Page 44 - Health, Population and Environment Education 10

i. Rhythm Method
Rhythm method is the method in which there is avoidance of sexual intercourse from
9th-19th day of menstruation. That period is regarded as unsafe period because there is
high chance of fertilization between sperm and ovum during this period. But, first eight
days of menstruation and the days after 20 day of menstruation are regarded as safe
th
period. There is less chance of fertilization between sperm and ovum during safe period.
This method is also called as calendar method. It is based on the menstruation cycle in the
females. This method is practised by many females.

ii. Withdrawl Method
The method in which males pull out their penis from vagina during the time of ejaculation
in sexual intercourse is called withdrawl method. This method is also called coitus
interruptus method. When the sperm is ejaculated outside the female’s body, there is no
chance of fertilization between sperm and ovum. This method is practically difficult to
practise because at the time of ejaculation, males are in orgasm phase and may not control
ejaculation of semen. This method is practised by males.

iii. Cervical Mucus Method
The method of testing cervical mucus before
having sexual intercourse is called as cervical
mucus method. In this method, people need to
wash their hand properly and insert the fingers
into vagina to take out mucus. Then, mucus is
stretched keeping it into thumb and index fingers.
If the mucus is thick, translucent, non-slippery
and non-stretchable, it indicates about safe period
for sexual intercourse. But, if the mucus is thin, Fig: 24
stretchable, slippery and transparent, it indicates
about unsafe period for sexual intercourse. This method is not much reliable method.

iv. Basal Body Temperature Method
The method in which body temperature of females is measured throughout the whole
month to judge about day of sexual intercourse is called as body temperature method. It
is said that body temperature of females is increased during the time of ovulation. Hence,
people can avoid sexual intercourse observing the body temperature.

v. Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM)
The period in which mother feeds her breast milk to
her baby is called lactation period. The lactational
amenorrhoea method remains effective among
the mothers who are quite active in breast feeding
their children. During the lactation period, there
is less production of oestrogen and progesterone
hormones, supression of ovum production and
postpone of menstruation cycle. As a result, Fig: 25
44 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10