HEIDELBERG, Germany, Feb. 22 -- A natural family-planning method based on fertility self-monitoring may be as effective as hormonal contraception but only when used correctly, researchers said.
The natural method produced an unintended pregnancy rate of 0.43% per year for couples who abstained from sex during fertile times, reported Petra Frank-Herrmann, M.D., of the University of Heidelberg, and colleagues, online in Human Reproduction.
This reflected a "correct-use" failure rate comparable to the 1% rate per year for the birth control pill, they said.
However, when "incorrect use," such as unprotected sex during fertile times, was added to the calculation, the unintentional pregnancy rate rose to 1.61% per year for the overall cohort of 900 couples.
B mode and 3D Ultrasound images of a fetal abdomen (35wks) revealing gallbladder calculi
This case study shows a 26 week gestation with a cystic mass close to the sacrum.
CC is a 31 year old primigravida who was referred for ultrasound at a community hospital due to suspected cardiac anomalies noted on a screening sonogram at her doctor's office. Due to concern about a probable cardiac abnormality an amniocentesis was performed at the local hospital.
Single umbilical artery color doppler, transverse scan of urinary bladder shows single umbilical artery (left), transverse section of umbilical cord showing only two vessels: one vein and one artery (right).
Normal 35 week pregnancy