Many women choose to use so-called natural family planning methods, which are based on observations of the physiological signs and symptoms of the fertile (when a woman is able to conceive) and infertile (when a woman is not able to conceive) phases of the menstrual cycle.
The purpose of this method is to determine the “dangerous” period when the ability to fertilize is highest. The idea of the calendar (or rhythmic) method is simple: avoid sexual intercourse during the period when there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. The rest of the time, you don’t have to think about contraceptive methods and don’t use any of them.
Successful use of these methods requires self-discipline and careful record-keeping, and it is not a method of contraception, but a method to determine the fertile period, abstaining from sexual intercourse during this time helps prevent pregnancy.
Natural Family Planning Methods
Can be used:
- women who cannot use other methods;
- women with a regular menstrual cycle;
- couples who do not use other methods due to religious or philosophical beliefs;
- couples who are willing to avoid sexual intercourse for more than a week during each cycle;
- couples in conditions where modern contraceptive methods are not available.
This method is far from ideal - for every 100 women who protect themselves naturally, there are 10-15 cases of unwanted pregnancy per year. In addition, the calendar method of birth control cannot be used if you have an irregular menstrual cycle. And abstaining from sexual contact, naturally, can complicate a woman’s life.
How does this work
Determination of the time of onset and duration of the period of possible conception is carried out based on the duration of the menstrual cycle over the last 8-12 months (no less!). The beginning of the dangerous period is calculated by subtracting the number 18 from the duration of the shortest cycle (for example, in 12 months the shortest cycle had a duration of 26 days, so the beginning of the fertile period falls on the 8th day of the cycle).
The end of the dangerous period is calculated by subtracting the number 11 from the duration of the longest cycle (for example, in 12 months the longest cycle had a duration of 30 days, so the end of the fertile period occurs on the 19th day of the cycle). Thus, the period of possible conception begins on the 8th day of the cycle and ends on the 19th (in the example given, the menstrual cycle cannot be called absolutely regular, which is why the duration of the fertile period was 11 days). During this period, sexual intercourse without the risk of conception is possible before the 8th day of the cycle (it begins on the 1st day of menstruation) and after the 19th.
It is necessary to avoid sexual intercourse during the “dangerous period”, or use additional methods of contraception (condoms, spermicides), in extreme cases, resort to emergency post-coital contraception.
To calculate, you can use the table:
| Your shortest cycle was (number of days) | Your first fertile (dangerous) day | Your longest cycle was (number of days) | Your last fertile (dangerous) day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 3 | 21 | 10 |
| 22 | 4 | 22 | 11 |
| 23 | 5 | 23 | 12 |
| 24 | 6 | 24 | 13 |
| 25 | 7 | 25 | 14 |
| 26 | 8 | 26 | 15 |
| 27 | 9 | 27 | 16 |
| 28 | 10 | 28 | 17 |
| 29 | 11 | 29 | 18 |
| 30 | 12 | 30 | 19 |
| 31 | 13 | 31 | 20 |
| 32 | 14 | 32 | 21 |
| 33 | 15 | 33 | 22 |
| 34 | 16 | 34 | 23 |
| 35 | 17 | 35 | 24 |
| 21 | 3 | 21 | 10 |
Example of using a table
The menstrual cycle is from 27 to 33 days. In the table you need to find the shortest cycle - 27 days and determine the first “dangerous” day (in this case, the 9th day after the start of menstruation). Next, you need to find the longest cycle - 33 days and determine the last “dangerous” day (in our example, 22 days after the start of menstruation). Thus, the “dangerous period” will be from the 9th to the 22nd day of the menstrual cycle (counting from the 1st day of the last menstruation).
The reliability of the method is less, the greater the difference between the longest and shortest menstrual cycle over the past 8-12 months. For women with irregular cycles, this method is generally unacceptable.
Modern means of preventing unwanted pregnancy are divided into the following types contraception: hormonal tablets and injections, barrier contraceptives, for example, a condom , intrauterine devices or "spiral" , natural methods of contraception, including the calendar method of contraception, chemicals preventing pregnancy, as well as surgical methods of contraception.
Contraception (from the Latin “contraceptio” - protection, prevention of conception) - prevention of unwanted pregnancy using various contraceptives.
As often happens, the most reliable means of contraception either have undesirable side effect, are either difficult to use or cause irreversible consequences. Therefore, despite its less reliability, a simple and understandable calendar method of contraception, when used correctly, gives good practical results. What is it?
This method is based on the fact that egg maturation or ovulation occurs in a woman’s body at a strictly defined period of the menstrual cycle. With a 28-day cycle, the follicle in the ovary matures on the 14th day, counting from the first day of menstruation.
It is quite physiological if the moment of ovulation deviates from this period by 1-2 days. A mature egg retains the ability to fertilize for approximately one day, after which it dies. Sperm can remain in the female genital tract for 3-4 days. Therefore, the most dangerous or favorable period for conception during an unwanted pregnancy is 9-16 days of the cycle.
Temperature method of contraception
To more accurately determine the day of ovulation, especially if the cycle is irregular, you can use the temperature method - keeping a graph of basal temperature. The temperature method is based on a sharp change in the hormonal ratio in a woman’s body and a jump in basal temperature at the time of ovulation. The essence of the method is clear from the figure:
Measuring the concentration of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones in morning urine most reliably determines the moment of ovulation. But it requires the use of either less accurate tests or more accurate laboratory tests.
What methods of contraception are used in an emergency?
Emergency contraception is used after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure or misuse, or after sexual assault. There are two such methods:
- Emergency contraceptive pills
- Copper-containing intrauterine devices
It should be remembered that they are effective only before pregnancy, within 24 hours or even hours after intercourse.
Contraception after childbirth or abortion
The relevance of contraception for women after childbirth, caesarean section, miscarriage or abortion is due to the fact that the ability to conceive can be restored quickly, but the lining of the uterus is injured, and the woman’s body is in a state of stress. Therefore, during this period, pregnancy is not only undesirable, but contraindicated!
Lactational amenorrhea method
This physiological method of contraception after pregnancy and childbirth is based on the absence of ovulation during breastfeeding. Its deep natural meaning lies on the surface: first feed the child, and then think about the next pregnancy. The method is effective for no more than 6 months after childbirth, subject to constant and exclusive breastfeeding without interruptions.
The best and safest contraceptive
Every year new methods of contraception appear. And each has advantages and disadvantages, varying degrees of reliability and availability. Some of them are preferable for girls just entering life, others are suitable after the age of 40.
And yet the same effective remedy contraception is common sense, mutual respect between partners and an understanding of the physiology of sexual relations. Only in this case, both the calendar method of contraception and newest ways Preventing pregnancy and family planning will lead to the desired result.
Calendar method without formulas and calculator
The safest time for pregnancy is the first 2-3 days after menstruation and 3-5 days before the start of menstruation!
The most favorable time for conception is the middle of the cycle.
Among natural methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy, the calendar method of contraception is popular. At first glance, it seems that this is a simple solution that does not harm your health. But due to different features not suitable for all women.
Calendar contraception is a contraceptive method based on identifying fertile days (when there is a chance of conceiving a child) and then abstaining from sexual intercourse on such days. During the fertile period, you can also be sexually active, but only with contraceptives, for example, condoms.
When using the calendar method, a woman first needs to determine the dangerous days of her cycle, when there is a possibility of fertilization of the egg. This requires meticulous calculations and subsequent record keeping.
It should be remembered that even a mistake on one day can lead to the conception of a child. This is evidenced by statistics according to which there are 10-15 pregnancies per 100 women per year, that is, the effectiveness of the calendar method is quite low - only 85-90%.
The reason is an unstable menstrual cycle. Failures are caused by illness, overwork, stress, physical activity and climate change. It should also be taken into account that there is a small chance of becoming pregnant immediately after menstruation, and a woman does not always correctly calculate fertile days. To avoid such a mistake, I advise you to use the following table.
Table for calculating dangerous days of the cycle
| Shortest cycle (days) | First fertile (dangerous) day | Longest cycle (days) | Last fertile (dangerous) day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 3 | 21 | 10 |
| 22 | 4 | 22 | 11 |
| 23 | 5 | 23 | 12 |
| 24 | 6 | 24 | 13 |
| 25 | 7 | 25 | 14 |
| 26 | 8 | 26 | 15 |
| 27 | 9 | 27 | 16 |
| 28 | 10 | 28 | 17 |
| 29 | 11 | 29 | 18 |
| 30 | 12 | 30 | 19 |
| 31 | 13 | 31 | 20 |
| 32 | 14 | 32 | 21 |
| 33 | 15 | 33 | 22 |
| 34 | 16 | 34 | 23 |
| 35 | 17 | 35 | 24 |
| 21 | 3 | 21 | 10 |
The longest and shortest menstrual cycle is determined based on observations over the last 8-12 months. This means that it will not be possible to use the calendar method right away, since the risks will be too great. In addition, the results need constant adjustment.
Calculation example: if a woman’s menstrual cycle lasts from 27 to 33 days, then the first dangerous day will be the 9th, and the last – the 22nd after the start of menstruation. It is during this period that you should refrain from unprotected sexual intercourse.
Advantages of the calendar method of contraception:
- naturalness – does not require taking pills and other hormonal drugs, so there is no risk to health;
- low cost - no material costs.
Disadvantages of calendar contraception:
- not suitable for everyone - this method can only be used by healthy women with a regular and stable menstrual cycle;
- does not protect against STDs - you need to be confident in your partner;
- low contraceptive effect - the risk of becoming pregnant is 10-15% per year;
- requires constant calculations - a woman needs to constantly monitor her cycle and make adjustments to previously obtained results.
Conclusion: supporters of contraception without pills can pay attention to the calendar method, if an unplanned pregnancy does not become a tragedy. In other cases, it is better to rely on more reliable contraceptives.
We're talking about various methods protection against unwanted pregnancy. In this article we decided to tell you more about symptothermal method and Ogino-Knaus calendar method, understand the positive and negative properties of these methods.
In the twenties of the twentieth century, gynecologists: the Austrian Knaus and the Japanese Ogino developed a method calendar birth control. The method is based on calculating the expected timing of ovulation and abstaining from sexual intercourse on days that are especially favorable for conception. Calendar method, one of the most unreliable methods of protection. From 9 to 40% of women using this method become pregnant. Therefore, a more advanced method of calendar protection was developed, symptothermal method, in which, in addition to calculating the date of ovulation, the physiological state of the woman is taken into account.
Method of calendar contraception according to Ogino-Knaus 
This method is the most natural method of protection. It is based on observations and calculations. Since there is no interference in the natural activities of the female body, The calendar method of birth control is the only method of birth control approved by the Roman Catholic Church.
The secret of the method is as follows. After sexual intercourse, sperm remain alive inside the vagina for only a few hours, and once at the cervix, they remain active for 2 to 7 days. During ovulation (release from the ovary), the egg can only be fertilized within 24 hours. Knowing the time of ovulation, sex can be planned in such a way as to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, even theoretically. For safe use method of calendar protection according to Ogino-Knaus, you should keep a calendar of menstrual cycles throughout the year. But it should be noted that this method Suitable only for women who have a regular menstrual cycle. Only the most minor problems in the hormonal system, illness, or nervous stress can change the menstrual cycle and, as a result, there will be errors in the calculations, and, as a result, pregnancy.
- The beginning of the fertile (dangerous, in the sense of getting pregnant) period should be calculated using the formula: 18 days should be subtracted from the duration of the shortest menstrual cycle;
- The end of the fertile period can be calculated using the formula: subtract 11 days from the duration of the longest menstrual cycle.
For example, after tracking the last 12 cycles, it turns out that the shortest menstrual cycle lasted 25 days, and the longest lasted 33 days. It follows that from day 7 (25-18) to day 22 (33-11) of the cycle (day 1 of the cycle is the first day of menstruation) are the most suitable days for conception. If there is a need to protect against pregnancy, then on such days you should abstain from sexual intercourse, or use other methods of protection at this time. And, on the contrary, from days 1 to 7 and from days 22 until the end of the menstrual cycle using the Ogino-Knaus method, you do not need to use protection.
Calendar symptothermal method
With a 27-day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs on the 13th day of the cycle. This is the average value. Most women have a different cycle, and ovulation occurs a little earlier or a little later. To correct the shortcomings of pregnancy protection using the Ogino-Knaus method, gynecological specialists proposed adding three more parameters to the calculation of the ovulation date in the calendar. The first parameter is tracking body temperature (temperature method of contraception). The second parameter is monitoring the condition of the cervical mucus released from the uterus (cervical method). The third parameter is monitoring changes in the position of the cervix, its openness and softness. The results of observations should be entered into a special calendar, thanks to which you can determine the safest days for sex.
The effectiveness of the calendar symptothermal method is incredibly high. And it is second only to complete sterilization. Proper Use method leads to the fact that only 3 women out of 1000 have an unplanned pregnancy (0.3%!). It is comparable only to taking hormonal contraceptives and far exceeds the result from using other contraceptives for women. But this method is not effective against sexually transmitted infections. To properly use the symptothermal method, you need to monitor your condition daily. It only takes 10 minutes daily. This method seems very complex and it is recommended to undergo practical training before using it.
Despite large number various drugs for contraception, one of the most popular is still the calendar method of contraception. Gynecologists say that many patients use protection this way for several years.
What is this
The calendar method is the natural and most easy option protection. It involves calculating favorable and unfavorable periods for conception based on the menstrual cycle. IN favorable days It is advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse. This method only works for women who have regular menstruation. It is used by a large number of women, as it does not require any financial costs.
How to protect yourself using the menstrual calendar?
This method of birth control is considered not very reliable, as many women use it incorrectly. This option needs to be explored carefully to ensure it is as effective as possible. It is necessary to consult a doctor, and not listen to the advice of friends and relatives.
What are dangerous and safe days of the cycle?
How to calculate ovulation?
Typically, most women ovulate midway through their menstrual cycle. However, the days closest to ovulation may be favorable for pregnancy. Then you need to be extremely careful. A doctor will help you find out a more accurate date; there are also special calendars for determining ovulation and various tests. To determine it, you can regularly measure rectal temperature for several months and calculate fertile days.
The next 3 days before and after ovulation are considered dangerous days. To determine it, you need to calculate the period from the beginning of the menstrual cycle and monitor the condition of the cervical mucus. It must be remembered that sperm have the ability to live for several days. Keep a cycle chart every month.
On days favorable for conception, many couples practice interrupted coitus.
Popular types of this contraception
The most popular types of this contraception are Ogino-Knaus and symptothermal methods.
Ogino-Knaus method
This method includes the following:
- ovulation begins two weeks before menstruation;
- a female egg can remain viable for up to two days;
- The viability of sperm in the female body can last up to 1 week.
The beginning of the fertile period must be determined by subtracting the number 18 from the shortest cycle of the year. The dangerous period will begin from the resulting number from the beginning of menstruation. The end of the dangerous period is determined by subtracting the number 11 from the number of days in the longest cycle in the year.
Symptomothermal method
He is one of the most effective options cycle protection. Based on determining basal temperature and observing cervical mucus. You need to focus on ovulation, which is considered the most favorable time for conception.
To determine ovulation, you must regularly do:
- measuring temperature rectally;
- cervical measurement;
- check the condition of the mucus.
How to determine basal temperature
To determine ovulation, you need to measure your temperature daily. At the beginning of menstruation it does not exceed 36.8°C.
The temperature may be low before the favorable day for conception, and with its onset it can rise to 37.5°C.
Advantages and disadvantages of the calendar method of contraception
Advantages:
- naturalness, does not require medication;
- does not require financial costs;
- has no expiration date;
- does not cause side effects.
Flaws:
- effective only for healthy women who know exactly the moment of their ovulation;
- does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, must be used with a regular partner;
- small percentage of security;
- It is necessary to constantly calculate dangerous and safe periods, as well as maintain a calendar.
Degree of reliability
Doctors consider this method of contraception to be one of the most unreliable. Its effectiveness is no more than 40%. It can be used by couples who are not categorically opposed to unwanted pregnancy. For more safe use This option requires keeping a menstrual chart for about a year.
Other natural forms of contraception
Necklace method
Doctors recommend replacing the calendar method with this one. It helps keep menstrual periods under control for women who cannot afford expensive contraceptives. The necklace consists of multi-colored beads. From first to last day menstruation beads are marked in red, the elastic band on it moves daily. The central part of the bracelet is painted blue, since he is considered fertile. Other beads are marked yellow, they are designated as safe.
Rhythmic (biological) method of contraception
This method of contraception involves abstaining from sexual intercourse during the fertile period. It is also possible to use other methods of contraception during a period favorable for conception.
Before starting contraception using the calendar method of contraception, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist.
