gynecology and obstetrics
Fertility Awareness‒Based Methods of Contraception
Two day method
The 2-day (ovulation, or mucus) method is based only on cervical mucus assessment. Cervical mucus may be absent for a few days after menses. After the mucus reappears, it tends to be cloudy, thick, and inelastic. Shortly before ovulation, the amount of mucus increases, and the mucus becomes thinner, clearer, and more elastic than usual. It resembles raw egg whites and stretches between the fingers. Intercourse is avoided completely during menses (because mucus cannot be checked). It is permitted during the days when mucus is completely absent, but during these days, intercourse is restricted to every other day (so that semen is not confused with mucus). Intercourse is avoided from the time mucus first appears after menses until 4 days after the amount peaks. Intercourse is permitted without restriction from 4 days after the amount of mucus peaks until menses begin. A change in cervical mucus indicates ovulation more accurately than body temperature. 