A New Look
The development of modern artificial methods of contraception (such as, for example, oral contraceptives) seems to have alienated the issue of family planning from natural methods. However, times change, and conflicting views on the consequences of prolonged use of artificial contraceptives have once again provoked interest in the contraceptive methods suggested by nature itself. Determination of fertility periods allows a couple to plan their sex life and thereby increase (or minimize) the possibility of an offensive partner's pregnancy. Ovulation - the key moment of the menstrual cycle - occurs as a result of a sequence of events under the influence of pituitary hormones and ovaries. The exit of a mature ovum from the ovary usually takes place 12-14 days before the next menstruation. After ovulation, the egg is capable of fertilization within 24 hours. Since spermatozoa can survive in the body of a woman for up to five days, sexual contact one week before ovulation can result in fertilization. In fact, conception 24 hours after ovulation is very unlikely.
Signs of fertility
To identify the "dangerous" and "safe" days resorted to the analysis of a number of characteristics. The main three include:
• duration of the cycle - the time period between menstruations; Apart from other attributes, this parameter is not reliable;
• body temperature on awakening - increases after ovulation;
• the nature of the mucus of the cervix uteri - ovulation causes a change in its consistency.
Physical symptoms
Some women are able to perceive and some physical changes in the body, confirming signs of fertility. Such symptoms include:
• ovulatory pain;
• change in the position and consistency of the cervix;
• Spotting in the middle of the cycle;
• sensitivity of the mammary glands;
■ swelling of the tissues;
• mood swings
The more features the couple takes into account, the more effective the ENP will be. Careful monitoring of several parameters increases the reliability of this method of contraception up to 98%. Natural family planning has certain advantages over modern methods of contraception, but it does not fit all couples.
Benefits
• The ENP helps a woman to better understand her own organism.
• No side effects.
• The method allows you to plan or prevent the onset of pregnancy.
• The ENP is acceptable for all cultures and religions.
• The couples who master the method do not need to be monitored by a doctor.
• The responsibility for the onset of pregnancy lies
on both partners, which only strengthens the relationship.
disadvantages
• It takes some time to learn how to use the method.
• The need for daily procedures and keeping a diary.
• Responsibility and interest of both partners.
• The effectiveness of the method is related to the periods of rejection of sexual relations.
• It is problematic for the ENP to follow women with irregular cycles, during illness and stress, after childbirth or miscarriage.
• The health care system does not provide qualified assistance in mastering the ENP methodology.
• The ENP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Complete breastfeeding delays the onset of ovulation after childbirth. Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) indicates the absence of ovulation. The contraceptive effect of lactation is due to the high level of the hormone prolactin, which suppresses ovulation. The inhibition of ovarian function is largely determined by the frequency of feeding during the day and night, and also by how long the baby sucks at the breast. The establishment of lactational amenorrhea is a reliable method of contraception. The degree of protection against unwanted pregnancy reaches 98%, subject to the following conditions:
• the child is fully breastfed during the day and at night with regular intervals;
• the child is less than six months old;
• absence of menstruation after childbirth.
The development of modern technologies has led to the appearance of some convenient devices for measuring temperature, analyzing the composition of saliva and urine. These devices reduce the difficulties of daily monitoring to a minimum. For example, one of the systems is a miniature computer complete with a set of test strips for urine analysis. The system registers hormonal changes and ovulation time, indicating red and green light beginning and ending of the fertile phase. Oddly enough, the use of this device is less reliable than classical methods of natural family planning. When observing the operating rules, the reliability of the system is about 94%. Testing of new devices that are economically accessible, easy to use and reliable in terms of determining the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle is continuing.