Photo Credit: Sergii Gnatiuk / iStockPhoto.com
Natural and Non-Invasive Methods
Fertility awareness (the rhythm method) and withdrawal (pulling out of the vagina before ejaculation) are more casual approaches to birth control that can balance risk and reward better for some people.
The big advantage is that there’s no need for any tools, devices, or extra hormones, which makes it both natural and cheap. On the other hand, the margin for error is much larger: experts estimate that over 25 percent of women who use the rhythm or the withdrawal method will become pregnant (however, your chances improve when you combine the two).
If you’re serious about not getting pregnant, it’s far better to choose a more reliable form of birth control to use along with the withdrawal method, at least during your fertile times. It’s difficult to say what the best pairing is — everybody is different, and is willing to go to different lengths for birth control — so take the time to figure out what you absolutely don’t want and what you probably can live with.
Talking to a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional can open your eyes and answer important questions on your way to a decision.
Resources
Healthline (Which birth Control is Right for You?)Options for Sexual Health (Birth Control Options)
Many people have asked, "can you get pregnant on your period?" While it's unlikely, it can happen. Read on to learn more about how this can happen.
