Natural Methods of Contraception Flashcards
Define natural methods of contraception
Methods of birth control that people can employ naturally to help prevent an unintended pregnancy
List the 4 Natural Methods
Abstinence
Withdrawal method
Fertility awareness methods
Lactational amenorrhea
Define Abstinence & give the Failure Rate
Failure Rate: 0%
Range b/w refraining from ALL sexual behaviour to refraining only from penetrative practices.
Requires cooperation from both partners & self-control/consistency.
Historically was probably the single most important factor in preventing pregnancy
Give 2 alternatives names for the Withdrawal Method
“Coitus Interruptus” aka “Pull & Pray”
Define the Withdrawal Method & give the Failure Rate.
Avg Failure Rate: 4-19%
During intercourse, the man’s penis is withdrawn from the woman’s vagina prior to ejaculation. Requires high degree of self-control.
Does the Withdrawal Method protect against STI or pregnancy? Why or why not?
NO, it does NOT protect against STIs or pregnancy, as pre-ejaculate may contain STI and/or sperm
The Fertility Awareness Methods require you to have an understanding of what?
The physiology of the menstrual cycle & the timing of ovulation to schedule intercourse in order to reduce or eliminate the potential for conception.
This knowledge can also be used to MAXIMIZE the potential for conception in couples who wish to conceive
What is the difference b/w Fertility Awareness Methods & Natural Family Planning Methods?
Fertility Awareness Methods refers to natural contraceptive methods that also allow for the use of barrier methods, EC, & abortion.
Natural Family Planning Methods refers to natural contraceptive methods that are taught & practiced within a religious framework, usually Roman Catholic, & do not allow for the use of barrier, EC, or abortion.
List the 3 fertility signs that the Fertility Awareness Methods rely on
- Changes in cervical mucous
- Basal body temperature
- Cervical Position
List 4 different Fertility Awareness Methods
- Basal Body Temperature Method
- Sympto-thermal Method
- Calendar/Rhythm Method
- Natural Family Planning Method
What is the average failure rate of the Basal Body Temperature Method?
2-20%
What is the Basal Body Temperature? How do you measure it?
BBT = lowest daily body temperature that occurs prior to rising in the morning or prior to any activity; measured w/ a basal thermometer capable of detecting small variation; temperature may be taken orally or vaginally but must be taken the same way every time
Describe the Basal Body Temperature Method
Based on the observation & charting of changes in BBT, it is possible to determine fertile periods in the menstrual cycle.
12-14 hrs prior to ovulation, may be possible to detect a slight drop in BBT, which rises sharply right after ovulation in response to progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum & remains elevated for a few days.
When BBT remains elevated for at least 3 days, woman can assume she has already ovulated & intercourse for rest of cycle will not result in pregnancy.
Basal Body Temperature Method (cont’d).
How do you determine the infertile time BEFORE ovulation?
Need to look at pattern of previous cycles.
Your last “safe” day is ONE WEEK before the EARLIESET recorded day of temperature rise, or 5 days after the first day of your period
What is the average failure rate of the Sympto-thermal Method?
2-17%
Describe the Sympto-thermal Method
This method uses all 3 fertility signs.
By recording other cyclic symptoms (cervical mucous, mid-cycle cramping, breast sensitivity, mood swings), in addition to BBT, the infertile time before ovulation can be more accurately predicted.
With careful monitoring, it is not difficult to predict the fertile period, when intercourse is to be avoided
What is the failure rate of the Calendar/Rhythm Method?
5-20%
What is the Calendar/Rhythm Method & what are its 3 assumptions? What does it rely on?
This is the oldest & most widely practiced method of fertility awareness methods.
Based on 3 assumptions:
- Ovulation occurs 14 days before the beginning of menstruation, +/- 2 days
- Sperm remain viable for up to 5 days
- The ovum survives for 24 hours
It only relies on calculations using the calendar
Describe the Calendar/Rhythm Method. How is the fertile period determined?
Women must chart menstrual calendar over several months.
Based on this method, intercourse is avoided, or another method of contraception is used, during 8-10 day periods during each cycle.
Fertile period is determined by subtracting 20 days from length of shortest cycle (to establish when fertile period begins) & subtracting 10 days from length of longest cycle (to establish when fertile period ends)
List 3 different Natural Family Planning Methods
- Billings Ovulation Method
- Serena/Couple to Couple Methods
- Creighton Model
What is the failure rate of the Billings Ovulation Method?
3-20%
What does the Billings Ovulation Method rely on?
Uses only the mucous fertility sign.
Based on the observation that, in the absence of mucous, no egg is present, & sperm cannot survive long enough for fertilization to occur after ovulation.
Volume & changes in quality of mucous are monitored to determine when ovulation occurs
Describe a typical monthly cycle in terms of mucous production & quality. When should intercourse be avoided?
- Cycle begins w/ few days of menstrual bleeding.
- This is followed by a few “dry days” where the vagina seems quite dry
- As ovulation approaches, more & more mucous is produced, until finally mucous becomes CLEAR, SLIPPERY, & STRETCHES W/O BREAKING (like raw egg white) - due to ESTROGENS
- The last day of peak mucous productions right before ovulation, then come days of less mucous production. If any is noticed, it will be CLOUDY - due to PROGESTERONE
*At any time slippery, stretchy mucous is noticed, intercourse should be avoided until 2 days AFTER it is all gone (7-8 days out of each cycle)
Briefly describe the Serene/Couple to Couple Method
Teach various sympto-thermal methods
