Does counting days really prevent pregnancy?

Actually counting days correctly, as in the use of Natural Family Planning is as effective as the pill. This is based on a new study published this last February. Here is a link to a synopsis of the study:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/02/070221065200.htm

Comments

thnx i'll go check it out right now
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by El Fabrizio on April 7th, 2007
What is that expression Science_Geek.. "Physician heal thy self". Your family is growing by the moment.
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by Sheriff Raff -Answerhag on April 7th, 2007
I would say the fine print in that report is very important - it needs a lot more training and time to get it right and only with that training is it effective... since this is the only study I have seen that reports this outcome, I would prefer to see a study where all the studies done on this topic were compared. The author does not state who paid for the research (which can bias results), and the sample size was not significant. I would not want anyone to try this method without correct training and information. In addition, if this counting method is the Billings Method, it was actually developed to help people get pregnant. :)
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by Anonymous on April 7th, 2007
Yes the training is important. Riff Raff, we already explained what happened to you, don't you remember? We relied on the opinion of a gynechologist that turned out to be incorrect. NFP does work if the training is correctly taken and the rules correctly followed.
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by science_geek on April 7th, 2007
wow u guys r really helpful on this. thnx alot
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by El Fabrizio on April 7th, 2007
_tani1: My question to you is why would the funding matter. This paper was published in a scientific journal and is subject to peer review. I can assure you that peer review is a very intense process and no scientist is very likely to risk their reputation based on funding, especially on such a controversial subject where the data can easily be checked and the study replicated, and almost certainly will be if it has not been already.
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by science_geek on April 7th, 2007
In all peer-review journals, the funding source is generally stated - when I learned about reviewing journal articles I was taught (among many items) that the funding is indeed important, as well as the size of the cohort & the methods used in the study. It is better to have an open mind when reading a study - I would believe this more if it was published in BMJ, or another very high profile journal, rather than one I had not heard of (not to suggest that if I have not heard of the journal it is no good - my knowledge is in no way all-encompassing). I was just using skills I learned at a prior time. I would also rather base my analysis on the whole article (rather than a synopsis - although you probably have to pay to see the whole article). That synopsis was based on a media release from the original article, thus not allowing proper analysis. I wasn't trying to pick on you, it is just once you are pregnant it is hard to go backwards! :) no offense meant, debate is good! :)
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by Anonymous on April 7th, 2007
I understand, after all I am a working scientist. I use ScienceDaily articles as they are easily available, generally accurate, and free. They also list the original source so that if you are truly interested you can find it in your library or pay for the access yourself. I read it every day, it keeps me abreast of developpments across disciplines.
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by science_geek on April 7th, 2007
oh wow i've spawned a scientific debate here.
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by El Fabrizio on April 7th, 2007
No worries science_geek - what is the area of science that you work in? I studied nutrition & food science and work in the food industry (although I have not yet got a lot of experience, I have only been out of uni for two years).
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by Anonymous on April 7th, 2007
shit im still in high school and im the asker of this question...
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by El Fabrizio on April 7th, 2007
A curious mind is an excellent thing anonymous! Keep that and you will go far :)
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by Anonymous on April 7th, 2007
lol thnx. but im never willing to work for the answer. thats y AB is such a useful site for me. do my homework guys! lol jk
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by El Fabrizio on April 7th, 2007
_tani1: I am a biologist doing active research for a small biotech. I test the behavior of KO animals.
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by science_geek on April 7th, 2007
Cheers! Nice doing business with you today :)
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by Anonymous on April 7th, 2007
Likewise. A good discussion is always interesting.
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by science_geek on April 7th, 2007