How do natural methods of family planning work

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There are also 3 methods to avoid pregnancy that do not require any devices or chemicals (as with barrier methods) or medicines (as with hormonal methods).

The methods are:

• breastfeeding for the first 6 months
• the mucus method
• the counting days method

IMPORTANT: Natural methods of family planning do not protect against STIs, including HIV. If you use any of the natural methods listed in these pages, you still need to think about ways to protect yourself from these diseases.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en020502