Rhythm method Health Dictionary

Research based on critical evaluation through observation or experimentation, not opinion or speculation.... empirical methods

The scientific study of methods.... methodology

A method of preventing pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm to the uterus, for example by using a condom or a diaphragm. (See also contraception, barrier methods of.)... barrier method

Also called the mucus inspection method, a technique in which a woman notes changes in the characteristics of mucus produced by the cervix in order to predict ovulation for the purposes of contraception or family planning.... billings’ method

A method of contraception, also called the rhythm method, based on abstaining from sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation (calculated by a woman’s menstrual cycles). The method is unreliable because the menstrual cycle may vary (see contraception, natural methods).... calendar method

A form of contraception based on identifying periods for abstinence from intercourse according to the changes in the mucus secreted by a woman’s cervix (see contraception, natural methods of).... cervical mucus method

The use by women of synthetic progestogen drugs, which are often combined with synthetic oestrogens, to prevent pregnancy.

These drugs suppress ovulation and make cervical mucus thick and impenetrable to sperm.

They also cause thinning of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), which reduces the chance of a fertilized egg implanting successfully.

The best-known form of hormonal contraception is the contraceptive pill (see oral contraceptives).

The hormones can also be given as contraceptive implants under the skin, by injection (see contraceptives, injectable), or be released by IUDs.... contraception, hormonal methods of

Methods of avoiding conception based on attempts to pinpoint a woman’s fertile period around the time of ovulation, so that sexual intercourse can be avoided at this time. The calendar method is based on the assumption that ovulation occurs around 14 days before menstruation. Because of its high failure rate, it has been largely superseded by other methods. The temperature method is based on the normal rise of a woman’s body temperature in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation has occurred. The woman takes her temperature daily using an ovulation thermometer. Sex is considered to be only safe after there has been a sustained temperature rise for at least 3 days.

The cervical mucus method attempts to pinpoint the fertile period by observing and charting the amount and appearance of cervical mucus during the menstrual cycle.

Recognized changes in the mucus occur before and often at ovulation.

The symptothermal method combines the temperature and cervical mucus methods.... contraception, natural methods of

See coitus interruptus.... contraception, withdrawal method of

See contraception, natural methods of.... mucus method of contraception

See contraception, natural methods of.... symptothermal method

See contraception, natural methods of.... temperature method

See coitus interruptus.... withdrawal method

a method of planning pregnancy involving the daily examination of cervical mucus, which varies in consistency and colour throughout the menstrual cycle. Use of a Billings mucus observation chart to help identify the type of mucus enables the woman to have six days’ warning of impending ovulation. [J. and E. Billings (20th century), Australian physicians]... billings method

a technique for expelling the placenta from the uterus. Upward pressure is applied to the uterus through the abdominal wall while holding the umbilical cord taut. When the uterus is elevated in this way, the placenta will be in the cervix or upper vagina and is then expelled by applying pressure below the base of the uterus. [T. Brandt (1819–95), Swedish obstetrician; H. R. Andrews (1872–1942), British gynaecologist]... brandt–andrews method

(triple rhythm) a third heart sound, which in association with a fast heart rate resembles the sound of a galloping horse. It is a sign of left ventricular failure (see heart failure).... gallop rhythm

a method of staining for the demonstration of enzymes, especially phosphatases and lipases, in histological specimens. [G. Gomori (1904–57), Hungarian histochemist]... gomori’s method

a normal heart rhythm, usually as recorded on an electrocardiogram. The *sinoatrial node, located in the right atrium, normally functions as the natural pacemaker for the heart.... sinus rhythm

see gallop rhythm.... triple rhythm