Billings’s ovulation method
The Billings Ovulation Method
(BOM) is a method which women use to
monitor their fertility, by identifying when they are fertile
and when they are infertile
during each ovarian/menstrual cycle.
Users pay attention to the sensation at their vulva,
and the appearance of any vaginal discharge. The Billings Ovulation Method does
not rely on the presence of ovulation, rather it identifies patterns of
potential fertility and obvious infertility within the cycle, whatever its
length. This information can be used to achieve or avoid pregnancy
during regular or irregular cycles throughout all stages of
reproductive life, including breastfeeding, and peri-menopause.
Described by the World Organisation
of the Ovulation Method Billings (WOOMB) as
"Natural Fertility Regulation", this method may be used as a form of fertility awareness or natural family planning, as
well as a way to mo
nitor gynecological
health.
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| The participant of Billing Ovulation Method course from Kenya,India and Tanzania attending the course at Ndanda third from right is Bro.Benedict from Hanga Health Centre Tanzania and second from left is Sr Birigit OSB R.I.P. |
Guidelines for Achieving Pregnancy using the Billings Ovulation Method
The couple should be given an initial instruction and a good history taken. They should then be asked to commence charting whilst abstaining from intercourse, however if the woman recognises signs of fertility during the first cycle of charting – slipperiness and/or softness and swelling of the vulva – the couple should be advised to have intercourse as it may be that such symptoms are only occasionally observed. They should be asked to return for follow-up interviews at regular intervals.
At the first follow-up appointment, once the Basic Infertile Pattern can be identified, the couple should be encouraged to express their love for one another by having intercourse following the Early Day Rules (see Bulletin of Ovulation Method Research & Reference Centre of Australia No. 35, Vol 2, p 23). Prolonged abstinence, while waiting for fertility when hoping to achieve pregnancy, is counter-productive and detrimental to the relationship.
Once a change from the Basic Infertile Pattern is noticed the couple should wait until the slippery sensation develops. These few days of waiting will ensure sperm numbers are at optimum levels and will enable the women to be aware of the developing pattern of fertility without her being confused by the presence of seminal fluid. Intercourse over the days of the slippery sensation and for the first couple of days after the Peak will give the best opportunity for conception to occur.
For women who have difficulty recognising the slippery sensation the swollen vulva sign will be of assistance. For women who have previously been diagnosed with tubal damage on one side, the Lymph Node Sign, as described by Sr Brigit OSB tutzing sister from Ndanda will be invaluable. Around the time of ovulation a lymph gland in the groin on the same side as the ovulating ovary enlarges to about the size of a pea and becomes tender when pressed. Daily examination of this gland will reveal the increase in size and tenderness. This is best done lying down with hands on lower abdomen and fingers straight and pointing down the leg, so that the middle finger can feel the pulsating artery to the leg. The index finger will then be over the gland which is indicating the side of ovulation. Intercourse can then be planned to avoid the damaged tube.
Above all a confident and relaxed teacher will engender a patient and relaxed couple who, with a sound understanding of fertility, will be able to maximize their chances of welcoming a baby into their family.
