a bag of oil-soaked fabric or papyrus, fish bladders, and sheep's caecum. In ancient China, silk condoms were sewn, and in ancient Japan, "kyotai" were made from horns or thin leather.



A new era of the condom was opened along with America, bringing syphilis to Europe and an urgent need to somehow protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. And in the 17th century, the personal physician of Charles II, the Englishman Condom, in the second round, following the ancient people, guessed that linen bags serve not only to prevent sexual infections, in particular syphilis imported from overseas, but also from unwanted pregnancy.

At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, the first rubber condom appeared, it resembled a “cap” that slid over the upper part of the male “dignity”, and was immediately anathematized by moralists. However, the natural need for contraceptives outweighed the hypocrisy, and sales of rubber condoms were breaking records.



Competitors did not doze off, and therefore, after just some ten years, a seamless condom appeared, and after a couple of decades - latex.

Folklore in the USSR dubbed condoms "rubber product No. 2", giving primacy to gas masks. Everyone knows that there was no sex in the Soviet Union, so Soviet pharmacies often decorated chaste announcements “there are no products No. 2!” In the early 70s, it was a big deal to buy pantyhose, toilet paper, and a paper bag of condoms, which were prudently packed in twos.



And for the Olympics-80, the "light" industry prepared a surprise for the "builders of socialism" - a kind of quality mark. Now the packaging with the condom was decorated with a proud inscription: "Checked by electronics."

Every year, about 2.5 billion condoms are produced in the world, although only 4% of men use them.

There are 3 sizes:

regular - 16 in length and 3.5 cm in diameter;

"king size" - for specimens up to 20 cm;

"pitt-thai" - 15 cm in length, popular in Southeast Asia.

Female barrier contraceptives

It is not known for certain where the “pro-mother” of female diaphragmatic rings, a half of a lemon that was inserted into the vagina, was first used in Ancient Africa or China.



Approximately in the 15th century BC, according to mythology, the king of Crete Minos was famous for the fact that scorpions and snakes swarmed in his sperm. Then one of his cunning wives figured out how to protect herself from adversity with the help of a goat's bladder.

By the time of Casanova's adventures in Europe, "advanced users" were already "packed" with this gadget.

In 1908, neck caps were invented to protect the female uterus from sperm intervention.



Modern caps have a diameter of 5.5 cm, fit snugly against the cervix, leaving almost no chance for sperm to penetrate inside.

Spermicides

This type of contraception has never given a 100% guarantee, according to statistics, most often women have an unwanted pregnancy, using it. Out of 100 women who use spermicides, about 20 become pregnant in a year. Nevertheless, the method has a rich history and has been very popular at all times.

Hungry for love pleasures, the ancient Arab tribes widely used tampons soaked in special balms to prevent conception.



In ancient India, ladies practiced mixtures of sacred elephant droppings, honey and cotton.

In ancient Egypt, crocodiles were more revered, so their excrement was the main ingredient. The recipe has come down to us thanks to the Petri papyrus, dated 1850 BC.



The Egyptians were the first to soak vaginal tampons with vinegar, which inhibited zealous sperm.

Avicenna described a recipe for spermicide with pomegranate pulp and narcotic substances.

A decoction of lemon and mahogany was used for contraception by the Indians long before the arrival of Europeans.

In Australia, a mixture of fucus and pond extracts was used for this.

In Sumatra, women relied entirely on opium tincture for this purpose.



The most terrible method was common in China, where mercury was injected into the vagina to prevent conception.

Published in 1933, Knocke's book contained 180 substances that were used in spermicidal recipes, including: juniper, asparagus, ginger root, mistletoe, burdock, shepherd's purse, and many others.

Modern spermicides have little in common with the ancient ones, but are also injected into the vagina before the onset of sexual intercourse and have a destructive effect on spermatozoa. They are available in the form of tablets, suppositories, foam sprays and creams.

intrauterine contraception

Today it is chosen by 17% of women.

The first attempts to apply it lead to ancient times. Camel drivers, intending to cross the desert, in order to protect the females from pregnancy, burdensome on the way, laid stones in the uterine cavity of animals.

Even 3 millennia ago in Japan, geisha and quite respectable young ladies placed silver balls in the uterus in order to protect themselves from conception.



At the beginning of the 20th century, loops of catgut were introduced into the uterus for contraception, and then strings of gold, silver and copper.

The invention of plastic, the Margulis coil and the Lipps loop revolutionized contraception.



In 1952, in parallel to each other, two scientists at once, Oppenheimer in Israel and Ishihama in Japan, conducted successful clinical studies of plastic uterine rings.



In the 60s of the last century, there was a real boom in the Navy.

male spiral

More recently, a method of male contraception, which is highly effective and harmless to health, was invented, which did not find a large audience. The male spiral is a complex structure equipped with a gel that has a spermicidal effect. The construct is inserted into the seminal canal and then into the scrotum, where it opens like an umbrella.

Hormonal contraceptives



It is hard to imagine, because sex hormones were discovered by science relatively recently, in 1929, but even Dioscorides in the 1st century AD testified that mandrake or Dioscorea, as he called the plant, was used to prepare a decoction that guaranteed protection from conception.

American Indians, not without reason, believed that diligent eating of parsley saves from pregnancy. The Jews chewed gum for the same purpose. In ancient India, they took a decoction of carrot seeds, the recipe of which was described by Hippocrates.

China invented and massively used a contraceptive based on cottonseed oil, until it turned out that in more than a third of men it causes infertility.

Modern pharmacology uses for the synthesis of the sex hormone, progestogen, which then goes to the production of hormonal contraceptives, Mexican licorice root extract, which has long served alternative medicine faithfully.

In the middle of the last century, Georges Pincus announced the effectiveness of progesterone against unwanted conception, and in 1960, WHO had already allowed the use of the first contraceptive pills, which are now used by 60% of women.

Since then, hormonal contraceptives have undergone significant evolutionary growth, along with a decrease in the concentration of steroids, unwanted side effects have decreased and new valuable properties have appeared, for example, a beneficial effect on the skin, hair, etc.

Modern complex oral contraceptives (COCs) provide one hundred percent protection against unwanted pregnancy under the only condition - constant intake.

For ladies with a "girl's memory" they came up with other hormonal contraceptives that lead to temporary sterility due to the presence of hormones:

Injections;

Patch;

Subcutaneous implants;

Postcoital contraception



This method lies in the fact that some substances prevent the onset of pregnancy, even if the egg has been fertilized by a sperm. Today, this method is considered emergency and is used relatively rarely. Usually, such “first aid” is recommended if the woman was raped, for some reason she could not use another method, the integrity of the condom was broken during intimacy, etc.

Among the drugs that are used postcoital contraception:

mifepristone,

difuston,

postinor,

Surgical methods of contraception



They are the most cardinal, and consist in the sterilization of individuals of both sexes. They give one hundred percent protection against conception, as they lead to artificial infertility.

Female sterilization is carried out with ligation or dissection of the fallopian tubes, or a combination of two methods.

Male sterilization or vasectomy takes only a quarter of an hour. During the operation, the seminal ducts are cut or bandaged.

Given that a man may want to "take back" his voluntary decision to be infertile, a technique has been developed to block the seminal duct with rubber valves that can always be removed through simple manipulation.

Moreover, reverse vasectomy is practiced, which allows you to return the possibility of conception in 90%.

The topic of contraception from time immemorial is one of the most important for mankind. Nowadays, in the massive increase in the popularity of abortion and the spread of HIV, AIDS and other dangerous diseases - especially. Even the popular adult film actress Elena Berkova called for safe sex, who supported the social marathon #DayWithout. Treat your health and the health of your partner carefully, friends!

You can avoid unwanted pregnancy with the help of physiological or biological methods of contraception, the essence of which is to abstain from vaginal intercourse on those days of the menstrual cycle when the probability of fertilization of the egg is highest. In order to use these methods correctly, it is necessary to have an elementary understanding of the physiology of the female reproductive system. The menstrual cycle lasts from the first day of the last menstruation to the first day of the next, and its duration in most women is 28 days, in some - 21 or 30-35 days. Rhythmic changes that prepare a woman's body for pregnancy occur throughout the body, but are most pronounced in the brain structures of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, in the ovaries (ovarian cycle) and uterus (uterine cycle). The first, or follicular phase lasts 14 days with a 28-day cycle and 10-11 days with a 21-day cycle. In this phase, one of several follicles in the ovary usually matures. Then comes ovulation - the rupture of a mature follicle and the release of an egg capable of fertilization from its cavity. Fertilization occurs in the cavity of the fallopian tube. An unfertilized egg dies within 12-24 hours. On a 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day, but may occur between the 8th and 20th days. After the release of the egg, the luteal phase begins, or the phase of development of the corpus luteum. If pregnancy occurs, then the corpus luteum of pregnancy is formed, which grows and performs an important function during the first months of pregnancy. The corpus luteum forms with each menstrual cycle, and if pregnancy does not occur, it is called the corpus luteum of menstruation. Menstruation indicates the death of the egg (“bloody tears for a failed pregnancy”) and means the end of the physiological processes that prepared the body for pregnancy. However, as noted above, the menstrual cycle is calculated from the first day of the last menstruation. This is due to the fact that menstruation is the most pronounced event among all cyclic processes in a woman's body, which is impossible not to notice. There are several phases in the uterine cycle. The rejection of the functional layer of the uterine mucosa and its release to the outside along with the blood occurs in the phase of desquamation (menstruation), which coincides with the beginning of the death of the corpus luteum in the ovary. Restoration of the mucous membrane (regeneration phase) ends by the 5th-6th day of the cycle. Then, until the 14th day, before ovulation, under the influence of estrogens of the follicles, the uterine mucosa grows (proliferation phase). The development and flowering of the corpus luteum in the ovary coincides in time with the secretion phase, which lasts from the 14-15th day to the 28th (this is the best time for the implantation of a fertilized egg).

Given the different likelihood of pregnancy during the menstrual cycle, it is convenient to distinguish between three periods:

1. The period of absolute sterility (conception does not occur) begins 48 hours after ovulation and continues until the end of menstruation.

2. The period of relative sterility (conception can occur) lasts from the last day of menstruation until ovulation.

3. The fertile period (maximum chance of conception) begins with ovulation and ends 48 hours after it. Despite the fact that an unfertilized egg is viable up to 24 hours, this phase is given 6-8 days, taking into account the error in the calculations, as well as the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize within 3-5 days. In the cervical mucus, spermatozoa survive for 48 hours.

The publications present cases of pregnancy after a single sexual intercourse a week before ovulation, recorded by measuring basal body temperature (see below).

Methods of natural (physiological) contraception include:

1. Rhythmic

a) calendar method

b) standard days method

c) measuring basal temperature

d) cervical method or cervical mucus monitoring method

e) two-day method

f) symptothermal (multicomponent) method

2. Coitus interruptus

calendar method is based on three provisions: with a 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs 14 days before the onset of menstruation (this discovery was made in 1920), the viability of the egg remains 24 hours, and spermatozoa - 3-5 days. Based on this information, a woman with a regular menstrual cycle can determine the days when she is most likely to conceive, mark them on the calendar in the next month and refrain from sexual intercourse. The Pearl Index, or the number of pregnancies in 100 women using this method for 1 year, is 13-20%.

Method of standard (defined) days slightly different from the calendar. It is better suited for those women whose menstrual cycle is not regular, but ranges from 26 to 32 days. The standard days method is based on the following principles: the first day of menstruation is considered the first day of the cycle, the fertile period lasts from days 8 to 19 (it is necessary to avoid sexual intercourse or use barrier methods of contraception), from the 1st to the 7th day and from the 20th days before the onset of menstruation, you can not protect yourself. In this form, the standard days method was proposed by researchers at Georgetown University in the USA. We cannot agree with the recommendation about the possibility of sexual intercourse during menstruation, because there is a risk of developing endometriosis, as well as non-specific inflammatory processes of the uterus and its appendages. You can determine the fertile period based on the duration of menstrual cycles over the past 6-12 months. To do this, 18 and 11 are subtracted from the shortest and longest cycle, respectively. For example: 25-18= 7 and 31-11=20; therefore, the fertile period lasts from the 7th to the 20th day of the cycle, so 13 days of abstinence or the use of other contraceptives is required to prevent pregnancy. To use the method of standard days, special rosaries have been developed, moving which it is impossible to forget about "dangerous" days. The Pearl Index for this method is 5-12%.

Both the calendar method and the standard day method are indicated when there is no need for effective contraception and there is no possibility of using other means of contraception. Therefore, these methods are contraindicated in irregular menstrual cycles, as well as in cases where effective contraception is required (pregnancy poses a threat to a woman's health). The disadvantages include the need for prolonged abstinence, low contraceptive effect (high Pearl index) and in connection with this constant fear of pregnancy. Like other natural contraceptive methods, neither the calendar method nor the standard day method protect against sexually transmitted diseases. It should be remembered that the ovulation period can be affected by climate change and time zones, overwork, stress, alcohol abuse and other factors. The advantages of the calendar method and the standard day method are ease of use, no side effects, and that they can be used by couples of different religious beliefs.

Measurement of basal temperature throughout the menstrual cycle is a fairly reliable method for determining the time of ovulation. The temperature is measured with the same thermometer, in the same place (in the mouth, or vagina, or in the rectum), every morning before getting out of bed, at the same time, for a full 5 minutes. Do not eat or smoke before the measurement. It is advisable to use a special electronic thermometer designed to measure basal temperature, on which only a few degrees are applied. It is necessary to draw up schedules for at least 2-3 cycles in a row. The days are plotted along the abscissa axis, and the basal temperature along the ordinate axis; celebrate the days of sexual intercourse. During the follicular (first) phase of the menstrual cycle, the basal temperature is usually 36.1-36.7°C. 12-24 hours before ovulation, it falls, which, however, is not always determined. And then it rises by an average of 0.3-0.5 ° C, which is due to increased production of progesterone by the corpus luteum and its thermogenic effect, and remains at this level throughout the luteal (second) phase, which is safe in terms of pregnancy (see . higher). With the onset of menstruation, the basal temperature decreases to its original level. Disadvantages of the method: ovulation cannot be predicted, it is determined retrospectively. In some women with normal, ovulatory cycles, which are confirmed by other methods, the temperature does not rise, and the curve remains monophasic on the graph. However, the measurement of basal temperature is widely used to determine ovulation, due to the simplicity of the method, availability and low cost. Biphasic temperature curve is a reliable indicator of ovulation. If the curve is monophasic, additional studies are carried out to determine the pathology of the genitals. The rise in basal temperature is accompanied by an increase in the serum concentration of not only progesterone, but also the luteinizing hormone of the pituitary gland. Given the viability of sperm and egg, the fertile period begins 6 days before ovulation and ends 3 days after it. If the menstrual cycle is regular and ovulation occurs without failure, there is no need for daily temperature measurement - this can only be done in the middle of the cycle to determine the day of its rise. Measurement of basal temperature can be used as an independent method of contraception, but more often it is combined with others.

cervical method is based on a change in the nature of the mucus produced in the cervical canal during the menstrual cycle under the influence of sex hormones. During the fertile period, the mucus acquires such properties that help spermatozoa penetrate the uterus - it becomes plentiful, well extensible and resembles raw egg white, light and transparent. Most often, mucous discharge from the vagina and a feeling of moisture in the external genitalia (vulva) appear. After menstruation, before the period of fertility or after it, a little viscous mucus with a whitish or yellowish tinge (“dry days”) in the vagina disappears. If a woman has found a viscous, well-stretched mucus, one should refrain from sexual intercourse until these properties disappear. The abstinence period will take approximately 8 days. The inconveniences of the method are associated with the need for daily monitoring of changes in vaginal discharge and vulvar moisture, a long period of abstinence, the impossibility of using the method in inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, especially cervicitis and vaginitis, which can change the symptoms characteristic of the fertile period. The Pearl Index when using the cervical method reaches 20%.

Two day method- a simpler version of the cervical method, proposed by researchers at Georgetown University in the USA and has already been tested in three countries. The Pearl Index is 14%, but may be lower with a more careful attitude to the method and use of other contraceptives (eg, condoms) during the fertile period. The two-day method is based on the same methodology as the cervical method, but does not require consideration of the nature of the mucus (viscosity, viscosity, color, quantity). A woman at the same time of the day pays attention to vaginal discharge and answers a simple question, were they yesterday and are they today. If there was no discharge, then you can not be protected from pregnancy. If they were two days in a row, therefore, the fertile period has come and you should refrain from sexual intercourse throughout its entire length (at least 8 days). At this time, you must continue to monitor the discharge! Unlike previous methods, the two-day method is most suitable for women with irregular menstrual cycles or cycles that are not 28 days, but more than 32 or less than 26 days. The measurement of basal temperature, the cervical method and the method of two days can be called symptomatic, since they are based on taking into account certain signs (symptoms) indicating the fertile period.

Symptothermal (multicomponent) method combines the measurement of basal temperature, accounting for changes in the nature of cervical mucus, data from the calendar method, as well as a number of subjective signs (mood swings, sensitivity of the mammary glands, ovulatory pain, bloody discharge from the genital tract in the middle of the menstrual cycle). The method is quite complicated, but its efficiency is lower than theoretically expected - the Pearl index reaches 20%.

Due to the low efficiency of the method of measuring basal temperature and the symptothermal method, it is a practice among some couples to have sexual activity only three days after the temperature rise. This is the so-called postovulatory temperature method. Its obvious drawback is that with high efficiency (Pearl index is only 1%), a long period of abstinence is required. We emphasize once again that the results of measuring basal temperature are affected by various diseases accompanied by fever, alcohol abuse, travel and other reasons.

Coitus interruptus consists in the fact that the man completely removes the penis from the vagina and takes it to a sufficient distance from the external genital organs of the woman before the onset of ejaculation. The prevalence of the method is high, the efficiency is low - the Pearl index is 15-30%. Before sexual intercourse, a man should urinate and thoroughly wipe the head of the penis. With repeated sexual contact, a man needs to urinate again. The method of coitus interruptus is indicated for those sexual partners who, for the sake of protection from pregnancy, are able to strictly follow the rules of this method, in situations where religious or moral beliefs do not allow the use of other methods of contraception, there are no other contraceptives “at hand”. Some men have difficulty using the method correctly because they do not always feel when ejaculation is approaching or suffer from premature ejaculation. Frequent use of this method can lead to disruption of orgasm in men, neurosis and impotence.

Highly ineffective methods of contraception, which by definition could be classified as natural contraceptive methods, should not be used, such as placing a woman in an upright position (squatting) after intercourse so that sperm is released, douching to remove sperm from the vagina (in cervical mucus spermatozoa penetrate as early as 90 seconds after ejaculation), a man taking a hot bath before intercourse to kill spermatozoa with high temperature, prayers and others. Douching not only does not show a reliable contraceptive effect, but also reduces the number of lactobacilli, normal inhabitants of the vagina, and thereby contributes to the development of gardnerellosis and inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages.

In conclusion, we emphasize once again that natural contraceptive methods are not highly effective and do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. However, they also have a number of advantages (simplicity, low cost, no side effects, involvement of men in family planning, etc.) and are indicated in cases where there is no risk of sexually transmitted diseases and absolute contraindications to pregnancy due to a threat to the woman's health.

- these are methods of protection against unwanted pregnancy, based on monitoring the physiologically potential for conception and "safe" phases of the woman's menstrual cycle.

The application requires a woman of high self-discipline and careful recording of all records necessary for an accurate calculation of "dangerous" and "safe" days. essence natural method of contraception consists in daily measurement of basal temperature, monitoring the quality of mucus secreted by the cervix and other points.

Mainly suitable for women with regular and stable menstrual cycles. otherwise, it will be difficult to calculate days of high fertility (ability to conceive) and infertility (impossibility or low risk of conceiving). Natural methods of contraception very well suited for women who for some reason cannot use other methods of contraception, couples who do not use any other means and methods of contraception for religious or philosophical beliefs, partners who do not have sex daily, etc.

Types of natural methods of contraception

The most common natural methodsladies of contraception are:

Calendar (rhythmic) method. Suitable for women with regular menstrual cycles. The essence of the method is to calculate the day of ovulation (the moment the egg capable of fertilization leaves the ovary). The moment of ovulation occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Knowing this, a woman can calculate the "dangerous" period during which the probability of conception is highest - approximately 2-4 days before ovulation and 2-4 days after it.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that the sperm cell retains the ability to conceive for a long time (within 2-3 days), therefore, from the 10th to the 17th day of the menstrual cycle, the couple should refrain from sexual intercourse or use other methods of contraception. It must be remembered that ovulation can occur on other days of the menstrual cycle, and then the calendar method is ineffective.

Interrupted intercourse. One of the simplest and most natural methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy, which, at the same time, has one of the lowest degrees of effectiveness (40-50%). The essence of the method is to remove the penis from the vagina before the onset of ejaculation. Medical experts say that coitus interruptus cannot be considered complete. natural method of contraception.

The disadvantages of the method can be considered a decrease in the quality of sexual contact (a man must constantly monitor the approach of ejaculation, which is not always possible to feel), in addition, even at the time of friction, a few drops of sperm are already released from the penis, as a result of which conception may occur. In addition, according to doctors, the need to interrupt sexual intercourse can lead to the development of various psychological disorders of a sexual nature (anorgasmia, premature ejaculation, etc.).

temperature method. The essence of the method is the construction of a graph of basal body temperature (BBT), i.e. body temperature at rest. Basal body temperature is measured by inserting a thermometer into the anus for 5 minutes and recording the results with an accuracy of one tenth of a degree.

In phase I of the menstrual cycle, a woman's body temperature is usually slightly lower, during ovulation the temperature rises slightly and remains elevated throughout phase II until the next menstruation. Accordingly, focusing on changes in the basal temperature schedule, a woman will be able to understand exactly when she ovulated and avoid sexual intercourse on “dangerous” days.

Observation of vaginal mucus. This method can be used as a separate natural method of contraception, and can be used in combination with other methods (temperature, calendar, etc.).

The essence of the method is based on the assessment of vaginal discharge during the day. Immediately after the end of menstrual flow, mucus is normally practically absent - this period is called "dry", during which sexual activity is allowed without restrictions.

As the egg matures, the mucus becomes more viscous, its quantity increases, it acquires a cloudy and sticky consistency, which is the first sign of the approaching "dangerous" days. On these "wet" days, it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourse or use additional methods of protection.

The greatest amount of mucus occurs immediately before and at the time of ovulation. Mucus on such days is like raw egg white, stretched between the fingers. Its appearance means the peak of the most favorable period for conception and the need to refrain from sexual intercourse for at least 3-4 days if you are not planning a pregnancy yet. On the 4th day after ovulation, the secretion of mucus may be reduced, and before the start of a new period, a woman can wait for "dry" days, during which the probability of conception is low.

Benefits of Natural Contraceptive Methods

Uniqueness natural methods of contraception in that they make it possible not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to plan it, "guessing" the dates of sexual contacts on the days of a woman's high fertility. Natural methods of contraception have no side effects, do not require financial costs, can be used by a fairly large number of couples without restrictions.

Disadvantages of natural methods of contraception

However, along with the advantages, they also have a number of disadvantages:

• Efficiency natural methods of contraception is approximately 50% (incorrectly calculated "dangerous" and "safe" days).
• The need for scrupulous and careful keeping of daily records.
• The need for abstinence in the fertile phase of a woman, during sexual intercourse - interruption of sexual intercourse or the use of additional contraceptives.
• Lack of protection against genital infections.
• Anxiety, uncertainty when using natural methods of contraception, which may slightly reduce the quality of sexual life.

We recommend that you consult a gynecologist to select the most optimal method of natural contraception. Specialists of GUTA CLINIC will help you to choose the most suitable method of contraception according to your indications.

There are several different methods of natural family planning.

Currently, the following methods of fertility control (possibility of fertilization) are used:

• calendar (or rhythmic);
• basal body temperature method;
• cervical mucus method;
• symptothermal.

calendar method.

The calendar method is the oldest method of contraception and is based on the calculation of fertile days. This takes into account that ovulation begins 14 days before the onset of menstruation (with a 28-day menstrual cycle), the viability of sperm in a woman's body is approximately 8 days, and eggs after ovulation - 24 hours. Since the length of the first phase of the menstrual cycle varies from woman to woman, and also from woman to woman, fertile days can be determined by subtracting 18 days from the shortest and 11 days from the longest menstrual cycle.

In order to calculate your fertile period, you need to track the duration of at least six menstrual cycles, during which you should either abstain from sexual activity or use another contraceptive method.

Fertile phase calculation:

1 Subtract 11 from the number of days in your longest cycle. This will determine the last fertile day of your cycle. 2 Subtract 18 from the number of days in your shortest cycle. This will determine the first fertile day of your cycle.

For example:

Longest cycle: 30 - 11 = 19 days.

The shortest cycle: 26 - 18 = 8 days.

According to calculations, the period from the 8th to the 19th day of the cycle is fertile (12 days of abstinence is required to prevent pregnancy).

Basal body temperature method.

Based on changes in body temperature shortly after ovulation. An increase in basal body temperature indicates the development of ovulation, but does not predict its onset. Basal temperature sometimes decreases 12-24 hours before ovulation, after which it rises by an average of 0.2 - 0.5 ° C. Thus, the period from the beginning of the menstrual cycle until the basal body temperature is increased for three consecutive days is considered fertile. Genuine postovular fever lasts about 10 days. Since various factors (diseases, stress, sleep disorders, etc.) affect the change in basal temperature, the interpretation of measurement results requires special attention.

The temperature in the rectum (basal body temperature) is taken at the same time each morning before getting out of bed and then recorded on the chart.

The non-fertile phase begins in the evening of the third day in a row, when the temperature remains above the cover line.

If within three days the basal temperature drops to the cover line or below it, this may mean that ovulation has not yet occurred. To avoid pregnancy, wait three days in a row with a temperature above the cover line before having sexual intercourse.

Cervical mucus method (Billing method).

Based on the fact that the nature of cervical mucus changes during the menstrual cycle, and especially during ovulation. In the period before the onset of ovulation, cervical mucus is absent or is observed with a white or yellowish tinge. As the ovulatory period approaches, the mucus becomes lighter, more abundant and elastic, while the tension of the mucus (its stretch between the index and thumb) sometimes reaches 8-10 cm. Upon subsequent examination of the dried drop of cervical mucus under a microscope, a pattern resembling fern leaves is obtained ( "fern phenomenon"). The last day of abundant moisture is called "peak day", which corresponds to the highest level of estrogen in the body and the most fertile period. A day after the disappearance of abundant light mucus, ovulation is observed. Therefore, a woman using the cervical mucus method should assume that ovulation began two days before the appearance of "peak signs" of cervical mucus. After the “peak day”, the discharge changes dramatically under the influence of progesterone - they become thick or stop.

The fertile period continues for another four days after the disappearance of abundant, light and elastic mucous secretions. The postovulatory, or late infertile phase of the cycle begins on the fourth day after the maximum discharge and continues until the first day of the next menstruation.

A number of notations are used to keep records:

Symbol for menstrual bleeding.

Letter With for dry days.

Letter M circled to represent wet, clear fertile mucus (mucus).

Letter M to refer to sticky, white, cloudy, infertile mucus (mucus).

symptothermal method.

Includes control of basal body temperature, changes in cervical mucus, may include a calendar method, as well as other physiological indicators of ovulation: sensitivity of the mammary glands, blood discharge from the vagina, a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, etc. This method is combined and requires precise execution all the rules of the methods of which it consists.

Thus, the method of cervical mucus is more indicative for determining the beginning of fertile days than the method of changing the basal body temperature, since the basal temperature rises only after the onset of ovulation.

You can determine your fertile days by monitoring your temperature and cervical mucus at the same time.

The fertile phase begins with any mucus or wetness in the vagina. Sexual activity should be abstained during this phase until the rules of "rush day" and temperature changes are applied.

A more conservative "peak day" rule should be applied and no sexual intercourse until the 18th day should be applied.

Disadvantages of natural methods of contraception

Natural methods of contraception have a number of disadvantages: their average efficiency is up to 80%; daily record keeping is required; vaginal infection can affect the consistency of mucus, etc.

Also, when breastfeeding a child or with irregular menstruation, women should choose other methods of modern contraception.

Lactational amenorrhea method

The lactational amenorrhea method is the use of breastfeeding as a method of contraception. It is based on the physiological effect that the baby has on the mother's breast sucking - it is the suppression of ovulation.

The duration of anovulation varies individually and can range from 2 to 24 months after childbirth, since physiological infertility develops during lactation.

Women who are not using contraceptive methods but who are fully or almost fully breastfeeding and who have amenorrhea can be considered to be at very low risk (less than 2%) of becoming pregnant in the first six months after delivery.

If at least one of these conditions (breastfeeding, amenorrhea, no more than six months after childbirth) is not met, any other method of contraception must be used. This also applies to women who have resumed menstruation and those who are not exclusively breastfeeding.

Coitus interruption method

This traditional method of family planning involves the man pulling his penis completely out of the woman's vagina before he ejaculates. Since sperm does not enter the vagina in this way, fertilization does not occur.

The advantages of the method include:

• partner involvement in family planning;
• immediate effectiveness;
• does not affect breastfeeding;
• does not require cash costs;
• can be used at any time of the day.

The disadvantages include:

• low efficiency of the method (up to 80% protection);
• efficiency may decrease due to the presence of semen residues in the urethral canal of the penis after the previous ejaculation (about 24 hours ago);
• does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases;
• perhaps a decrease in sexual sensations in both spouses and the development of sexual disharmony.