Alternative Means for Family Planning without Modern Contraceptives
In the realm of family planning, natural birth control methods, also known as fertility awareness methods, have gained popularity among those seeking hormone-free options. These methods include the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) and various forms of Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM).
Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)
FAM involves tracking fertility signals such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and menstrual cycle dates to identify fertile days and avoid sex or use barrier methods on those days. With perfect use, FAM can be 0.4–5% effective, but with typical use effectiveness drops to about 24% pregnancy risk in the first year[1][5].
The Natural Cycles app is a FDA-cleared digital tool that applies fertility awareness by analysing temperature and cycle data to predict ovulation[3].
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)
This method relies on the natural infertility that occurs when a woman is exclusively breastfeeding. For the first six months postpartum, if exclusive breastfeeding is maintained and menstruation has not resumed, the failure rate is under 2% with perfect use and up to about 7.5% with typical use[1].
Other natural or hormone-free methods mentioned include barrier methods (e.g., condoms, diaphragm) which are hormone-free but not purely "natural" in the sense of family planning—they physically block sperm and typically have higher failure rates than FAM with perfect use[5].
Considerations and Limitations
Natural family planning methods can be effective when practiced consistently and correctly, but their typical use effectiveness is lower than hormonal or device-based contraception[1][5]. These methods may not be suitable for women with irregular periods.
Sexual intercourse needs to be avoided for 8 to 16 days in every menstrual cycle with natural family planning methods. It's essential to note that these methods do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Advantages and Benefits
Natural family planning methods do not have side effects like decreased libido or cramping, and they do not reduce the level of pleasure during sexual intercourse. Additionally, they are considered safe as they do not involve chemicals, hormones, or devices.
Moreover, natural birth control methods are environmentally friendly as they do not include hormones that can pollute water systems or harm wildlife.
In summary, while natural family planning methods can be effective, their success depends heavily on user discipline and accurate tracking[1][5]. Lactational amenorrhea is effective but limited to specific postpartum conditions[1]. These natural options are often chosen by those seeking hormone-free contraception but should be used with awareness of their typical use effectiveness and limitations[2][5].
[1] - Hatcher, R. A., Trussell, J., Stewart, F. L., Stewart, A. L., Cates, W. G., & Guest, J. L. (2011). Contraceptive technology. Ardent Media. [2] - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). FAQ040: Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) for Contraception. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq040-lactational-amenorrhea-method-lam-for-contraception [3] - Natural Cycles. (n.d.). FDA Cleared Digital Contraceptive. Retrieved from https://www.naturalcycles.com/us/fda-cleared-digital-contraceptive/ [4] - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Fertility awareness method. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility-awareness-method/art-20045488 [5] - Planned Parenthood. (2019). Natural Family Planning. Retrieved from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/natural-family-planning-nfp
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