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The Billings ovulation method, the basic pattern of infertility or simply the Billings method, is a natural technique that aims to identify the woman's fertile period from observing the characteristics of the cervical mucus, which can be perceived as soon as it enters the vagina , making it possible to prevent or attempt a pregnancy.
The presence of mucus indicates female hormonal changes and, according to the characteristics, can inform the woman if there are chances that fertilization will occur more easily and if the body is ready or not to receive a pregnancy. Learn more about cervical mucus and what it indicates.
Although the Billings method is effective and useful to inform the days when sexual intercourse should or should not be, according to the couple's desire, it is important that condoms are still used, because in addition to being contraceptive, it protects from several infections that can be sexually transmitted.
How it works
Billings' method is based on the characteristics of cervical mucus. For this, it is important that before being used in fact, the woman makes observations in order to identify what is your mucus in the fertile and infertile period, in addition to noting daily the absence or presence of mucus, consistency and the days that had sexual intercourse.
In the fertile period, the woman usually feels wetter in the region of the vulva, which is the outermost part of the vagina, in addition to mucus becoming thinner and clearer. Thus, if there is sexual intercourse during this period, fertilization and consequent pregnancy are likely to occur. However, if it doesn't, there will be hormonal discharge and menstruation, starting another cycle.
Some women report that mucus in the fertile period is similar to egg white, while others report that it is more consistent. Therefore, it is important that before the method is actually applied, the woman knows how to recognize the mucus consistencies during the menstrual cycle.
To prevent women from getting confused, whenever using the Billings ovulation method, you should not take hormonal medications, apply spermicides, insert objects or do internal exams in the vagina as these can cause changes in the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the woman to interpret.
However, more experienced women who use this method for months at a time may find it easier to identify changes in their cervical mucus that can be caused by external situations like these or even diseases.
How to avoid pregnancy with the Billings method
Although many women use this method to get pregnant, it is also possible to use it to prevent pregnancy, being recommended for this:
- Having intercourse on alternate days during the days when the woman feels that her vulva is dry, which usually happens in the final days of menstruation and in the first days after menstruation;
- Not having sex during menstruation as it is not possible to check the consistency of the mucus and whether it corresponds to fertility during this period. Although the likelihood of pregnancy after intercourse during menstruation is low, the risk exists and may compromise the effectiveness of the Billings method;
- Not having intercourse when you feel very wet and up to 4 days after the start of the wet feeling.
It is not recommended to have intimate contact without a condom when you feel that the vulva is naturally wet or slippery throughout the day because these signs indicate the fertile period and there are great chances of pregnancy. Thus, during this period sexual abstinence or using a condom to avoid pregnancy is recommended.
Is the Billings ovulation method safe?
Billings' ovulation method is safe, scientifically based and recommended by the World Health Organization, and, when performed correctly, protects against unwanted pregnancies by up to 99%.
However, adolescents and women who are not paying attention to their menstrual cycle daily should opt for another contraceptive method, such as a condom, IUD or birth control pill, for example to avoid unwanted pregnancies, since for the Billings method to be safe, to be aware of the mucus present in the vulva every day, noting its changes daily, which can be difficult for some women due to work, study or other occupations. Here's how to choose the best contraceptive method.
Advantages of using this method
The advantages of using only this method to get pregnant or not to get pregnant are:
- It is a simple and easy method to be applied;
- Do not need to use hormonal medications that have unpleasant side effects like headache, swelling and varicose veins;
- Greater control over changes in your body by being attentive daily to what happens in your intimate region;
- Safety in having sex on the right days so you don't run the risk of becoming pregnant.
In addition, knowing the basic pattern of infertility allows you to know the days when a woman can have sex without having the risk of becoming pregnant, without having to use any contraceptive method, observing only the body's signs daily.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- URRUTIA, Rachel P. et al. Effectiveness of Fertility Awareness – Based Methods for Pregnancy Prevention. Obstet Gynecol. 591-604, 2018
- FERTILITY APPRECIATION COLLABORATIVE TO TEACH SCIENCE. Billings Ovulation Method. 2017. Available at:. Accessed on 02 Dec 2019
- MAGALHÃES, Adriana Cristina et al. Women's experience in choosing the Billings Ovulation Method. Brazilian Journal of Nursing. Vol 66. 4th ed; 485-492, 2013
- BILLINGS LIFE. 4 Simple Rules of the Billings Ovulation Method. Available in: . Accessed on 05 Dec 2019