Biện pháp tránh thai tự nhiên: Những biện pháp nào hiệu quả sau khi sinh em bé?

Natural contraceptive methods are on the rise. Following the various health scandals of the 3rd and 4th generation pills, by rejection of the chemical or the IUD, many women are turning to so-called “natural” contraception. We talk about “natural methods” to refer to the fact of spotting fertile periods and avoiding having intercourse at these times. The enthusiasm is such that the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology was concerned about it last year. In a press release, the federation warns that “these methods, poorly applied, have a failure rate of between 17 and 20%”. This concern is largely fueled by the fact that smartphone applications and “home methods” are multiplying on social networks to offer alternatives to traditional contraception. You should know that some of these techniques are not reliable. Others are, but are not suitable for post-baby contraception. We take stock with Audrey Guillemaud, trainer in natural contraception and author of a book on the subject *

Fertility monitors: we forget!

First method that will not be suitable after a birth: electronic fertility monitors: “Most are not suitable for irregular cycles (which is characteristic of postpartum cycles), since their software often analyzes only the temperature. and does not note the return of fertile and blood losses, which alone signify the opening of the fertility window ”. If one has used these software before having a baby, they may include a prognostic calendar calculation on previous cycles. As everything changes after pregnancy, they cannot be applicable postpartum. Normally, this information appears on their leaflet.

Only the temperature method: no!

Another variant: the “temperature only” method (taken every day of your body temperature when you wake up). It is not suitable for breastfeeding. Audrey Guillemaud explains: “We cannot observe a rise in temperature while breastfeeding because breastfeeding blocks ovulation (this is the case in many women). The woman could then take her temperature “for nothing” every morning for weeks without it rising (and make a big mistake: think that she will not be fertile until her temperature has risen). This would be a mistake because you can become fertile again at any time during breastfeeding: from the reappearance of cervical fluid pre-ovulatory (whatever its appearance) or as soon as bleeding appears, whatever it is. Losses – seen or felt – are therefore the sign of a return to fertility and always occur BEFORE the thermal rise. The loss of blood or mucus is then a sign that the woman can finally start taking her temperature again. Because fertility is restarting! “

Calendar method: not recommended

In the bad pupils of contraception, one also finds, (not surprisingly) “the method of the calendar or method Ogino”. Indeed, this method can only work on completely regular cycles, since it is a calculation on the basis of previous cycles, and not a self-observation of its current cycles, in the present. However, after a baby, we are on 100% irregular and unpredictable cycles… Even outside the postpartum period, this method of calculating on a calendar is “not recommended because it is unreliable” according to Audrey Guillemaud.

Withdrawal: it doesn’t work!

Another even more disastrous method: “withdrawal”, which consists of the partner interrupting coitus before the end of intercourse. In fact, the “seminal fluid, which already contains sperm, is produced long before ejaculation. These sperm are fertile and can cause pregnancy at any time. A method which according to Audrey Guillemaud, is more “Russian roulette” and which would be more suitable for “a couple potentially open to a new birth” or for a couple who “accepts what comes”.

The diaphragms: pay attention to the size

Regarding barrier methods, for postpartum delivery, Audrey Guillemaud advises against the majority of diaphragms within 3 months after childbirth. “In some women, the vagina widens and the muscle tone of the latter is less good. In this case, the diaphragm sometimes holds less well. In others, a space that is too small or too large at the level of the cervix appears: if a certain type of diaphragm was used before, it may no longer correspond to the correct measurement. »Audrey Guillemaud’s advice? “Six weeks after childbirth, it is good to ‘re-measure’ with the midwife the space around the cervix to see if the diaphragm is still the right size.” Note: if there has been a descent of organs during childbirth, it can press on the diaphragm, or move it, hence the importance of an examination and a good follow-up with the sage -wife.

What reliable methods after childbirth?

If neither chemical nor mechanical contraception is desired, Audrey Guillemaud recommends applying the “symptothermal method adapted to the post-partum”. That is, an observation of cervical mucus seen and felt, and blood loss. Or the Billings method (detailed here). “Symptothermia protocols adapted to the postpartum period are very practical for detecting all the signs indicating the real return of fertility. In particular because the famous “return of childbirth” can have taken place with or without a previous ovulation. The signs of mucus and bleeding are then precious. “

The condom: effective as a barrier method

Finally, according to her, it is better to go back to traditional barrier methods such as the use of condoms – being strict about romantic reconciliations before putting on the condom (!). Some brands offer “ecological condoms”, with organic or ecological lubricating gels to avoid harmful chemicals that could disrupt the vaginal flora. They are widely recommended. Look for the RSFU and organic labels and read the compositions carefully, avoiding the addition of chemicals.

For all these methods, it is important to include the spouse. To prevent the mental burden of contraception from resting solely on the woman, it must be a couple’s project.

Boulocho: kezako?

In this regard, Audrey Guillemaud also suggests exploring another natural method, special for men: thermal heated briefs, “testicle lifts” or “boulocho”. “The briefs themselves do not heat up. The testicles are simply brought closer to the body and it is the body heat that acts. Placing the testes against the abdomen raises their temperature to 37 ° C, which blocks spermatogenesis. This device can be kept for several hours a day to be effective and is placed under the usual underwear.