Prognosis of ovulation based on contraceptive methods
Tuimala, R.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 103(9): 578-583
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 3331148 Document Number: 368142
Natural family planning consists of contraceptive methods that are based on prediction of ovulation, i.e. rhythm method, basal body temperature, symptothermal and Billing's ovulation methods. In industrialized countries about 10% of the population needing prevention utilizes these techniques. The fertile period of the menstrual cycle is considered as starting when cervical mucus appears on the external sexual organs, and as ending 3 days after the so-called "culmination day," at which time the possibility of fertilization is greatest, generally days 6-12 in a 28-day cycle. Changes in cervical mucus, basal body temperature, softness of the cervix, and such things as tenderness of the breasts and pain in lower abdomen, are used to determine time of ovulation. Natural family planning methods are quite troublesome, and the continuity of their use after 1 year is only 50-60%. Reliability of protection varies between 0.3 and 35%, depending on the particular variant used and the population adopting it. The biggest cause of failure is due to ignoring the rules. 24% of users find the long periods of abstinence uncomfortable. This type of prevention is best suited for women who have learned to identify their time of ovulation.