Family Planning Series – Week 10

Natural & Fertility Awareness Methods  

These methods depend on understanding the woman’s natural fertility cycle and avoiding unprotected intercourse during the fertile window.

🔹 Types of Natural Methods:

1️⃣ Calendar (Rhythm) Method  

Based on calculating fertile days according to previous cycles.

2️⃣ Cervical Mucus Method  

Monitoring the changes in vaginal discharge to identify ovulation.

3️⃣ Basal Body Temperature Method  

Daily temperature measurement to detect ovulation after it occurs.

4️⃣ Symptothermal Method  

A combination of temperature + mucus + cycle tracking.

5️⃣ Withdrawal (Coitus Interruptus)  

The male partner withdraws before ejaculation (least reliable).

✅ Advantages:  

- No hormones.  

- No medical intervention.  

- Acceptable for couples who prefer natural methods.  

- Free of cost.

⚠️ Disadvantages:  

- Requires high discipline and daily tracking.  

- Higher failure rate compared to hormonal and long-acting methods.  

- Easily affected by stress, illness, irregular cycles.  

- Does NOT protect from STIs or HIV.

📖 Effectiveness:  

Typical use failure rate ranges from 15–25% per year .

💡 Key Message:  

Natural methods can work for motivated, well-informed couples — but they are not the most reliable options for pregnancy prevention.

#DrRababCares 

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