Natural Birth Control Methods: Rhythm and Temperature

Biological or Natural Methods

These methods strictly control birth without using any chemical or physical agents.

1. Coitus Interruptus

• Involves removing the penis from the vaginal canal before ejaculation.

Note: This method is generally not recommended as it can bring conflict and disruption to the couple. Confidence levels are often very low, as it requires full human self-control.

2. Periodic Abstinence or Rhythm Method

This involves avoiding intercourse during the woman's fertile period (ovulation).

• The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation and ends the day before the next.
• Ovulation typically occurs between days 12 and 16 of the menstrual cycle.
• This method varies depending on whether the menstrual cycle is regular or irregular.

Usage:

Record the shortest and longest cycles over the past six months.

• To find the start of the fertile period: Subtract 18 from the longest cycle.
• To find the end of the fertile period: Subtract 11 from the shortest cycle.

Example: If the shortest cycle is 28 days and the longest is 21 days:

• Start: 21 - 18 = 3
• End: 28 - 11 = 17
• Fertile Period: Days 3 through 17.

Advantages:

• No side effects, allowing couples to choose when to have children.
• Requires collaboration of both partners, ensuring secure communication.
• One of the methods accepted by the Catholic Church; recommended for couples with low sexual activity.

Disadvantages:

• Requires knowledge for calculating the fertile period.
• Partners need self-management regarding their sexual desire.
• Should not be used by couples with very frequent sexual activity.
• Not recommended during lactation, postpartum, or for women with irregular menstrual cycles.

3. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method

This method is based on changes in body temperature during the fertile period.

• It helps determine when ovulation occurs, thus identifying the fertile period.

Usage:

• Between 24 and 36 hours before ovulation, body temperature drops by 0.3 to 0.5 degrees Celsius, then rises 1–2 days later and remains elevated for the rest of the cycle.
• The third day after the temperature rise marks the end of the fertile period.
• Measurement is taken rectally or vaginally and recorded on a chart.

Advantages:

• No side effects.
• The withdrawal period is shorter than with the rhythm method.
• Recommended for couples with low sexual activity.
• Accepted by the Catholic Church.

Disadvantages:

• Requires knowledge of how to use a thermometer correctly.
• Only reliable for women with regular cycles.
• It can be uncomfortable for women to take their temperature before rising.
• Not recommended if the woman has an emotional disorder, insomnia, or any infectious process that affects body temperature.