Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Billings Ovulation Method the same as the Rhythm Method?
- Is the Billings Ovulation Method the same as the Temperature Method?
- Is the Billings Ovulation Method a Roman Catholic Method?
- How much scientific research has been carried out on the Method?
- How effective is the Billings Ovulation Method?
- How long does it take to learn the Billings Ovulation Method?
- How much does it cost to use the Billings Ovulation Method?
- How soon can I begin to use the Method?
- How often do I observe?
- How often do I have to record my observations?
- How much abstinence is involved when using the Billings Ovulation Method?
- Can the Billings Ovulation Method be used by women who are breast-feeding?
- Can the Billings Ovulation Method be used by women who have irregular cycles?
- Can the Billings Ovulation Method be used by women approaching menopause?
- Can the method be used in addition to using Condoms?
- Can the method be used in addition to using the Contraceptive Pill ("The Pill")?
- Will I have to finish by pack of pills before starting to use the Billings Ovulation Method?
- Can the method be used with a diaphragm?
- Can you ovulate twice in a single cycle?
- Does it require any internal examination?
- Does it require any pill or medication taking?
- Are there any side effects when using the method?
- Where and when did it start?
Is the Billings Ovulation Method the same as the Rhythm Method?
No, the Rhythm Method is based on calculations relating to regular menstruation. Menstruation is a variable occasion therefore the Rhythm Method does not reliably pinpoint fertility.
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Is the Billings Ovulation Method the same as the Temperature Method?
No, The Temperature Method is a post ovulatory method. Temperature rises due to the elevation of the hormone progesterone, and this is a retrospective indication that ovulation has occurred. It restricts a couple who are aiming to avoid a pregnancy, to use the post ovulatory time in a woman’s reproductive cycle for intercourse (8 - 13 days available in a cycle). The Temperature Method can not be used to plan a pregnancy as it indicates ovulation after ovulation has happened. Also it should not be used in a breast-feeding or in a pre-menopause situation.
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Is the Billings Ovulation Method a Roman Catholic Method?
Being a natural method, The Billings Ovulation Method is acceptable to people of different cultures and different religions. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians welcome it and find it simple and effective.
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How much scientific research has been carried out on the Method?
The Billings Ovulation Method has been the subject of the most comprehensive scientific research to which any method of regulating births has been exposed. It has also proved its efficiency in providing for the achievement of pregnancy and for the spacing of pregnancies by numerous field trials in different countries. One such study was a huge study of the Billings Ovulation Method amongst the poor and illiterate in the slums of Calcutta. Where The Billings Ovulation Method was taught as a method to avoid pregnancy, pregnancy rates approach zero.
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How effective is the Billings Ovulation Method?
Scientific studies show that with proper instruction and motivation, The Billings Ovulation Method is 99% effective.
Effectiveness studies.
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How long does it take to learn the Billings Ovulation Method?
With proper instruction the Billings Ovulation Method can be learned by observing one cycle. However it is recommended that women, return for instructions over 3 - 4 cycles.
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How much does it cost to use the Billings Ovulation Method?
As Fertility Care Scotland is a charitable organisation most clinics do not charge for tuition, however donations may be given to cover the costs of materials supplied.
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How soon can I begin to use the Method?
With proper instruction the Billings Ovulation Method can be learned by observing 2 weeks of one cycle. After 2 weeks of observation and returning to the tutor for further information the method can be used after a fortnight. Otherwise the method can be used by the second cycle.
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How often do I observe?
Observance should be made before and after passing water. The awareness of sensation can be observed at any time.
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How often do I have to record my observations
Recordings should be made once at night.
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How much abstinence is involved when using the Billings Ovulation Method?
One fortnight, when learning in order to observe the fertility of the woman. So that the teacher can give proper instruction. Abstinence at other times may be relevant depending on your requirements.
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Can the Billings Ovulation Method be used by women who are breast-feeding?
Yes, The Billings Ovulation Method teaches breast-feeding mothers to recognise the return of their first fertile cycle after the birth of their baby.
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Can the Billings Ovulation Method be used by women who have irregular cycles?
Yes, The Billings Ovulation Method teaches women experiencing irregular cycles, to gain confidence in recognising their day after day of infertility, with the occasional possibly fertile phase.
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Can the Billings Ovulation Method be used by women approaching the menopause?
Yes, The Billings Ovulation Method teaches women approaching the menopause, to gain confidence in recognising their day after day of infertility, with the occasional possibly fertile phase.
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Can the method be used in addition to using Condoms?
No. Use of condoms and spermicide can mask the natural indicators that help a woman to identify her fertility.
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Can the method be used in addition to using the Contraceptive Pill (“The Pill”)?
No. Use of the contraceptive pill can alter the natural indicators that help a woman to identify her fertility.
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Will I have to finish my pack of pills before starting to use the BOM?
No, you can stop taking the pill at anytime.
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Can the method be used with a diaphragm?
No. Use of a diaphragm can mask the natural indicators that help a woman to identify her fertility.
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Can you ovulate twice in a single cycle?
Yes, but only within the one 24 hours.
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Does it require any internal examination?
No internal examinations are required
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Does it require any pill or medication to be taken?
No pills or medication are required.
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Are there any side effects when using the method?
No, as the Billings Ovulation Method is natural, there any no side effects
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Where and when did it start?
It was developed by Drs. John and Evelyn Billings from Australia who first published in 1964. Women teaching women is the way the Billings Ovulation Method has been established in over 100 countries.