Natural Birth Control Options
Having a baby can be one of the best things to happen in the lives of a man and woman. While there is no question that a baby is a blessing, some couples are not prepared to bring a new life into the world. For these individuals, birth control may be a necessity—and while there are a number of options when it comes to birth control, natural alternatives may be best. Couples who are interested in natural birth control should consider abstinence, the rhythm method, and the basal body temperature method. Talking with a primary care physician about these options is important for anyone thinking about becoming sexually active.
Abstinence
As mentioned above, there are a number of options when it comes to the prevention of conception. However, the only true guarantee that a baby will not be created is through participation in abstinence. Traditionally, abstinence is defined as the avoidance of sexual activity, for personal, religious, or social beliefs. Abstinence cannot only be useful when it comes to the prevention of pregnancy, but will also guarantee safety from sexually transmitted diseases, some of which can be life threatening.
Please note that while many believe that the following methods are effective, none of them guarantee that conception will not occur.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method is also a good choice for individuals who are interested in more natural forms of birth control. In the rhythm method, women track their menstrual cycle to identify the dates on which they are most likely to ovulate—thus increasing their risk of pregnancy in the event that sexual activity should occur. Though those who want to avoid pregnancy have long used the rhythm method, women interested in contraception may also experience beneficial results. Consultation with a professional experienced in contraception may be useful before starting the rhythm method as a form of natural birth control.
Basal Body Temperature Method
As suggested by the name, the basal body temperature method is a form of birth control in which changes in the naturally occurring temperature of the female body is used to identify changes in ovulation. In most cases, ovulation causes body temperatures to increase, thus alerting females to possible increases in fertility level. Traditionally, women are more fertile in the two or three days prior to increases in their basal body temperature. Monitoring body temperature fluctuations for a few months may be necessary for those who really want to feel confident in their ability to rely on this technique as an effective form of birth control.
Alternatives to Natural Birth Control
While natural birth control can be highly effective, it is not for everyone. In fact, those who do not experience beneficial results with the techniques listed above may want to consider other options, including prescription birth control. While these products have increased substantially in safety over the past several decades, certain varieties—including Yaz birth control—still pose substantial risks, such as heart attack, stroke, and even possible death. Weighing both the risks and benefits of these products is crucial for those who want to experience the best results when it comes to contraception.