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Natural Contraceptive Method

Natural Methods for Preventing Pregnancy

Family planning File photo. Credit: Ernest Baah

A natural contraceptive method refers to any method that does not use hormones, pharmaceutical compounds, or physical barriers that blocks sperm from entering the uterus.

Natural methods of birth control include abstinence, coitus interruptus, and natural family planning or fertility awareness methods (FAMs)Opens in new window.

  1.   Abstinence

Abstinence as related to birth control means refraining from vaginal sexual intercourse. Abstinence can include other means of sexual stimulation, such as oral sex. Complete, or strict, abstinence refers to the avoidance of all sexual contact.

Abstinence is a normal and acceptable alternative to sexual intercourse, especially for teens and singles in noncommittal relationships.

The use of complete abstinence as a method of birth control has no cost, is readily available, and is the only 100% effective method for preventing pregnancy and STIs. A major drawback is that it can be difficult to maintain abstinence. A couple may take a rash decision during the heat of passion, which may leave them without a means of preventing pregnancy.

  1.  Coitus Interruptus

Coitus interruptus, also called withdrawal, requires the man to pull the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation to avoid depositing sperm in or near the vagina. However, the pre-ejaculate fluid may contain sperm, so pregnancy can still occur.

Effectiveness of this method is dependent on the male partner’s ability to withdraw his penis before ejaculation.

One advantage of coiterus interruptus is that it provides some level of protection when no other method is available. However, the disadvantages are many. This is an unreliable method of birth control, and it offers little, if any, protection from STIs. This method requires a great deal of self-control on the part of the male partner and is not effective if the man ejaculates prematurely.

  1.  Lactational Amenorrhea

Breast-feeding offers some level of contraceptive protection because elevated prolactin levels help suppress ovulation. The method works best during the first six months after childbirth.

The woman must breast-feed frequently, every two to three hours without fail. Advantages of breast-feeding include promotion of weight loss, suppression of menses, and a more rapid return of the uterus to its prepregnant state. A major disadvantage is that the woman will not know for sure when fertility returns.

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