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Discover the Billings method and the benefits of this contraceptive system

Talking about contraceptive methods always raises doubts, mainly because the effectiveness and side effects give rise to several discussions between birth control and women’s health. So, see what gynecologist and obstetrician Naíza AC Krobel de Moraes (CRM SP: 147.244 / RQE: 47.516) explains about the Billins method.

What is the Billings Method

According to Naíza, the Billings method, also known as the Billings Ovulation Method (MOB) “is a natural way of assessing fertility, based on the knowledge and recognition of changes in cervical mucus during the menstrual period”.

The specialist explains that the contraceptive system in question was developed in the 1950s by the couple John and Evelyn Billings, who identified “characteristics and changes in the fluid perceived in the female genital region”.

From the first observations, the “method has been extensively studied”, explains the doctor. In the 70’s it was scientifically accepted as a contraceptive method. It is 97% effective, according to a 2013 survey by Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem.

Despite not being so widespread socially, MOB is part of natural family planning methods, that is, it does not rely on substances or products to prevent conception.

According to a 2021 study by Revista Bioética, the method has numerous benefits in several factors. Among them: having no side effects, being able to be used by all ages from menarche to menopause, having low cost and absence of future complications.

Efficacy of the Billings Method

With regard to effectiveness, Dr. Naíza explains that the MOB “is similar to some artificial methods, reaching 98.5%, according to some studies, but it must be applied correctly”.

In addition, the observation of variations in cervical mucus can also help those who are trying to get pregnant, says the gynecologist: “the simple recognition of the fertile period increases the probability of conception”.

It is worth mentioning that, like the other methods, the MOB can also suffer biological failures. According to a survey by Revista Bioética (2021), variations in the body of each woman and errors in the application of the method are factors that contribute to these failures.

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How to use the Billings method

According to Naíza, first, it is “necessary to have knowledge about the menstrual cycle and an understanding that there is a succession of predictable events”.

In other words, daily monitoring of cervical mucus is essential, as it is a method based on observation. For this, she points out the step by step for the identification of each period.

First, “the characteristics of sensation and appearance related to cervical mucus are identified in the vulvar region”, emphasizes the doctor. When making these observations over the days of the menstrual cycle, it is important to make a “proper daily chart record” outlining the patterns and changes that have occurred.

“According to each observation of the phase of the cycle, it is possible to apply rules for sexual activities, depending on their objective (prevention or pregnancy)”, explains the doctor.

The National Confederation of Natural Family Planning explains that the rules of the Billings method are divided into 4, according to the period of the menstrual cycle:

  • Rule 1: avoid sexual intercourse during menstruation;
  • Rule 2: when characteristics of the basic pattern of infertility are identified, sexual intercourse is allowed on alternate nights;
  • Rule 3: when there is any change in the basic pattern of infertility and/or the identification of the beginning of the fertile period, avoid having sex;
  • Peak rule: Peak day marks the proximity of ovulation, so those who do not want to get pregnant must abstain from intercourse on this day and the next 3. After that time, intercourse is available at any time.

Even with this information, it is important to have a specialized professional to resolve doubts and avoid errors in the methodology!

What is Cervical Mucus

If, after all these explanations and clarifications, the question of what cervical mucus is, don’t worry, Dr. Naíza will explain!

According to her, cervical mucus “is a fluid produced by the cervix, whose characteristics vary throughout the menstrual cycle according to hormone levels, reflecting periods of fertility or infertility”.

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The common characteristics of cervical mucus are divided between the phases of the menstrual cycle period, as explained below:

  • During menstruation the production of mucus is less and it becomes practically imperceptible;
  • Shortly after menstruation, with estrogen levels still rising, there may be an absence of cervical mucus;
  • In the days before ovulation, cervical mucus may appear sticky, white and creamy;
  • In the days closest to ovulation, the mucus has an appearance similar to egg white, moist and slippery;
  • When the ovulation process ends, the mucus again changes its appearance, becoming sticky and dry.

The doctor also reveals that the mucus can be identified daily in underwear or even at the time of personal hygiene.

“Usually the sensation is perceived throughout the day, but even if it does not identify a specific appearance or sensation, it is also a characteristic that must be registered”, he explains.

Understand the difference between the Billings and Table Method

Because it is a totally natural method and guided in the menstrual cycle, the Billings method is often confused with the famous Tabelinha method. However, Naíza claims that this is not correct.

The doctor clarifies that, although “both are considered natural methods of fertility assessment, they identify this period in different ways”.

“The Table is based on the calendar. A calculation is made from the observation of the duration of previous Menstrual Cycles and with the average, it is estimated when the fertile period will be”, which corroborates a high rate of failures, points out the specialist.

Regarding the Billings ovulation method, Naíza points out that it “assesses fertility based on the observation of cervical mucus and considers the individual characteristics and variables of each woman”.

The gynecologist also says that from a personal observation, the MOB understands “that eventually, there may be delay or anticipation of ovulation, for various reasons”, and that this consequently increases attention so that failures do not occur.

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Videos about opinions of those who use and indicate the Billings method

Do you want to know the Billings method through those who use it? So be sure to check out the videos below to understand different perspectives on this contraceptive system:

Explaining the emergence and effectiveness of the Billings method

In this video, youtuber Marcela Brito clarifies the emergence and main characteristics of the Billings method and tells about her experience using it. For such explanations, Marcela uses clippings from the book written by Evelyn Billings.

The four rules of the MOB

In an explanatory video, MOB instructor and biologist Pamela talks about the four rules that underlie the Billings method, in addition to the similarities and differences in using the method for those who want to delay pregnancy and for those who are looking to get pregnant.

How does the Billings method work?

Doctor Fabíola Borges comments in this video about the application and operation of the Billings method. The doctor also explains the changing patterns of the menstrual cycle and talks about the effectiveness of the method.

Curiosities about the MOB

Do you want to answer some questions about the Billings method? So this video by Xan Ravelli full of curiosities, tips and even some personal insights will help you. The youtuber explains from historical curiosities to the application and operation of the method!

It is always worth mentioning that although the Billigns method seems simple, it is important to have a professional follow-up that can help you identify the phases of your cycle. If you want to understand more about the subject, read the article about fertile period, which indicate some of its main signs.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.


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