Birth Control

Abstinence

The oldest form of birth control is continued abstinence, which requires couples to refrain from sexual intercourse. Continued abstinence is the only 100 percent reliable form of birth control and has no risk of sexually transmitted disease. However, success is dependent upon individuals refraining from sexual intercourse and/or oral sex (sexually transmitted diseases). For many people this not a viable alternative.

Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness

Natural family planning (NFP) and fertility awareness requires women to increase their awareness of their monthly cycle in order to recognize when they are ovulating. Women practicing NFP prevent conception during their fertile period by avoiding intercourse. Because NFP does not allow for other forms of birth control methods to be applied, it is considered “natural” and is sanctioned by religious groups such as the Catholic Church, which often disapproves of “artificial” methods.

Another “natural” method of birth control is breastfeeding. Women who consistently breastfeed their infants are less likely to become pregnant due to the body's release of hormones. However, breastfeeding usually protects against pregnancy only in the first six months and only if the woman breastfeeds exclusively.

Women using fertility awareness may choose to use a barrier method, such as a condom, when fertile. Fertility can be ascertained by taking the basal temperature each morning and by recognizing changes in cervical mucus. Some women also track hormonal changes with the aid of a home ovulation kit. It is important to remember that sperm can survive for several days, which increases the number of days that pregnancy is possible. Fertility awareness works better for women who have regular menstrual cycles than for women who have irregular menstrual cycles. If practiced perfectly, fertility awareness can be a successful birth control method. However, the rate of pregnancy increases significantly for a woman who does not abstain or use an alternative method of birth control on the day she is fertile.

Coitus Interruptus

Coitus interruptus occurs when a man removes his penis from a woman's vagina before ejaculation. This method is dependent upon the man's ability to withdraw before ejaculating. It is not a recommended method, as sperm can be present in pre-ejaculate fluid on the tip of the penis.

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