If you do not plan to become pregnant and you do not plan on using birth control, either due to religious or personal views, you should evaluate the situation very carefully. This information should not be used to substitute advice of a physician and as with many birth control methods, is not 100 percent effective.
Typically, the female releases an egg about 14 days before her next menstrual period. This egg is considered live for three to four days after it is released. Also, it must be taken into consideration that sperm can live for up to 72 hours as long as they are inside a protected mucous membrane.
If you are going to attempt a natural birth control method, it is important to know your own body and how it works. For instance, just before ovulation, the female discharge can turn to a mucous type of discharge. The cervical mucus will be similar to the consistency of egg whites. Once this discharge appears, it is recommended that any sexual contact be avoided to prevent pregnancy.
During this time of the month, a female’s temperature fluctuates. This is because during ovulation, a woman’s core temperature is a little higher than the rest of the month. You can pinpoint your ovulation by taking your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. After taking your temperature daily for a month or so, you will be able to tell when your period of ovulation begins.
The only method of birth control that is completely effective is abstinence. This is the only way to prevent possible fertilization of an ovum (or egg). Do not depend on any form of birth control to completely prevent pregnancy other than abstinence.