NATURAL BIRTH CONTROL
One form of birth control which is not natural, but causes no harm to the body, is a condom. They can be made of rubber or animal membranes. I do not recommend using the animal membranes. This is a highly reliable means of contraception.
Natural Ways of Birth Control Are:
Calendar Rhythm Method
Over the years, the rhythm method alone has proven to be only 60-80% effective. Ovulation occurs approximately 2 weeks prior to the next period. Fourteen days is the average, but it can occur 12-16 days before the following period. If you had a list of your previous cycles for 12 months (the more the better) you will be able to determine if you have a 28 days cycle, or if it is longer or shorter that 28 days. You then count back 14 days from the start of your period and that is the time of ovulation when a pregnancy can occur.
In order for a pregnancy to occur a fresh, live sperm from the man must meet and fertilize a live egg from the woman. This can only happen during the few days in the woman's fertility cycle. Pregnancy can happen if there is an intimate relationship at the exact time of ovulation. It is also possible to get pregnant up to 72 hours before ovulation. The sperm normally lives 2 or 3 days (possibly up to 5 in ideal situations). Since the egg can live from 12-24 hours a person needs to abstain for 24 hours after ovulation. In order to avoid pregnancy, a couple must abstain for 3 days preceding ovulation and 1 day after (see chart on page 2).
This method would be very simple if we could pinpoint the exact time of ovulation each month. Since we can only estimate the approximate time of ovulation we need to allow some extra leeway for error. Sickness, travel, worry, excitement, etc. can cause an irregular cycle once in a while for most women, and often for a few women.
Researchers found that conception was more common from early
winter to spring (October to March). The most fertile month was
November. (British Journal, 297:1,309-10)
Cervical Mucus Method
In the female, cervical mucus is being created all the time by special cells inside the cervix and changes character during the monthly cycle. You may have noticed this normal discharge and wondered why it was so profuse at times and absent at other times. You will find this mucus at your vaginal opening you do not need to check inside.
In the beginning and end of the cycle (the safe time) when the hormone estrogen is low, the mucus is scant, sticky and opaque with cellular matter. In the middle of the cycle (the unsafe time) it changes to fertile type mucus. As the estrogen level increases, preparing for ovulation, the quantity of mucus increases. It becomes thinner and milkier. Then, with more estrogen, it gets clearer and more watery. At the estrogen peak, right before ovulation, it gets slick and glassy and you may be able to stretch an unbroken shimmering thread of it between your thumb and forefinger.
At this fertile time, the mucus has usually increased to ten times what it was earlier. This abundant fertile mucus is helpful to the sperm. It nourishes them, guides them upward through fiber -like channels, and protects them from the acid ph of the vagina (the mucus is alkaline.
After ovulation, the hormone progesterone causes the mucus to change to an infertile type within a day or two. Progesterone inhibits the mucus-producing cells of the cervix and the mucus again becomes scant, thick, sticky, and opaque white or yellow from cellular matter and protein content. After the fertile phase, the mucus will return to the dry or sticky type. Note: Check mucus at times when not ready to have an intimate relationship as this will produce lubricating mucus which is not the same as cervical mucus.
SPERM CAN LIVE UP TO 5 DAYS. EGGS LIVE FROM 12-24 HOURS.
Basal Body Temperature Method
A reproductive hormone that is released after ovulation causes the body temperature to rise several tenths of one degree over what it was before ovulation. To avoid pregnancy, the safest time to have an intimate relationship is after you are sure you have already ovulated. You will have relatively low temperatures from the time of your period until you ovulate. Ovulation will cause a rise of about 6/10 of one degree. This rise can happen in a day or it can stair-step up over a period of several days. After you have recorded four consecutive days with a temperature that is higher than your normal temperature then it is a safe time.
You must remember that five days prior to ovulation when the temperature is normal is an unsafe time due to the fact that sperm can live up to 5 days.
If you want the absolute surest, most infallible form of natural birth control, you only have an intimate relationship in the later part of the cycle (after the rise in temperature for four consecutive days) until the time of the period. The unsafe time being from the period to ovulation.
Note: Take your temperature within an hour of the same time each morning upon awakening, If you sleep late, your temperature could show a false rise. Use a Basal Thermometer, which measures in l/10th degrees instead of 2/10th degrees like a regular thermometer. You should take your temperature rectally or vaginally rather than by mouth because it is more accurate. A very important aspect of this method is keeping good charts and records.
Herbs
Wild yam root contains diosgenin, used to manufacture progesterone. Most of the steroid hormones used in modern medicine, especially those in contraceptives, were developed from elaborately processed chemical components. It is best to take this herb in tea form, one glass just before bed each night. Use distilled water or reverse-osmosis water, bring to a boil, remove from stove, add 1 - 2 teaspoons of the herb and let steep for 20 minutes or longer.