Natural Contraceptive Methods

An unplanned pregnancy can be avoided by taking some specific actions or methods that are natural. These are the most ancient types of contraception available. The best advantage of natural family planning is that it has no side effects and does not cost anything.

The first natural contraceptive method is abstinence. Abstinence refers to not having any sexual intimacy with the partner. This method is very successful in preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Withdrawal is another natural contraceptive method in which case the man withdraws his penis before ejaculation. This method is not very reliable as it has to do with complete self control.

A woman can also avoid an unplanned pregnancy through what is called fertility awareness. In such a case, a woman will understand her fertility period. During the ovulation period, she will try and avoid unprotected intercourse. This is not a very reliable method because the woman has to determine her ovulation period precisely otherwise it may backfire. A woman has to be careful and undertake careful planning and understand her menstrual cycle properly.

Another natural contraceptive method is outer course where there is no vaginal intercourse, only sexual interplay. The method is normally considered to be very effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy because it involves only erotic massage, kissing, oral sex, frottage, masturbation, fantasy or anal sex. However this method is not helpful in preventing sexually transmitted diseases because there is skin-to-skin contact. Also the passage of fluids in the body during anal or oral sex can lead to STD’s.

Lactational Amenorrhea or continuous breastfeeding method is a natural form of contraception because after giving birth, a woman’s ovulation can be postponed for up to 6 months. The release of the hormone required for triggering ovulation is prevented by the hormone that helps in stimulating milk production. This method can be relied on for over 6 months or after a woman has had a period after the birth of her child. This method will also give results only if a woman feeds her baby with both the breasts for at least six times per day and does not give foods other than breast milk for her baby. She must also be feeding her baby every 6 hours during the night and every 4 hours during day time.