The Billings method is a natural technique that aims to identify the fertile and infertile periods of the woman from the observation of the cervical mucus that can be identified right at the entrance to the vagina, thus being possible to plan or avoid pregnancy.
The mucus indicates the hormonal changes that occur in the woman's body, signaling menstruation and indicating the woman's fertile and infertile days, and her observation is useful both for those who want and for those who do not want to get pregnant. Learn more about cervical mucus and what it indicates.
The Billings method can also be called the Basic Infertility Pattern, since it signals the days when you can have sex without risk of becoming pregnant, even without using any contraceptive method, such as contraceptive pill or condom. The use of condoms, however, is essential, as it not only prevents pregnancy but also prevents sexually transmitted diseases.
How to Use the Billings Ovulation Method to Avoid Pregnancy
To use this method you should note daily how your cervical mucus is observing the secretion present at the entrance of the vagina. You should observe how your vaginal discharge is when you use toilet paper after urinating or defecating and at the end of the day write down the following parameters on a sheet of paper or on the cell phone:
It is necessary to write down how your vaginal discharge is every day, before going to bed, also noting the days you have sex.
To use this method to avoid pregnancy is recommended:
- Have intercourse on alternate days during the days when the woman feels her vulva is dry, which usually happens on the last days of menstruation and the first few days after menstruation;
- Have intercourse during menstruation because in this period, normally, there is no risk of getting pregnant;
- Do not have intercourse when feeling very wet and up to 4 days after the onset of wet sensation.
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 high chances of pregnancy. Thus, during this period sexual abstinence is recommended or use condoms to avoid pregnancy.
To prevent a woman from getting confused, she should not take hormonal medications, apply spermicides, introduce objects or perform internal examinations in the vagina because they can cause changes in the cervical mucus, making it difficult for women 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 conditions such as these or even illnesses.
How does the menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle begins with the first day of menstruation. Right after menstruation, the cervix, which is a region between the vagina and the uterus, is closed by a thick mucus plug that serves to protect the uterus from infection and prevent sperm from entering the uterus until the eggs are ripe and ready for be fertilized.
This thick mucus remains in the cervix for a few days and during this period the woman feels dry or has a slight discharge, which remains exactly the same for a few days. The number of days this vaginal dryness is present will determine the size of your menstrual cycle, so some women have larger, smaller ones. While this mucus is present the woman should feel dry. Understand how the menstrual cycle works.
In the fertile period, the woman feels wetter in the region of the vulva, which is the outer part of the vagina, in addition, the mucus becomes thinner and clearer, which represents the apex of fertility and if on this day, or if in the next 3 days, the ovum is fertilized the woman will become pregnant, but if this does not happen, there will be another hormonal discharge and in a few days, about two weeks later, the woman will menstruate and a new cycle will be started. Also learn how to do the ovulation test.
Is the Billings ovulation method safe?
The ovulation method of Billing is safe, scientifically based and recommended by the World Health Organization, and when performed properly, protects against unwanted pregnancy by up to 99%.
However, adolescents and women who are not attentive to their daily menstrual cycle should opt for another contraceptive method, such as a condom, IUD, or contraceptive pill, for example to avoid unwanted pregnancy, since for the Billings method to be safe, be aware of the mucus present in the vulva every day, noting your changes daily, which may 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 become pregnant or not to become pregnant are:
- It is a simple and easy method to apply;
- Do not need to use hormonal medications that have unpleasant side effects like headache, swelling and varicose veins;
- Greater control over your body's changes by being attentive daily to what happens in your intimate region;
- Safety in having relationships on the right days so you do not risk becoming pregnant.
In addition, knowing the Basic Infertility Pattern allows you to know the days when the woman can have intercourse without the risk of becoming pregnant, without using any contraceptive method, observing only the signs of the body daily.
Learn how to use this method to get pregnant faster.
