Intended for healthcare professionals

Rapid response to:

Papers

The timing of the “fertile window” in the menstrual cycle: day specific estimates from a prospective study

BMJ 2000; 321 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7271.1259 (Published 18 November 2000) Cite this as: BMJ 2000;321:1259

Rapid Response:

Was this research done in the 1950s?

I am writing as a trainee Billings teacher.

Are Dr Wilcox et al not aware that the ‘rhythm’ or ‘calendar’ method
was superceded in the late 1950s by scientific methods such as
temperature, mucus and sympto-thermal methods? My mother (now 70 years
old) was not taught the calendar method because it was already outdated
but she used NFP 100% successfully throughout her fertile years. If Dr
Wilcox studied NFP at all – it is clearly at least half a century ago.

Modern methods of NFP are thoroughly researched and at least as
reliable (in some cases more reliable) than the many artificial methods of
contraception. I know of 13 major trials (including WHO) which
demonstrate this for the Billings Method alone (details on request). The
success rate is between 97-99%. It should be noted that the most common
cause of pregnancy using NFP is the couple’s conscious decision to have a
baby.

Many women like to take a holistic approach to their health, and NFP
is completely holistic. Women are in control of their own bodies and
suffer no side effects other than an enhanced understanding of their own
individual cycles and a more varied sex life. Unlike the obsolete calendar
method, modern methods of NFP take into account the irregularities of each
woman’s cycle.

I have practised the Billings Ovulation Method (mucus method) for 15
years and used it both to avoid and achieve pregnancy without any problems
at all. This method helps me anticipate my period, so I am never caught
without protection even though my periods are irregular. It is compatible
with breastfeeding and the pre-menopause phase. It is also a useful well-
woman check.

If you would like to know more, see the Billings website:

www.billings-centre.ab.ca/bc_home.htm

Yours sincerely

Rebecca Ng

Competing interests: No competing interests

24 November 2000
Rebecca Ng
trainee Billings Ovulation Method teacher
Billings Family Life Centre