Anyone chart as birth control?

Because of an issue with my job and because we're planning some major work on our apartment, we've decided to hold off TTC until January.

In the meantime, I really want off of BCP - I'm on a low dose pill and have started to have some breakthrough bleeding but since we're going to start TTC soon, the doctor doesn't want to up my dosage. The spotting is annoying to say the least and I just really want to know about my cycles. I told DH I wanted to stop and he was slightly weird about it - he thinks when we do TTC it'll happen right away like magic and there's no sense stopping until we're really ready.

It might, and of course I don't want to obsess before we even start...anyway, I figure if you use charting to tell when you're fertile, then by default you're also using it to see when you're not. I've never been a "family planning" sort of girl, but wondering if anyone has used it as a form of birth control?

I should say also that IF we did get PG accidentally, it would be welcomed. Just slightly earlier than we had planned.

Re: Anyone chart as birth control?

I charted as birth control before I was ready to ttc. I can't go on hormonal bc for health reasons. The trick is to chart and learn your cycle. Once you know when you are fertile, around 5 days before ovulation and 2 days after, you can either avoid sex during that time or use a barrier method. Just remember that there is sperm in the fluids even before ejaculation so I would not suggest the pull and pray method. You should pick up the book Taking Charge of your Fertility. It is a great reference whether ttc or tta. Good luck.

Re: Anyone chart as birth control?

I agree with the PP. I have been off BCPs for over 3 years and charted to avoid pregnancy. It's a great feeling being off the pills and knowing how your body works. DH & I just avoided each other for the week that I was fertile LOL

TCoYF is a highly recommended book on this site...I didn't love it. fertilityfriend.com was helpful.

Re: Anyone chart as birth control?

i went off BCP 3 months ago and have been charting my temps and CM as birth control. it works great if you follow the rules strictly. however, they recommend that you do not rely on it for birth control the first few months after BCP b/c it may take your body a few months to adjust. you said that if you get PG before Jan, then it would be okay. so if you go off BCP, i definitely recommend you start charting and watching your CM. the book Taking Charge of your fertility can help you chart and i also use fertilityfriend.com for my charting. good luck

Re: Anyone chart as birth control?

i just went off bcp after being on it for 8 years. I want to start ttc in June but just wanted to see what my body would be like if i was off bcp. Now im charting to see when i ovualte so i can use it as birth control. Taking charge of your fertility is a great book that explains everything!!!!

Re: Anyone chart as birth control?

That's what we did and it was very reliable for the more than 3 years. It does take a couple of months though to learn and get regular after hormonal BC.
I love no hormones and understanding my body and just feeling natural and pure and when you do TTC it'll be that much easier.