1. The calendar method

This method predicts the day of ovulation using the documentation of the cycle’s duration for several months (6–12).

The onset of the fertile period is calculated by removing 18 days from the smallest cycle, while the last fertile day is calculated by removing 11 days from the duration of the largest cycle. If, for example, a woman’s cycles fluctuate from 27 to 32 days, abstinence starts from day 9 (27-18=9) and ends on the 21st day (32-11=21).

2. The cervical mucus method

This is based on observing cervical secretion which is increased during the fertile period. This method requires an extensive observational period before the woman is capable to distinguish between vaginal secretions and cervical mucus.

Abstinence begins on the day of the first indications of cervical mucus and lasts up to 4 days following the largest amount of cervical mucus secretion.

3. The method of temperature measurement

The relationship between ovulation and body temperature is known since 1920. Measurement and recording of temperature is performed daily, via the vagina or the rectum, as soon as the woman wakes up. During ovulation, temperature may rise between 0.3 to 0.4 degrees Celsius and remains high until menstruation begins.

4. Combination of methods

For example, this can be done by combining the calendar method with the temperature method for a more secure result.

5. Lactational amenorrhea (absence of menstrual period)

During exclusive breastfeeding, it is very rare that pregnancy may occur. Thus, besides the contraception that the prolongation of the lactational period offers, it also aids with the baby’s health.

Oral contraceptive pill

Contraceptive pills contain compound oestrogens and progestogen. A woman who receives contraceptive pills has her cycle regulated at four weeks. If she adheres to the doctor’s instructions, the method is 99% successful.

Possible side-effects include nausea, dizziness, low mood, reduced libido, blood stains in between periods and fluid retention.

Rarely, hypertension, cardiovascular attacks and thrombosis may occur (smokers and women over the age of 35 or who suffer from thrombophilia). In addition, obesity, surgical operations and lack of exercise increase the possibility of thrombosis.

• The mini-pill that contains exclusively progestogen (progestogen-only contraceptive pill) is available, and this is also received daily.

If a woman forgets to take one pill, or does not take them at approximately the same time every day, or if she uses other medicines simultaneously, the contraceptive action is reduced and the possibility of pregnancy is increased.

An IUD is a small plastic device with a metallic encasement, usually made of copper. It is placed in utero in a gynaecologist’s office or a in an obstetrics clinic. Commonly, anaesthesia is not necessary. It must always be removed be a gynaecologist.

Its contraceptive action is due to the change in the density of the cervical mucus, thus preventing the entry of sperm. What is more, it creates a non-friendly environment for the implantation of a fertilised ovum.

They are 98% effective.

Possible side-effects include pain, bleeding, salpingitis and, rarely, pelvic inflammation which may result to infertility.

Women with a history of extrauterine pregnancy, pelvic inflammation, un-investigated vaginal bleeding and fibromyomas that affect the inner part of the uterus must resort to other contraceptive methods.

There are hormonal IUDs (Mirena) which contain slow-releasing progestogen within the rubber and may remain in utero for five years.

• A female condom is larger and wider than a male condom.
• They are made of polyurethane and are usually compatible with lubricants.
• The woman places the condom in the vagina on her own even long before sexual intercourse takes place.
• They are unpopular in comparison to male condoms due to the fact that they are more difficult to use, more expensive and with higher failure rates.