Bhering, M. S., & Kajiyama, H. (1980). Family Planning - "Billings" ovulation method. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da U S P, 14(3), 257-263. https://doi.org/10.1590/0080-6234198001400300257
Bhering MS, Kajiyama H. Family Planning - "Billings" ovulation method. Rev Esc Enferm USP. 1980;14(3):257-263. doi:10.1590/0080-6234198001400300257
Bhering, Martha Sílvia, and Hisako Kajiyama. "Family Planning - "Billings" ovulation method." Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da U S P, vol. 14, no. 3, 1980, pp. 257-263.
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Hospital e Maternidade Vila Maria, Brasil
EEUSP, Brasil
RRM Academy Synopsis
Billings Ovulation Method identifies fertile days by cervical mucus
A 1980 Brazilian nursing review presents the Billings method as viable because after instruction, a woman can find her fertile days from cervical mucus changes. The authors describe the charting system and experience abroad and propose training for instructors.
Key Findings
Cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery and egg-white-like as estrogen rises; a cited source places the peak mucus symptom on the day of ovulation or 1 day before it.
The article describes a daily chart on which women record menstruation, dry days and mucus changes, mark the peak, and count the 3 days after it as fertile.
The authors read a table from a 1979 review by Lanctot of studies in other countries as showing a low method failure rate, with sexual behavior as the main variable.
A cited World Health Organization report describes experiences in 5 countries (Ireland, India, El Salvador, the Philippines, New Zealand) on how easily women recognize cervical mucus in the first or second cycle.
The authors judge the method viable in Brazil, where it was introduced in 1975, and call for standardized methods and instructor training at municipal, state and national levels.
Interpretation
The article is a descriptive review first given at a 1980 forum on maternal and child care in São Paulo. It summarizes the cycle changes behind the method, the charting diagram and results from other countries. The authors note that Brazilian research on the method was at an early stage. Citing Lanctot, they list its advantages as harmlessness, women's self-knowledge and no need for physicians or costly resources in developing countries, and name periodic abstinence as its disadvantage.
RRM Context
The Billings ovulation method is a fertility awareness-based method. A woman's own daily observations of cervical mucus show her where she stands in her cycle. Charting like this builds body literacy and gives clinicians cycle information for evaluation. The article records the method's arrival in Brazil in 1975 and 1976.
Our editorial summary of this paper, not the article's abstract.
Abstract
The authors present "Billing" ovulation method as natural family planning.
