Natural birth control methods, also known as fertility awareness-based methods, are ways to prevent pregnancy without the use of any drugs, medical devices, or surgical procedures. They involve tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle and avoiding sex or using a barrier method during the fertile window of ovulation.
What are the different types of natural birth control methods?
There are several types of natural birth control methods including:
- Calendar method – Tracks menstrual cycles on a calendar to predict when ovulation will occur.
- Cervical mucus method – Tracks changes in cervical mucus that indicate ovulation.
- Basal body temperature method – Tracks body temperature, which rises slightly during ovulation.
- Symptothermal method – Combines calendar method, cervical mucus method, and basal body temperature to increase accuracy.
- Withdrawal method – Removes the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
- Lactational amenorrhea method – Uses breastfeeding to inhibit ovulation.
How effective are natural birth control methods?
If used perfectly, natural birth control methods can be up to 99% effective. However, typical use brings effectiveness down to 75-95% as timing errors can occur. The lactational amenorrhea method is 98% effective for the first 6 months postpartum. Withdrawal is 78% effective with perfect use but only 73% effective with typical use.
Method | Perfect use failure rate | Typical use failure rate |
---|---|---|
Calendar method | 5-9% | 13-20% |
Cervical mucus method | 2-3% | 15-20% |
Basal body temperature | 0.5-1% | 1-9% |
Symptothermal method | 0.4-5% | 2-12% |
Withdrawal method | 4% | 22% |
Lactational amenorrhea (6 months) | 2% | 2% |
What are the pros and cons of natural birth control methods?
Pros:
- No side effects compared to hormonal methods
- No cost after initial investment (thermometer, ovulation test strips)
- Promotes understanding of menstrual cycle and fertility
- No chemicals, hormones, or devices needed
- Can be used to achieve pregnancy
- Acceptable for many religious denominations
Cons:
- Less effective than hormonal methods or IUDs
- Require partner cooperation and 30-60 min daily effort
- Failure rates increase if instructions aren’t followed correctly
- Can be difficult postpartum and pre-menopause as cycles change
- Need backup contraception or abstinence during fertile period
- Not recommended for women with irregular cycles
How do you track ovulation and identify fertile days?
Tracking ovulation is key for natural birth control methods. This can be done by:
- Basal body temperature – Body temperature rises 0.5-1°F after ovulation due to progesterone levels. Temperature should be taken first thing in the morning before any activity.
- Cervical mucus – Estrogen causes cervical mucus to become clear, slippery, and stretchy at ovulation. Mucus can be checked by hand or by toilet tissue.
- Cervical position – The cervix rises, softens, and opens slightly to allow sperm to enter at ovulation.
- Ovulation predictor kits – Detect LH surge 24-36 hours before ovulation. Most accurate for predicting ovulation day.
- Menstrual cycle tracking apps – Use menstrual dates and symptoms to estimate fertile window. Not as accurate as other signs.
The fertile window is approximately 5 days before ovulation until 1 day after. Sperm can survive for 5 days and the egg lives 12-24 hours. It’s ideal to track for a few months to establish a pattern before relying on natural methods for birth control.
What are some tips for preventing pregnancy with natural methods?
Tips for effectively using natural birth control methods include:
- Track signs of fertility daily using a fertility chart. Record basal body temperature, cervical mucus quality, menstruation, and sexual activity.
- Abstain or use condoms/diaphragms during the fertile window. The first days of heavy, slippery, or stretchy mucus indicate fertility has begun.
- Follow instructions carefully and avoid shortcuts. Mistakes are common with natural methods.
- Consider pairing methods like mucus and temperature checks for better accuracy.
- Have emergency contraception on hand as a backup if accidents occur.
- See a natural family planning instructor if you have questions or need help.
- Use a barrier method or avoid sex if signs become unclear or cycles become irregular.
What natural herbs or supplements help prevent pregnancy?
There are some natural herbs and supplements claimed to help prevent pregnancy, but most lack evidence and safety:
- Wild yam – Contains diosgenin, a precursor to progesterone, but unable to convert to progesterone in the body. Lacks evidence it prevents ovulation or implantation.
- Neem – Used in India as spermicide and contraceptive. May impact sperm motility and ovulation at high doses but can be toxic.
- Stoneseed root – Has contraceptive effects in rats but no human evidence. Toxic if overconsumed.
- Jack in the pulpit – Historically used for abortion; toxic in high doses.
- Vitamin C – May induce abortion at extremely high doses of 10-12g daily. Unsafe and unproven.
- Pennyroyal – Abortifacient at high doses but extremely toxic to the liver.
- Rue – Large doses may trigger uterine contraction but can be poisonous.
No herbs have been proven both safe and effective for contraception. Extreme doses that may work also come with serious health risks. Healthcare provider guidance is strongly advised before using herbs for birth control purposes.
At what point after childbirth can natural birth control be used reliably?
The lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) can be used immediately postpartum and is 98% effective during the first 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding. After this period, the risk of pregnancy increases unless another method is initiated.
For non-breastfeeding women, the wait time before natural methods can be reliably used again depends on the method:
- Calendar method – Must wait until regular cycles resume, usually about 6 months postpartum.
- Basal temperature – Wait until 1-2 normal cycles to establish pattern, as early cycles can be irregular.
- Cervical mucus – Can start tracking after bleeding stops, around 4-6 weeks. Cycles may be irregular at first.
It’s ideal to allow 12-18 months between giving birth and relying on natural birth control methods. Shorter intervals have higher failure rates. Backup contraception like condoms should be used until cycles become regular again and a pattern is confirmed.
Can natural methods be used effectively after miscarriage or abortion?
Natural birth control methods can be used after early pregnancy loss but the timing depends on the individual:
- After miscarriage – Can begin once regular cycles resume, usually within 1-3 months.
- After abortion – Fertility returns within 2-4 weeks so can begin tracking cervical mucus after bleeding stops.
- After surgical abortion – May take longer to resume cycles; wait 1 full cycle before relying on calendar or temperature methods.
However, since cycles can be irregular after pregnancy loss, a backup method like condoms is recommended until a consistent pattern is confirmed again. Taking at least 3 months after miscarriage or abortion to establish cyclical pattern before depending on natural birth control reduces risk of unintended pregnancy.
How soon after stopping hormonal birth control can natural methods work effectively?
Natural birth control methods can be started immediately after stopping hormonal contraception like the pill, patch, ring, or shot. However, it can take several months for normal menstrual cycles to resume after synthetic hormones are discontinued:
- After pill – Average 2-3 months for cycles to regulate
- After shot – Average 6-9 months to resume cycles
- After ring, patch, implant – Normal cycles usually return within 1-3 months
The transition period after hormonal birth control is when accidental pregnancy is most likely. Backup contraception like condoms is critical during this time. Allow at least 3 months and 1 normal cycle before depending on fertility awareness methods alone for maximum effectiveness.
How effective are natural birth control methods after having a baby?
In the first 6 months postpartum, the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) can be 98% effective during exclusive breastfeeding before menses return. After this period, or for non-breastfeeding women, natural methods are significantly less effective:
- Calendar method – Failure rate up to 25% in the first 6 months; 13-20% after cycles regulate.
- Temperature method – Up to 10% failure rate in the first 6 months postpartum.
- Cervical mucus method – Fail rate around 10-20% in the 6-12 months after giving birth.
Irregular cycles, changing cervical mucus, and erratic temperatures in the 12-18 months after pregnancy make natural methods far less reliable. An alternative method like condoms is essential during this time for maximum birth control efficacy. Waiting at least 18 months postpartum allows fertility signals to normalize.
Conclusion
Natural birth control methods can provide hormone-free and cost-effective ways to prevent pregnancy for motivated couples. However, typical use failure rates are higher than other contraceptives. Consistent tracking, partner cooperation, backup protection during fertile periods, and healthcare provider guidance are key to success. Natural methods may not be appropriate for women with irregular cycles, postpartum women, or those who prefer low maintenance contraception.