title: The Billings method of family planning: an assessment.
abstract: The Billings/ovulation method is a periodic abstinence method of regulating births based on the client's interpretation of changing patterns in secretions of cervical mucus monitored by external self-examination. It was developed in Australia and is now widely promoted overseas. This paper outlines the method's recent history and goes on to discuss its physiological basis, its use-effectiveness as measured in a number of major trials, and some evidence concerning its general acceptability and applicability in family planning programs.
mesh_terms: D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D002582:Cervix Mucus / Q000378:metabolism; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D012252:Natural Family Planning Methods; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D007986:Luteinizing Hormone