Cervical Mucus Method for Natural Family Planning

What is the Cervical Mucus Method?

The Billings method (or cervical mucus method) is a natural family planning method devised during the 1970s by the Australian physicians John and Evelyn Billings. The cervical mucus method or Billings Ovulation method is a form of natural family planning. The cervical mucus method is based on vigilant observation of mucus patterns during the menstrual cycle.

Prior to ovulation, cervical secretions alter — creating an ambiance that aids sperm travel through the cervix, womb, and fallopian tubes to the egg. By identifying alterations in cervical mucus, a woman can try to pinpoint when she is likely to ovulate — and when she is most likely to conceive.

If she wishes to become pregnant, she can utilize the cervical mucus method to examine the best days to have intercourse. If she wants to avoid pregnancy, the cervical mucus method can aid her in figuring out which days to avoid unprotected intercourse.

Utilizing the cervical mucus method for contraception requires motivation and diligence. If she doesn't desire to conceive, she and her partner must avoid having intercourse or using a barrier method of contraception during fertile days every month.

How is the Cervical Mucus Method Done?

• It is better to commence this method under the guidance of an expert, such as a doctor or family planning counsellor.
• The cervical mucus method commences with observing the cervical mucus daily.
• The cervical mucus tracking should commence only the day after periods have stopped completely.
• The cervical mucus colour should be observed. Consistency should also be checked utilising the fingers and thumb.
• Post examining the mucus, its description should be noted down regularly on a tracking chart.
• Every detail, such as period days, wet days, dry days, cloudy days, sticky days, slippery days, etc., should be noted down on the chart.
• While charting mucus for the first time, vaginal sex should be avoided for one whole cycle. This is because the body may produce excess or different mucus due to intercourse which can be confusing. 
• However, having intercourse utilizing condoms will not bring any alterations to mucus.

What are the Ways to Check Cervical Mucus?

The distinct ways to check cervical mucus are as follows:

Utilising Fingers: With clean hands, put a finger inside the vagina. The finger can then be taken out to check for the texture and mucus colour. Another finger can be utilized to check if the mucus is stretchy.

Checking the Underwear: This is done by checking the texture as well as discharge colour on the underwear.

Utilizing Toilet Paper: This is the least reliable way of checking the cervical mucus. This is done by wiping the vaginal opening using toilet paper before or post urinating. The colour and mucus texture on the toilet paper should be noted.

Advantages of Cervical Mucus Method

The perks of the cervical mucus method are as follows:

• It does not require any form of medicines or hormones. 
• It does not need the ingestion of any contraceptives.
• It is a feasible method.
• Certain couples who consider other forms of birth control as a violation of cultural traditions or religious beliefs opt for this method as it is entirely natural.
• Go for this method as it is entirely natural.
• It has no deleterious side effects.
• It aids in finding the days with the maximum pregnancy chances.

What are the Drawbacks of Using cervical mucus Method?

The major pitfall of the cervical mucus method is that it doesn’t shield against the sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Another pitfall of is that this method causes a higher chance for unintended pregnancy than other birth control methods. According to an estimation, approximately 23 out of 100 women have a higher probability of becoming pregnant in the first year of following this method. Furthermore, the quality and quantity of the cervical mucus may vary depending on an array of factors, comprising:

• Infections of the vagina
• Douching
• Usage of lubricants
• Sex
• Certain medicines

Risks of Using the Cervical Mucus Method

Utilizing the cervical mucus method to enhance fertility doesn't pose any risks. Likewise, employing the cervical mucus method for birth control doesn't give rise to any direct risks, but it doesn't confer protection from sexually transmitted infections. Furthermore, the chances of unintended pregnancy with the cervical mucus method are somewhat more than with other methods of birth control (contraceptives).

It's predicted that as many as 23 out of 100 women implementing the cervical mucus method for birth control will become pregnant in the first year of typical usage. The pregnancy rate may be as low as 3 out of 100 women a year with perfect usage.

Formal training is typically required to master the cervical mucus method. She'll also need to make sure she checks cervical secretions every day and keeps track of alterations. In addition, abstinence — or usage of another type of contraception — is typically required for 14 to 17 days each cycle.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the cervical mucus method is a natural birth control method utilized by many couples. Tracking the cervical mucus aids in recognizing the fertile and non-fertile days. However, this method is not a totally reliable form of contraception. Hence, women who want to avoid unintended pregnancies should consult and discuss with a doctor before commencing this method. As cervical mucus can undergo alterations depending on several factors, a backup birth control method may be required to avoid pregnancy. Any alterations in the cervical mucus, such as foul smell, unusual color, etc., should be noted and consulted with a doctor.