Rhythm method how does it work

This tells her the estimated first day of her fertile time. Then she subtracts 11 days from the length of her longest recorded cycle. This tells her the estimated last day of her fertile time. Avoid unprotected sex during fertile time The couple avoids vaginal sex, or uses condoms or a diaphragm, during the fertile time.

They can also use withdrawal or spermicides, but these are less effective. Update calculations monthly She updates these calculations each month, always using the 6 most recent cycles. However, if you want to use the rhythm method for birth control, talk to your health care provider first if:. Keep in mind that many factors, including medications, stress and illness, can affect the exact timing of ovulation.

Using the rhythm method to predict ovulation can be inaccurate, especially if your cycle is irregular. A more modern approach to the calendar rhythm method is the Standard Days method. This method works best if your menstrual cycles are usually between 26 and 32 days long. To help you keep track of your cycle days, you can use a tool such as CycleBeads — a color-coded string of beads that allows you to identify fertile and nonfertile days.

Or you can use the CycleBeads app to keep track of cycle days. From the app, you can also learn whether the Standard Days method is appropriate for you, based on the length of your menstrual cycles. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Rhythm method for natural family planning About. Overview The rhythm method, also called the calendar method or the calendar rhythm method, is a form of natural family planning.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. It requires careful attention to your menstrual cycle and logging the days of your period, as well as calculating when you are most likely to be fertile. You can supplement it by noting changes in your body or using ovulation predictors, such as test strips, but it is not as effective as other means of birth control if you want to avoid pregnancy.

Deciding to become pregnant and avoiding a pregnancy are significant issues women face throughout their lives. If you are considering the rhythm method of birth control, consult with your healthcare provider to make sure you have all the facts and that you are administering it properly. It is considered one of the least effective methods of birth control, but combining it with other methods, like observing changes in the cervix and using ovulation test strips, can increase the effectiveness.

In addition to natural family planning, including the rhythm method, women today have various birth control options. These include IUDs intrauterine devices or implants, hormonal birth control by pill, injection, or inserted ring , and barrier methods including condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.

Other forms like spermicide, contraceptive gels, and sponges are less effective. If you do not want to be pregnant and are concerned that you might be pregnant because you had unprotected sex when you were ovulating, you can use a morning-after pill, like Plan B , which is considered emergency contraception. You can buy a morning-after pill over the counter in drugstores.

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Fertility awareness. What's the calendar method of FAMs? Weis J, Festin M. Implementation and scale-up of the standard days method of family planning: a landscape analysis. Glob Health Sci Pract. What's the standard days method? What's the cervical mucus method of FAMs? Cleveland Clinic. Basal body temperature. Updated April 23, National Library of Medicine. Ovulation home test. Updated March 28, Plan B One-Step. What is plan B? Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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