Overview

The cervical mucus method is a type of natural family planning. Also called the Billings Ovulation Method, the cervical mucus method is based on careful observation of mucus patterns during your menstrual cycle.

Before ovulation, cervical secretions change — creating an environment that helps sperm travel through the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes to the egg. By recognizing changes in your cervical mucus, you can try to pinpoint when you're likely to ovulate — and when you're most likely to conceive.

If you're hoping to get pregnant, you can use the cervical mucus method to determine the best days to have sex. If you want to avoid pregnancy, the cervical mucus method can help you figure out which days to avoid unprotected sex.

Using the cervical mucus method for birth control requires motivation and diligence. If you don't want to conceive, you and your partner must avoid having sex or use a barrier method of contraception during your fertile days each month.