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 Plan or Prevent Pregnancy Naturally
New research shows that couples using CycleBeads are having sex just as often as couples using other forms of contraception! While this may not be news to some of you, these findings contradict a common misperception about natural family planning. Specifically, that couples must have extreme self control to use a natural birth control method such as CycleBeads. Not true! According to new research from the Institute for Reproductive Health, couples using CycleBeads and other natural methods such as the TwoDay Method, do have intercourse less frequently during the days when pregnancy is likely (days 8 through 19 of the woman's cycle for women using CycleBeads) compared to couples using other birth control methods. But, they have intercourse MORE often on days when pregnancy is unlikely. Additionally, many couples simply use another family planning method such as condoms on their fertile days. This issue of the CycleBeads newsletter looks more closely at the research findings and shares information related to this topic. We welcome any feedback! Sincerely, | |||
New Research: It's All in the Timing In a recent study from researchers at the Institute for Reproductive Health, Georgetown University, couples using fertility-awareness based methods of family planning (also known as "natural family planning" or "natural birth control") were found to engage in intercourse as often as couples using other family planning methods. The researchers tracked women using two natural family planning methods: 1) The Standard Days Method which uses CycleBeads as a visual tool; and 2) The TwoDay Method which relies on a woman observing the presence or absence of secretions. Both methods have been found to be highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The researchers found that women using these methods engage in intercourse on average 5.5 times per cycle, the same as women using other family planning methods. Additionally, they found that couples avoid intercourse or use another method such as condoms during the fertile days, but have intercourse more often on the less fertile days. The chart below outlines their findings on frequency:
The researchers also found that the amount of intercourse increased with method use meaning that as women became more comfortable using the methods, they were better able to plan intercourse on the less fertile days. Click here to read the full research report...
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User Story: Planning for Date Night Maria, Age 24 I've used hormonal birth control in the past, but decided that I didn't want to do that anymore. My partner supported my decision, but we had to find something to protect us - we're not ready for kids yet! That's when I started learning about natural birth control. Initially I was intimidated by how much you have to know to be able to practice it. I was so afraid that I might make a mistake that we basically stopped having sex. We began using CycleBeads about a year ago, and while at first we were both nervous, and only had sex on days when pregnancy was almost impossible, it became easier over time. We got used to the fact that every cycle there would be days when we'd have to do something else. We also make sure to schedule date nights on days when we know it will be safe. Thank you for making it so easy. It gives us both something to look forward to! If you have a story that you would like to share with us, please send an email to info@cyclebeads.com.
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