Is this possible? Birth Controlling without Birth Control?
I started dating a girl. We are sexually active. I asked if she was on birth control. While she said yes, as it turns out, all she does is calculates the number of days after her period to ovulation and avoids sex on those days. Otherwise she has sex without protection. Evidentally she has used this method for 10 years, since she was 18 and it has not failed her. I have not heard of this before and naturally I am nervous. She assures me she does not want kids and I KNOW I don't. Is this method possible? I know it doesn't sound practical, but possible?
2006-05-04T22:14:51Z
I just talked to her. We started having sex the week of April 17th after her period, and she is telling me she expects her period tomorrow. She is regular.
GibsonGirlz42006-05-04T22:14:59Z
Favorite Answer
It could work for against the odds for awhile... but it is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy. Nothing but abstinence (nope not even real birth control OR CONDOMS!) can prevent pregnancy. So you have a right to be wary! You can be fixed and still get someone pregnant!!! just so ya know.
It's possible, but not 100% safe. There are usually only 5 or 6 days during the month (cylcle) in which a woman can become pregnant, but there are other factors such as: sperm can stay alive inside the vagina for several days after sex, and women's cycles are not always exactly the same number of days. I have used this method, but to be safe, I only have unprotected sex with my girlfriend for three or four days before and after her period. Other than that I recommend protection.
The time during the cycle in which she can become pregnant is near the halfway point between periods, so if she has a 30 day cycle, days 12 - 18 are probably the most dangerous.
This method is called the "natural family planning method" or the "rhythm method". More women use it than what you would think. This method takes a lot more patience and care than your everyday condoms and birth control pills. It is totally possible to use this method and if she has been using it for so long and has no kids then that proves it is effective, right? If you trust this girl enough to have unprotected sex with her then you should trust her enough to know she is not going to get pregnant on purpose. Do a little research on it. It's a really interesting method of birth control.
Duh of course it is a possible method. It is called the natural method and is used by devote religous people such as catholics. It is not 100% effective and it is a BIG risk to take. Use a condom!! Read about the menstral cycle. Only on certain days do women ovulate therefore they can only get pregnant on certain days of each cycle. Again use a condom or get a new GF if you dont want kids now. Also you should protect against STDs.