Which of the following statements about fertility awareness-based methods is false?

Coitus interruptus, also known as withdrawal, is a traditional family planning method in which the man completely removes his penis from the vagina, and away from the external genitalia of the female partner before he ejaculates. Coitus interruptus prevents sperm from entering the woman’s vagina, thereby preventing contact between spermatozoa and the ovum.

This method might be appropriate for couples

  • who are highly motivated and able to use this method effectively;
  • with religious or philosophical reasons for not using other methods of contraception;
  • who need contraception immediately and have entered into a sexual act without alternative methods available;
  • who need a temporary method while awaiting the start of another method; or
  • who have intercourse infrequently.

Some benefits of coitus interruptus are that the method, if used correctly, does not affect breastfeeding and is always available for primary use or use as a back-up method. In addition, coitus interruptus involves no economic cost or use of chemicals and has no directly associated health risks. Coitus interruptus does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and women using this method should be counseled that consistent and correct use of the male latex condom reduces the risk for transmission of HIV and other STDs. Use of female condoms can provide protection from transmission of STDs, although data are limited.

Coitus interruptus is unforgiving of incorrect use, and its effectiveness depends on the willingness and ability of the couple to use withdrawal with every act of intercourse. Women with conditions that make pregnancy an unacceptable risk should be advised that coitus interruptus might not be appropriate for them because of its relatively higher typical-use failure rates.

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How Much Do You Know About Contraception?

About half of all pregnancies are unplanned, says the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. But women today have many safe and reliable choices if they want to prevent pregnancy. Birth control can be a medicine, device, or method. Test your knowledge of contraception by taking this quiz.

1. Which methods of birth control needs a prescription?

A. Birth control pillB. Contraceptive patchC. Cervical capD. DiaphragmE. All of the above

2. What do male condoms offer that other forms of birth control do not?

A. Least chance of failureB. Best protection against STIsC. Cheapest to useD. All of the above

3. Besides the condom, which is another barrier method of birth control?

A. DiaphragmB. IUDC. WithdrawalD. Sterilization

4. Which type of intrauterine device (IUD) is available?

A. CopperB. TitaniumC. HormonalD. A and CE. All of the above

5. Which of these is a possible side effect of birth control pills?

A. NauseaB. Irregular bleedingC. HeadachesD. All of the aboveE. None of the above

6. How long is the vaginal ring left in place?

A. 1 weekB. 2 weeksC. 3 weeksD. 3 months

7. Which of these methods is called natural family planning?

A. Tracking basal temperatureB. Tracking changes in cervical mucusC. Tracking the menstrual cycle on a calendarD. All of the above

8. Which of these methods of sterilization is permanent?

A. Tubal sterilizationB. VasectomyC. A and BD. None of the above

Medical Reviewers:

  • Burd, Irina, MD, PhD
  • Freeborn, Donna, PhD CNM FNP

What is fertility awareness based method?

Fertility awareness-based (FAB) methods of family planning involve identifying the fertile days of the menstrual cycle, whether by observing fertility signs such as cervical secretions and basal body temperature or by monitoring cycle days (Box F1) (Table F1).

What are 3 Fertility Awareness Methods?

The following methods are based on fertility awareness: Standard Days method. Cervical mucous method. Basal body temperature (BBT) method.

Which of the following is a requirement for the Standard Days method of fertility awareness?

You can only use the Standard Days method if: Your menstrual cycle is really regular (your periods always come at the same time). Your cycle is never shorter than 26 days. Your cycle is never longer than 32 days.

What are the advantages of fertility awareness method?

What are the advantages of fertility awareness methods? The benefits of fertility awareness methods are that they're usually free or cheap, have no side effects, and help you learn about your body and your fertility.