- Periodic abstinence:
A
group of methods that are based on avoiding sexual intercourse during the fertile time
(time when a woman can conceive.) A woman's fertile time is identified through observing,
recording and interpreting natural signs and symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.
These methods include the calendar (rhythm) method, cervical mucus (or ovulation) method,
and basal body temperature method.
-
- Withdrawal (coitus interruptus):
A method where sexual intercourse is interrupted and the penis is withdrawn from the
vagina before ejaculation.
How do natural methods of family planning work?
(mechanism of action)
They prevent sperm from uniting with an egg by avoiding
intercourse around the time of ovulation or by withdrawing the penis from the vagina
before ejaculation.
For whom are natural methods of family
planning appropriate?
- Couples willing and motivated to learn how to observe, record
and interpret the woman's fertility signs
- Couples who accept the potential for unintended pregnancy
- Couples with no/little access to modern contraceptive methods
- Couples with religious/philosophical reasons not to use other
methods
- Women with regular menstrual cycles
- Women unable to use other contraceptive methods
- Men willing to practice withdrawal
Advantages
- Have no medical side effects
- Immediate return to fertility
- Free and readily available
- Use increases knowledge of female reproductive physiology
- Use may improve communication between partners
Disadvantages
- High failure rate
- Require high motivation and ability to follow instructions
- Require partner's cooperation
- Couple practicing periodic abstinence must abstain from
intercourse for a significant period of time every month
- No protection from STDs/HIV
- May be difficult to detect a woman's fertile period (close to
menarche, close to menopause, during breastfeeding, or in women with irregular cycles)
Follow-up and Counseling
- Initial counseling involves detailed instructions on how to
identify the fertile period
Provide follow-up/additional counseling:
- Anytime client has questions or concerns
- Every visit (correct use of the method should be reinforced
and client's satisfaction with the method reviewed)
- Initial counseling involves detailed instructions on how to
identify the
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