The cervical mucus method of family planning is also called the Billings ovulation method. The method relies
on tracking the changes in a woman’s cervical mucus to plan the best days to have or avoid sexual intercourse
.
What does cervical mucus method do?
The cervical mucus method is a technique used in natural family planning. It involves
tracking changes in your cervical mucus
(fluid discharged by the lower part of the uterus). This fluid protects sperm when it travels through a woman’s reproductive system to meet an egg.
How does cervical mucus testing method help to prevent pregnancy?
To use the cervical mucus method to prevent pregnancy,
you check out your mucus every day and write the results on a chart
. The changes in your mucus help you figure out when you’re going to ovulate and are able to get pregnant. During your safe days, you can have unprotected vaginal sex.
Is the cervical mucus method reliable?
The cervical mucus method is
75% to 95% effective at preventing pregnancy
. It’s more effective if you have regular menstrual cycles and are able to notice the subtle signs of ovulation.
How effective is Symptothermal method?
If a couple uses the Sympto-Thermal Method perfectly, it is
99.4-99.6% effective in avoiding pregnancy
(98-99% effective with typical use). That is, with typical use of the method over one year, less than 2 pregnancies occur per 100 women.
Can sperm survive in creamy cervical mucus?
Sperm that enters the vagina before ovulation can be suspended in this fluid, allowing it to survive longer in the otherwise acidic vaginal environment (1). Sperm can start to swim through creamy discharge from about
day 9
of a 28-day cycle (1).
How effective is withdrawal method?
If withdrawal is used correctly, every time you have sex, it is
96% effective at preventing pregnancy
. Given it can be difficult to withdraw the penis during sex and sperm may be in the pre-ejaculate (pre-cum), which is usually not felt when it leaves the penis, withdrawal might only be 80% effective.
What does cervical mucus look like after ovulation if you are pregnant?
After conception, changes to cervical mucus may be a very early sign of pregnancy. Implantation is the attachment of a fertilized egg to your uterus. After implantation, mucus tends to be
thick, gummy, and clear in color
. Some women experience implantation bleeding, or spotting.
What does unhealthy discharge look like?
Abnormal discharge may be
yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or foul smelling
. Yeast or a bacterial infection usually causes abnormal discharge. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or smells foul, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
What does your cervical mucus look like when pregnant?
During the first weeks of a pregnancy, cervical mucus may change in color and consistency. You may notice
stickier, white, or yellow mucus
, known as leucorrhea. As your pregnancy progresses, your vaginal discharge may continue to change.
What are the disadvantages of fertility awareness?
- High failure rate if not used consistently and correctly.
- Fewer “safe” days to have intercourse each month.
- Training is essential.
- Breast feeding, illness and other factors can obscure fertility signs.
- No protection from STIs.
- If periods are not regular, may not be as effective.
Can you get pregnant when you’re not ovulating?
It is not possible to get pregnant in a cycle without ovulation
. This is because in this type of cycle, no egg is available to be fertilized by sperm. There are treatments available that can trigger a woman’s body to release a mature egg that allows for conception.
What are the side effects of fertility awareness method?
Do fertility awareness methods have any side effects?
There’s no risk of side effects with FAMs
. But certain things can change how effective these methods are for you, like if you’ve recently been sick, used the morning-after pill, been pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Can you get pregnant when cervical mucus is creamy?
This creamy cervical mucus is considered non-fertile because it makes it more difficult for sperm to reach your egg. Creamy cervical mucus can be a pearly white or creamy yellow. It’s thick and feels like lotion when rubbed between your fingers.
How many days after ovulation do you get white creamy discharge?
For example, you may experience creamy white discharge
6 days after ovulation
. This could be a sign of post-implantation mucus, but it could also be affected by anything from a sexually transmitted infection to birth control pills.
Do you get creamy cervical mucus after ovulation?
During ovulation, it’s
normal to experience clear, stretchy
, mucus discharge that’s similar to egg whites. This discharge is meant to help sperm reach the viable egg in your uterine tube. Once ovulation is over, vaginal discharge usually changes again.
