Nature’s Contraceptive- Here’s a Handy Calculator
Not every woman can use a hormonal contraceptive pill. For those of you who prefer or are obliged, to use a natural method of birth control, here is a simple online calendar that is easy to use. The calendar helps you with ‘fertile awareness’ ie. helps you to find out when, in your menstrual cycle, you are ovulating (releasing an egg) and thus, when you are most fertile.
Natural contraceptive methods are acceptable for couples who have religious concerns related to contraception or for women who physically cannot tolerate hormonal contraceptive pills and do not wish to use another method of birth control.
Natural birth control requires consistent and accurate record keeping and is more challenging for women with irregular cycles. It is effective when used correctly and consistently with an achievable 80% plus success rate. However, the average typical user of this method of contraception has a failure rate of 25%.
The obvious benefits:
- No side effects or health risks
- Immediate reversibility
- Inexpensive
Couples using this method of natural birth control need periods of abstinence or backup contraception for approximately 1/3 of each month.
Like the oral contraceptive pill, fertility awareness does NOT provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
GO HERE for more information on Fertility Awareness/Natural Family Planning.
For those of you who do use oral contraceptives and whose diaries are rapidly filling with Christmas party dates, I shall have more information on emergency contraceptives soon.
