Periodic Abstinence - Overview

Introduction:

We are now living in a situation withstanding a population blast. Right now, the world population is around 8 billion. This outburst in population is not a positive thing for human civilization. All these are causing social, environmental, and political problems. Birth control is an effective measure to control the population. Over the years, several birth control methods and birth control devices have been used in medical science. But all these methods have side effects and drawbacks. In such cases, periodic abstinence is considered one of the most useful birth control methods.

What Are the Birth Control Methods?

Birth control measures can be divided into two types one is short-term methods or temporary methods and other one is long-term methods. They can also be classified into the following methods:

1. Barrier methods: In this method, different barriers are used which prevent the semen from going into the female genital tract. The most common barrier is male condoms; other than this, female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap, and contraceptive sponge can also be used.

2. Short-Acting Hormonal Methods: These are short-acting pills or rings which need to be taken regularly or must take after having sex. The pills are of two types one is a combined pill that contains both estrogen and progesterone hormone. Another one is a mini pill or progesterone-only pill. Contraceptive rings contain hormonal and is inserted into the vagina. Contraceptive patches also contain hormones like estrogen and progesterone and stick to the skin.

3. Spermicide or Vaginal Gel: This is a nonhormonal method of birth control. These gels are applied in and around the vagina before intercourse and kill the sperm in the semen.

4. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives: They provide contraception over a long period. Two types of devices are used for this purpose. One is intrauterine devices. These devices cause thickening of the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes. Another one is contraceptive implants. These implants are of two types. One implant can be inserted under the arms and another into the vagina. These implants release hormones that help in contraceptives.

5. Sterilization: This is a non-reversible process, and different surgeries are included. The female sterilization process is tubal ligation which blocks the movement of sperm deep inside the female genital tract. Another procedure used in females is hysterectomy or removal of the womb. However, it is not used regularly as it is an extensive procedure only done when medically indicated. In males, the sterilization procedure is known as vasectomy. This procedure prevents the sperm from leaving the body and blocks their way.

6. Fertility Awareness Methods: In this method, persons have to track their cycle, and sexual intercourse is not done during the fertile period. This method is also known as periodic abstinence.

What Is Periodic Abstinence?

The chance of getting pregnant depends upon the fertility period of that period. This means during one menstrual cycle, the fertility rate varies depending on the physical changes of the menstrual cycle. So, the low fertile period is a safe period to have intercourse. For this purpose, the mechanism of ovulation and the menstrual cycle must be discussed. It should also remember that the released egg remains alive for one day, and the chance of fertilization is maximum within four to six hours of ovulation. But the sperm can remain active in the female genital tract for three to five days. For a woman having a menstrual cycle of 28 to 30 days, ovulation may happen between 12 to 16 days. In such cases, days 7 to day 17 should be avoided.

What Is the Mechanism of the Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation?

In the menstrual cycle, changes occur in the follicles and the ovary through the action of certain hormones. The changes in the uterus can be classified as the uterine cycle, and changes in the ovary are regarded as the ovarian phase. In healthy women, one menstrual cycle lasts 21 to 35 days (an average of 28). So these changes are divided into a cycle of 28 days. The ovarian phase is further divided into three cycles. These are:

1. Follicular Phase - In this phase, the egg's maturation occurs. This phase for a young woman (age between 18 to 24) is 14 days, and for an older woman (age between 40 to 44), it is ten days. This phase is safe for intercourse as the egg is not released.
2. Ovulation - This is the phase when the egg is released. This is the most fertile period. This takes place around the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. Intercourse during this period without any protection may cause
3. Luteal Phase - This is the last phase of the ovarian cycle. It lasts 10 to 16 days (an average of 14 days).

What Are the Methods?

As already discussed, calculating the menstrual cycle days can be used for periodic abstinence. But calculating perfect days is not always possible. That is why different other methods can be used for this purpose:

1. Cervical Mucous Method - In this method, the mucous consistency is checked to determine the ovulation date. Just before ovulation, the consistency of mucous becomes thin and slippery. After ovulation, the consistency became thicker and less noticeable, and the secretion decreased.
2. Basal Body Temperature Method - Monitoring the body temperature can help determine the fertile period. During ovulation, the temperature is slightly raised, and two to three days before ovulation, the temperature starts increasing. By tracing body temperature, one can predict the fertile period of the menstrual cycle.

What Are the Advantages?

The disadvantages of traditional methods can be avoided in the method. In traditional methods, hormonal pills have side effects like weight gain, dryness of the vagina, and ance. Such complications are absent in this method. Though using protective barriers does not cause any medical complications, tearing of such barriers is common. Surgical methods are extensive procedures and are also associated with a social stigma. Thus, periodic abstinence is a useful method for birth control.

Conclusion:

Birth control is a burning issue in today's society. Several birth control methods are in practice, but most have medical complications. Also, many people have a social stigma associated with several birth control methods. In such cases, periodic abstinence can be very useful. This non-invasive method is not associated with any medical or surgical complications. But in this case, patient education regarding the menstrual cycle dates is important. Also, patients should be taught to calculate their period cycle.