Cervical method

Starting from the last day of menstruation , the consistency of cervical mucus should be observed, making observations in a special table. To do this, you need to choose special designations for “dry” days, when the vaginal area remains dry to the touch, “fertile” - any type of mucus is observed, and “dangerous” days when the mucus is wet and viscous. The last day from the list of “dangerous” is the most favorable day for conception, “peak day”. ^[one]

During the phase that is unfavorable for conception, the cervical mucus is thick, possibly lumpy, forms the so-called “cork”, in this case the discharge is almost invisible and the vagina is “dry” to the touch. Closer to ovulation, the discharge becomes more transparent and fluid. From this moment, you should refrain from sexual intercourse or use other methods of contraception (for example, a condom ) if the Billing method is used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. In the days most favorable for conception, the mucus is very “viscous”, it can be easily stretched between two fingers. By consistency, it resembles raw egg white. After ovulation, the discharge again becomes thick, and then completely disappears. Since the structure of the discharge changes a few days before and a few days after ovulation, you can calculate the approximate date of ovulation. 3 days after the "peak day" and before the onset of menstruation, you can not protect yourself.

• Fluctuations in hormone levels that affect cervical mucus can lead to viscous wet mucus several times per cycle, although ovulation does not occur. Thus, it can be mistakenly considered that the “peak day” has passed, and stop being protected ahead of time.
• This method is not suitable for women with diseases of the cervix or vagina, since it is impossible to accurately determine the consistency of the mucus.
• The “dryness” of the vagina indicates “safe,” that is, days that are unfavorable for conception. However, many women can observe discharge during the entire cycle. For them, this method of contraception is also not suitable.
• The effectiveness of the cervical method as a contraceptive method is not high, the Pearl index is approximately 15, that is, 15 out of 100 women who have been protected by this method for one year have become pregnant. (The Pearl index for the Billings method with proper use and qualified training is 1-3 ^[2] .)

The combination of the cervical method with the temperature method increases the effectiveness of the method; the symptothermal method is almost as reliable as hormonal contraception .

• Temperature method
• Symptothermal Method
• Calendar method
• Family planning