Contraception - the Billings method

The Billings method is a form of natural family planning that teaches a woman to interpret her signs of fertility. It doesn’t rely on any drugs or devices, and there are no side effects. A couple can either avoid or achieve a pregnancy once they understand how to identify fertile and infertile times during the woman’s menstrual cycle.

This is a cooperative method of family planning that puts the responsibility equally on both partners. Its success depends on the woman learning to understand her own individual pattern of fertility and the couple cooperating with the recommendations of the guidelines.

Safer sex considerations

Apart from complete abstinence, a monogamous (no other partners) relationship – where both partners are free from sexually transmissible infections (STIs) – is the next best protection against STIs. People who are not in a faithful, committed relationship may need to use other methods of contraception. The Billings method of family planning uses no barriers as protection against STIs.

Fertility facts

Within every menstrual cycle, there is only a small window of opportunity of approximately six days for conception. That’s because ovulation (the release of the egg from the ovary) happens on just one day in each cycle. The ovum (egg) lives for between 12 and 24 hours. Fertile mucus is produced by the cervix (neck of the womb) in the days leading up to ovulation. Sperm need this fertile mucus to survive. When it is present, sperm may live for three to five days.

The Billings method teaches the woman to identify ovulation, as well as the infertile phases in her cycle. Another physical clue to ovulation is a softened, swollen and slippery vulva.

The Billings method and the mucus pattern

If you pay daily attention to the mucus produced throughout your menstrual cycle, you will notice a pattern including:

• In the days following menstruation, you may either feel dry or notice a consistent pattern of discharge (infertile phase).
• Then you observe a change from the infertile phase, either in sensation or the appearance of the mucus. You no longer feel dry (beginning of the fertile phase).
• In the days leading up to ovulation, you will notice a changing pattern of sensation and mucus. The vulva will begin to feel slippery (fertile phase).
• The last day of the slippery sensation is the peak of fertility. Ovulation occurs no more than 48 hours after the peak.
• After the peak, the vulva feels dry or sticky. The woman is infertile from the fourth day past her peak until the next menstruation.
• Menstruation occurs 11 to16 days following the recognition of the peak if the cycle is fertile.

Any woman can use the Billings method

Once learned, the Billings method can be applied throughout a woman’s reproductive life. It can be used with regular and irregular cycles. You can use it:

• To either avoid or achieve a pregnancy
• To identify the return to fertility after childbirth
• As a safe form of family planning during breastfeeding
• To chart your changing cycles leading up to menopause.

Professional instruction in the Billings method

Individual instruction is advisable. There are Billings Method clinics located around Australia that offer detailed training and support.

Where to get help

• Billings Life Leaders In Fertility Education Tel. (03) 9802 2022 or 1800 335 860
• Your doctor
• Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100

Things to remember

• The Billings method is a form of natural family planning that teaches a woman to interpret her signs of fertility.
• The success of this method depends on the couple having accurate information and then cooperating with the guidelines of the Billings method.
• The Billings method offers no protection against sexually transmissible infections.
• It is advisable to get individual instruction from a trained Billings method teacher.

You might also be interested in:

• Contraception - choices.
  
• Contraception - condoms for men.
  
• Contraception - condoms for women.
  
• Contraception - diaphragms.
  
• Contraception - emergency contraception.
  
• Contraception - implants and injections.
  
• Contraception - injections for men.
  
• Contraception - intrauterine devices (IUD).
  
• Contraception - the pill.
  
• Contraception - tubal ligation.
  
• Contraception - vasectomy.
  
• Reproductive system.
  
• Sex education - talking to young people.
  

Want to know more?

Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

Billings Life In Fertility Education

Last reviewed: February 2013

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:

<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Contraception_the_Billings_method?open">Contraception - the Billings method - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
The Billings method is a form of natural birth control that teaches a woman to recognise when she is infertile and when she is fertile by examining cervical mucus. The success rate depends on the couple's commitment, and their willingness to avoid genital contact and penetrative sex during the woman's fertile times.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2013  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.