Final answer:
Natural family planning methods involve tracking ovulation using basal body temperature and cervical mucus changes or practicing withdrawal. These require careful monitoring to be effective and have higher failure rates compared to other contraception methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural Family Planning Methods
Natural methods of family planning are types of behavioral contraception that rely on understanding the female menstrual cycle to avoid pregnancy. One common approach involves tracking basal body temperature or noting changes in cervical mucus to estimate when ovulation occurs. During the time around ovulation, which is the most fertile period, couples abstain from or carefully time intercourse to minimize the chances of fertilization. A second method is withdrawal, which involves the male partner withdrawing before ejaculation, although this has a relatively high failure rate.
It is important to note that these methods require diligence and accurate tracking to be effective, and even then, there is a failure rate associated with them. Due to the complexity of these methods and variations in each individual's cycle, they are not as effective as other forms of contraception, such as hormonal methods or barrier methods.