Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a woman’s natural state of fertility is protected through the use of the Billings Ovulation Method®. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are ever used. Women appreciate the freedom in using the Billings Method™ and the increased knowledge they have of their own bodies. Men often comment that they have a greater understanding of their wife.
A teacher will meet with you in person or online training and show you a PowerPoint presentation that reviews the Billings Method™, including the basic science behind it, the four simple rules and how to chart your patterns of fertility and infertility. At that point, you will begin your own chart and two weeks later will meet with the teacher either in person or remotely to review your charting so far. You will be asked to abstain from intimate contact during that time in order to have a clear picture of what your hormones are doing. Most couples will meet with a teacher for four to six follow-ups to gain confidence and to insure accuracy.
Unique to natural methods of family planning, such as the Billings Method™, couples are able to reverse their pregnancy intentions from cycle to cycle.
A teacher will meet with you in person or online training and show you a PowerPoint presentation that reviews the Billings Method™, including the basic science behind it, the four simple rules and how to chart your patterns of fertility and infertility. At that point, you will begin your own chart and two weeks later will meet with the teacher either in person or remotely to review your charting so far. You will be asked to abstain from intimate contact during that time in order to have a clear picture of what your hormones are doing. Most couples will meet with a teacher for four to six follow-ups to gain confidence and to insure accuracy.
We do not require our teachers to charge a specific amount. It is best to ask them directly. Teachers often will charge a package price that includes all materials and follow-ups. Generally, it is about $135 but can be less or more depending on the teacher. It is a great investment because once you learn the Billings Method™ you will be able to use it until the woman reaches menopause and is no longer fertile.
In addition to a traditional paper chart and stickers, couples have the option to use charting with software found on www.nfpcharting.com It is available in several languages. The software is free for the first month and then a nominal fee is charged after that (approximately $20 per year). The software is available for the computer, iPhone/iPad and Android. It is simple and allows the teacher to review the chart remotely with the permission of the couple.
Because women become familiar with their individual signs and symptoms, they can quickly detect any changes that signal the need for medical attention. In addition, the chart which reflects the woman’s hormonal patterns and can be an excellent medical tool in detecting problems associated with low fertility.
Yes. In the average cycle, there is only a window of fertility. Without the use of drugs and devices, couples using the Billings Ovulation Method® can confidently identify times when pregnancy is impossible. Couples using the Billings Ovulation Method® simply abstain during times of possible fertility.
There are three rules to follow before ovulation (if pregnancy is to be postponed) and one rule after ovulation. Once couples understand the woman’s cycle and how to apply the rules, they can use this method until the woman reaches menopause.
There are three rules to follow before ovulation (if pregnancy is to be postponed) and one rule after ovulation. Once couples understand the woman’s cycle and how to apply the rules, they can use this method until the woman reaches menopause.
Yes. During breastfeeding a woman may experience a time of natural infertility. This time, however, is variable for every woman and for every pregnancy. This time of infertility depends upon the inter-relationship of many factors including the baby and mother’s needs, and the style and frequency of feeding. With the help of a certified Billings Ovulation Method® teacher, a breastfeeding woman can determine her pattern of infertility after two weeks of charting.
Pure and simple! The Billings Ovulation Method® can work effectively for women whether they are breastfeeding, weaning, coming off hormonal contraceptives or approaching menopause. Regardless of a woman’s particular situation, the four simple rules of the method are the same.
The Billings Ovulation Method® is taught and used in over 120 countries around the world. Trials of the effectiveness of the method for postponing and achieving pregnancy are ongoing.
In China, a study of 992 couples following the Billings Ovulation Method® guidelines for avoiding pregnancy for one year. There were five pregnancies in the study which were classified as people who did not listen to the information and therefore did not follow the guidelines. These were classified as Teaching Related Pregnancies. Method Related Pregnancies was 0%. As of 2005 there were close to 4 million Chinese couples using the Billings Method™.
In Indonesia, a trial done from 1978 – 1982 involved 1331 couples during a 42 month program and concluded a method effectiveness rate of 99%.
In India, there were 2059 couples following the Billings Ovulation Method® for 21 months. The method effectiveness was 99.15%.
In China, a study of 992 couples following the Billings Ovulation Method® guidelines for avoiding pregnancy for one year. There were five pregnancies in the study which were classified as people who did not listen to the information and therefore did not follow the guidelines. These were classified as Teaching Related Pregnancies. Method Related Pregnancies was 0%. As of 2005 there were close to 4 million Chinese couples using the Billings Method™.
In Indonesia, a trial done from 1978 – 1982 involved 1331 couples during a 42 month program and concluded a method effectiveness rate of 99%.
In India, there were 2059 couples following the Billings Ovulation Method® for 21 months. The method effectiveness was 99.15%.
We offer trainings throughout the year in various parts of the United States in English and Spanish. Our requirements for being accepted into a training are listed on our Teacher Training tab on this website. A typical training begins on a Thursday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. At the end of the training, there is a test. Those who pass begin a supervised practicum which takes approximately one year depending on the pace of the individual trainee. The practicum entails working with 6 – 10 couples until they are autonomous. During the practicum, the trainee is in close contact with his/her supervisor either in person or remotely depending on the location of the new teacher. If attending an in-person training is not possible, we offer a correspondence course. We strongly encourage attending in person when possible.
Yes! We welcome medical professionals as teachers. In fact, we want to encourage them so much to attend a training that we have applied for and received the ability to offer CMEs for physicians and CNEs for nurses who attend a complete weekend training. Please note that not all of our trainings provide nursing credits; only those where we have one of our nurse trainers presenting.
Pure and simple! The Billings Ovulation Method® can work effectively for women whether they are breastfeeding, weaning, coming off hormonal contraceptives or approaching menopause. Regardless of a woman’s particular situation, the four simple rules of the method are the same.
The Billings Ovulation Method® teaches couples about their combined fertility. It is a shared method that enriches marriages. Neither the husband nor the wife take sole responsibility for family planning. With the emphasis on increased communication and appreciation for the gift of fertility, couples frequently comment on the Billings Method™ being one of the best kept secrets!
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