Sexual Health Birth Control Natural Birth Control Methods By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC LinkedIn Twitter Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 29, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD Facebook LinkedIn Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD, is a board-certified urologist and Chief of Surgery at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Natural birth control methods include specific actions that people can naturally do to help prevent unintended pregnancy. Natural methods are some of the oldest forms of contraception available. Natural birth control often does not cost anything and usually has no physical side effects. However, it is important to note that some of these methods may have high failure rates which may lead to unintended pregnancies. If you choose a natural birth control method, in order to be effective, you must be committed to this decision. These methods require discipline and self-control. It is also helpful that you are in a stable relationship where you and your partner can openly talk and cooperate with one another. 1 Abstinence Cavan Images Collection / Iconica / Getty Images Abstinence is defined as not having any type of sexual intercourse or sex play with a partner. It is the only birth control method that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Choosing abstinence is your decision, but in order for it to work in a relationship, both you and your partner must agree to stay abstinent. Sometimes, it is difficult to practice abstinence. If you have specific reasons for this choice, you may find it easier to stick to. Abstinence as a Form of Birth Control 2 Withdrawal 4FR / Getty Images Withdrawal is a behavioral action where a person with a penis pulls their penis out of the vagina before ejaculating. This may not be a reliable natural birth control method since some people eject pre-ejaculate fluid which may contain sperm when they are aroused. These sperm are released into the vagina since the penis is still inside, and it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg. The withdrawal method also relies on complete self-control. You must have an exact sense of timing to withdraw your penis in time. This method is only 78% effective as birth control. About 22 out of 100 people who use withdrawal get pregnant every year — that’s about 1 in 5. Withdrawal as a Birth Control Method 3 Fertility Awareness Methods Blair_witch / Getty Images Fertility awareness methods require you to monitor your body to determine when you're most fertile. You then avoid having condomless sex around the time of ovulation. This natural birth control method involves paying attention to different body changes (such as basal body temperature or cervical mucus) and recording them to predict when you will ovulate. To be successful, you need to be willing to record and chart your fertility signs. Then, you (and your partner) must agree to not have sex (or to use backup birth control) when you ovulate, and for five days beforehand, as sperm can live in the reproductive tract for up to five days. Fertility awareness methods include the Billings Method, the Symptothermal Method, and the Standard Days Method. You can also take advantage of Fertility iPhone Apps to help you track your body's changes. Books like "Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control" can help explain how to practice natural family planning. Fertility awareness methods are only 76% to 88% effective: that means 12 to 24 out of 100 couples who use these methods will still get pregnant each year. 4 Outercourse Caiaimage / Trevor Adeline / Getty Images Outercourse is any type of sexual play without sexual intercourse. This includes kissing, erotic massage, manual stimulation (with one’s hands), masturbation, rubbing against each other, oral sex, fantasy, anal sex, and/or using sex toys. This natural method may not fully protect against STIs because there may be skin-to-skin contact or the exchange of bodily fluids. The use of dental dams or externa or internal condoms may help decrease your risk of getting an STI during these activities. 5 Continuous Breastfeeding (Lactational Amenorrhea Method) Image Source / Getty Images Continuous breastfeeding (lactational amenorrhea method) can postpone ovulation for up to six months after giving birth. This natural birth control method works because the hormone required to stimulate milk production prevents the release of the hormone that triggers ovulation. You should not rely on this method for more than six months or if you have gotten your period since giving birth. The lactational amenorrhea method is only effective if you feed your baby at least every four hours during the day and every six hours at night with both breasts. Can You Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding? Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Department of Human Services. Abstinence. Kovavisarach E, Lorthanawanich S, Muangsamran P. Presence of sperm in pre-ejaculatory fluid of healthy males. J Med Assoc Thai. 2016;99(Suppl 2):S38-S41. Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan. Fertility awareness. Planned Parenthood. How effective are abstinence and outercourse? U.S. Department of Human Services. Lactational amenorrhea method (LAM).