The Billings Method of fertility regulation provides a woman with knowledge of her own fertility throughout all stages of her reproductive life. It is a method that is safe, reliable, and simple to use. It accounts for irregular cycles and can be effective for couples who have been previously diagnosed as ‘sub-fertile.’
Practicing the Billings Method can strengthen a couple’s relationship and provide a deeper awareness of the woman’s natural signs of fertility and infertility. Following the guidelines of the Method assists the couple to successfully postpone or achieve pregnancy with confidence. This personal knowledge of the natural processes of her fertility is both empowering and liberating.
How does the Billings Method work?
The Billings Method relies on 4 simple rules that are applicable in all circumstances and all stages of reproductive life. Through charting her sensation at the vulva and visual observations of mucus as she goes about her daily activities, a woman can observe her normal patterns of fertility and infertility. This then provides the couple with the knowledge on when to abstain from or engage in sexual intercourse. It is highly recommended that a woman works with a certified Billings instructor as she learns to recognize her own individual patterns.
Avoiding Pregnancy
Early Day Rule 1
Avoid intercourse on days of heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Early Day Rule 2
Alternate evenings are available for intercourse when these days have been recognised as infertile (Basic Infertile Pattern).
Early Day Rule 3
Avoid intercourse on days of discharge or bleeding which interrupts the Basic Infertile Pattern (BIP). Allow 3 days of BIP afterwards, before intercourse is resumed on the fourth evening of your BIP. Continue with Rule 2.
Peak Rule
From the beginning of the fourth day past the Peak until the end of the cycle, intercourse is available every day at any time of the day.
Achieving Pregnancy
Apply the Early Day Rules.
Once signs of fertility commence, postpone intercourse until the slippery sensation is observed.
Intercourse should occur over the time of the slippery sensation and for one or two days after.
Billings Method BC 