Using the Billings Method for Getting Pregnant – Pros and Cons

One of the most modern, simple, and effective ways of natural family planning is the Billings Ovulation Method. Millions of people have used this method to achieve or avoid pregnancy. It also helps monitor the reproductive health. A patient and relaxed couple, with a sound understanding of fertility, will be able to maximize the chances of welcoming a baby into the family. It is the most scientifically researched method by which one can enjoy the benefits of natural family planning.

Pregnancy in a woman’s life is a crowning experience, and one can experience this joy through the Billings Ovulation method which has many advantages. But there are some disadvantages too. It is not that every woman will experience noticeable changes as the ovulation approaches. Another disadvantage is that this method cannot confirm whether ovulation is taking place or not. Read this article to learn more about the Billings Ovulation Method. It’s advantages, disadvantages, and more.

What is the Billings Ovulation Method?

The Billings Method developed by Dr John and Evelyn Billings is a way of family planning used by many couples, either to get pregnant or to prevent pregnancy. It can help optimize the chances of achieving pregnancy by knowing when you have the best chance of conceiving. It is altogether a safe, natural, and reliable way of timing pregnancy. This method uses natural techniques, and no drugs or other devices, and is pretty easy to comprehend. The Billings method revolves around the fertile period of a woman.

How Does the Billings Method Work?

The most important part of the Billings method is to teach women to pay attention to ‘fertile cervical mucus’. Closer to ovulation, the mucus becomes more abundant, slippery and wet. Women are supposed to take note of the cervical mucus, any discharge and dry or wet sensations of the vulva. The amount and consistency keep changing. The most fertile period is when the woman has a lot of cervical mucus. This is considered to be the best time to have sex to get pregnant.

The Rules of the Billings Ovulation Method to Get Pregnant

In all stages of the reproductive life, four simple rules of Billings Ovulation Method can be applied.

1. Avoid intercourse on days of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Avoid having sex on the days of heavy menstrual bleeding. Bleeding can mask the presence of mucus which indicates fertility.

2. You can have intercourse on alternate evenings of the Basic Infertile Pattern (BIP).

The wait till the evening is to ensure that there is no change from your BIP. Alternate evenings is suggested because the day after sex, a little discharge of seminal fluid and dampness can be felt which can mask the mucus pattern.

3. When there is a change from BIP, wait and see.

A change from BIP shows potential fertility and chances of sperm survival. If Peak is observed, then the Peak rule should be applied. If the BIP returns, then you should wait and revert to Rule 2 after three days.

4. The peak rule is applied once the peak of fertility is attained.

Ovulation takes place until the fourth day past the Peak which is the lifespan of the egg. For the remainder of the cycle, one remains infertile as the egg is dead and ovulation does not happen until next menstruation.

Sex over the days of the slippery sensation and one or two days past the Peak can give the best possibility to conceive making pregnancy a time of transition, growth, and profound beginning.

Advantages of Using the Billings Ovulation Method

Billings Ovulation method should be preferred for some genuinely wonderful reasons:

1. No Side Effects or Health Risks

There are no associated health risks or side effects like bloating, irritability, headaches or severe reactions of drugs if the chances of conceiving are optimized by Billings Ovulation method.

2. Prevents Pregnancy

The Billings Ovulation does not interfere with the delicate balance of natural processes in the body. The hormonal method of contraception can induce various carcinogenic effects which can be fatal in the long run.

3. Absolutely Natural, Drug-free and Non-invasive

This drug-free, non-invasive method does not require any hormones or devices. It takes us back to basics. There are simple things which are often the best.

4. For all Stages of Reproductive life

Whatever is the stage of one’s reproductive life, whether breastfeeding or approaching menopause, Billings Ovulation method helps in understanding the fertility on a regular basis.

5. Simple to Use

This method is quite easy to use, and can be used by anyone. It is actually for every woman all over the world.

6. Affordable

The money that is spent on fertility treatments or IVF or contraceptives can be saved by learning this simple yet easy method. Only a small fee has to be paid as consultation fees to the Billings Ovulation teacher.

7. Environment-friendly

This method does not require any packaging which adds to the landfills. Since it is hormone-free, it will not contaminate the environment.

8. Empowering

The Billings Ovulation method helps to understand, appreciate and protect the reproductive health. It puts a person in control when the person gets empowered with its knowledge.

9. Strengthens Relationships

The relationship of a couple can improve if communication, care, and cooperation are inculcated to implement the Billings Ovulation Method.

10. Universally Approved

Couples who have moral objections to using contraceptives can try the Billings Ovulation method. It is morally acceptable to all cultures and religions.

Disadvantages of Using the Billings Ovulation Method

The fertility awareness method has some disadvantages too.

• Though the average life of sperm is three days in the body, some sperms exist for up to seven days too in the body. Hence, determining a safe period to have sex is difficult.
• It is difficult to assess a woman’s fertile period as stress, diet, and age affect the menstrual cycle.
• This method does not provide any protection against any sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.
• Time and effort need to be invested in recording and accurately observing the fertility indicators which are difficult for busy women.
• It does not work without continued commitment and practice.
• It is a subjective method which requires education from a trained professional.

Giving birth is an amazing experience and you can conceive by the Billings Ovulation method. It is a kind of natural family planning which is safe and secure. By recognizing the changing characteristics of cervical mucus, you can predict when you will ovulate, which in turn can help in determining when you’re most likely to conceive. Charting and interpreting secretions can even be challenging. Most women are able to recognize the patterns of secretions in just one instructional session.

Also Read: How to Conceive Baby Fast and Easily