(introduction...)

There are also 3 methods to avoid pregnancy that do not require any devices or chemicals (as with barrier methods) or medicines (as with hormonal methods). The methods are:

· breastfeeding for the first 6 months
· the mucus method
· the rhythm method

IMPORTANT
Natural methods of family planning do not protect against STDs, including HIV/AIDS. If you use any of the natural methods listed in these pages, you still need to think about ways to protect yourself from these diseases.