Does anybody do natural contraception (monitoring cycle)?

[Iamnotloobrushphobic]

I am new to this and I am hoping somebody has more of a clue then I currently do. I am considering monitoring my cycles as a form of contraception. Do I need to buy ovulation sticks? If I buy ovulation sticks how many days after a positive test do I need to avoid dtd to avoid pregnancy?

Clearly I am clueless so it would be better for me to use a more straightforward method but I cannot use hormonal contraceptives (the pill, depo, implant) and I really don't want to have a coil fitted. sterilisation is just too final to be a consideration at the moment and condoms leave me with all manner of irritation. So I think my only option is to monitor my cycle.

If anybody is clued up on cycle monitoring please come and advise me.
TIA.

You need to spend several months tracking and charting your cycle before even thinking about relying on it.

The most reliable version of NFP is a combined sympto-thermal method, so it's daily temperature, plus cervical mucus monitoring as the key things. Adding on the calendar (safe period according to longest and shortest cycles in the last year or so) can help but really isn't sufficient in itself. Plus of course monitoring any other signs of ovulation (including the inconvenient one of increased horniness).

Devices to monitor could be a useful adjunct to a proper sympto-thermal method, but I wouldn't even begin to consider them as a stand alone method.

I used NFP plus condoms for years, and only became PG when I wanted to TTC.

You might find this website useful:

www.fertilityuk.org

I have used withdrawal for 6 years and have avoided pregnancy. This month I used condoms and my period is late

Withdrawal isn't classed a form of NFP, it's a separate method.

Babooshka - have you POAS? Hope you get the answer you want.

Thanks scaevola. I am quite used to monitoring cervical mucus and I understand what it looks and feels like when I am fertile (got used to checking it when we were last ttc). I haven't ever charted my temp so I am going to have to learn how to do that properly. I will check out your website link.
Thank you.

Scaevola

I have, 3 time, and it's negative, but I'm still 9 days late. I am now in limbo and don't know what to do.

Sorry to derail your thread a bit OP, I'm just bitter at the irony of possibly getting pregnant whilst using a "safer" method.

Another thing to consider is your libido throughout your cycle. I noticed that when I am ovulating I am as horny as a goat, but then for 2 weeks after I lose all interest in sex. I don't know if it's the same for you, but I would go nuts having to abstain during those times

I use natural cycles If anyone would like 10%off for a years subscription and thermometer included click here: bit.ly/2zhLlbk
Been using for 6 months and I love it was on the pill for 17 years and I haven’t looked back.Any questions I will happily answer x