ovulation method
Noun: A method of natural family planning where a woman identifies her fertile period by observing and tracking changes in the characteristics (such as texture, color, and quantity) of her cervical mucus. The approach is based on the principle that the mucus becomes more abundant, clearer, and more slippery (with a consistency similar to raw egg white) around the time of ovulation, indicating peak fertility.
The ovulation method is used as a means to achieve or avoid pregnancy by identifying the fertile window within the menstrual cycle through daily observation of cervical mucus. - Example: They used the ovulation method to help conceive their first child. - Example: For effective use as contraception, the ovulation method requires careful daily tracking and abstinence during the fertile period.
- The Billings Ovulation Method®: A specific, standardized system of teaching and applying the principles of the ovulation method.
- Example: She learned to chart her cycle accurately by taking a course on the Billings Ovulation Method®.
- Symptothermal method: A related method of natural family planning that combines observations of cervical mucus (the ovulation method component) with tracking basal body temperature and other symptoms.
- Cervical mucus method: Another name for the ovulation method, emphasizing the biological sign being observed.
- Fertility awareness-based method (FABM): A broader category of family planning methods that includes the ovulation method.
- Cervical mucus method
- Billings method
- Peak day: Within the ovulation method, the last day of observing fertile-quality, slippery cervical mucus, which is closely associated with the day of ovulation.
- Example: According to her chart, her peak day was three days ago.
- Fertile mucus: The clear, stretchy, and slippery cervical mucus observed in the days leading up to and including ovulation.
- Example: The presence of fertile mucus indicates that ovulation is approaching.
- natural family planning in which the fertile period is inferred from changes in the character and quantity of cervical mucus; ovulation is marked by an increase in mucus that becomes sticky and then clearer and slippery