Natural birth control method. Has anyone been doing it? Does it work?

Answer 1

It has a very high failure rate! Thats how I got pregnant with my first...miscounted the days;

Answer 2

Yes, it works if done consistently. Most of the people answering your question obviously haven't taken the time to research its effectiveness. Here is some data:

"The Billings Ovulation Method [a natural family planning method] is taught and used in over 120 countries around the world. Trials of the effectiveness of the method for postponing and achieving pregnancy are ongoing.

In China, a study of 992 couples following the Billings Ovulation Method guidelines for avoiding pregnancy for one year: There were five pregnancies in the study which were classified as people who did not listen to the information and therefore did not follow the guidelines. These were classified as Teaching Related Pregnancies. Method Related Pregnancies was 0%.

In Indonesia, a trial done from 1978 - 1982 involved 1331 couples during a 42 month program and concluded a method effectiveness rate of 99%.

In India, there were 2059 couples following the Billings Ovulation Method for 21 months. The method effectiveness was 99.15%.

For more on the effectiveness of the Billings Method: http://www.woomb.org/bom/trials/index.html "

For more on the Billings Ovulation Method, including instruction books, visit http://boma-usa.org/

Many women also recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility, available here: http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Anniversary/dp/0060881909/sr=8-1/qid=1168878262/ref=pd_bbs_1/105-2938728-1105238?ie=UTF8&s=books

Answer 3

If you have consistent menstrual cycles, you should know when you ovulate and can avoid intercourse during these fertile days. Ovulation usually occurs 14-15 days after the first day of your last menstrual cycle. Remember that sperm can live 48-72 hours. Have to figure that in as well.

Answer 4

My wife and I faced this question a number of years ago, and what we finally decided was for me to take a much more active role in understanding exactly when we could f*ck and not risk pregnancy (without using condoms). Absolutely best book I read was Toni Weschler's "Taking Charge of your fertility". We've used the methods in this book for 7 years... completely successful. And my wife has appreciated my involvement in this process (I became the record keeper for her temperature and other indicators during her menstrual cycle). Toni continues to update this book, and she has the broadest perspective on natural birth control of any author that I've read. Here is an excellent summary from Amazon...

This comprehensive book explains in lucid, assured terms how to practice the fertility awareness method (FAM), a natural, scientifically proven but little-known form of birth control (which is not to be confused with the woefully ineffective "rhythm" method). Author Toni Weschler has been teaching fertility awareness for almost 20 years, and it's only just now gaining in popularity. As the book explains, by using simple fertility signs including peaks in morning body temperature and changes in cervical position and cervical mucus, it's possible to determine when ovulation is taking place. Fertility awareness is therefore useful for not only couples who are trying to conceive, but for those who are aiming to avoid pregnancy without the use of chemical contraceptives. It will be of special interest to those women who have suffered from infertility; many FAM practitioners have told the author that by filling in the detailed charts in the book, they've realized that they were chronically miscarrying, even when their doctors told them they weren't conceiving at all. As the book explains, by charting body temperature, it's simple to tell when pregnancy has occurred--and when there's danger of miscarriage. Taking Charge of Your Fertility also explains how to choose the sex of your baby by timing intercourse according to certain fertility signs. It also features thorough, easy-to-understand explanations of hormones, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, along with fertility tests and treatments and their long- and short-term side effects, plus a topnotch resource section. Recommended for any woman who wants to better understand her body.

Answer 5

I think it can be very effective, but you must learn to do it properly - that means taking temp and monitoring mucus for at least 3 months before you stop using contraception.
Learn as much as you possibly can, have training if possible.

I tried it after monitoring my mucus for 2 months. I then got pregnant straight away! But that's because I wasn't doing it properly.

Answer 6

People on natural birth control are affectionately called, MAMA.

Answer 7

How about just being sensible and using a condom? No wonder there are so many kids in the world these days, are they not teaching proper sex ed inc protection lessons any more?!

Answer 8

Works great for me... i cant take the pill or any of that stuff.. it gives me infections.... but everyone is different, i have a friend that gets pregnant just about everytime she has sex...

Answer 9

Well, tell ur wife to keep her tights on, her toes might curl though

Answer 10

Well....my friends were doing it for years and were successful to avoid a pregnancy......... BUT....oops........it happenedand baby Theo is doing great !!!!! And they wouldn;t be without him!