Rhythm Method

The rhythm method in its purest form is keeping track of a woman’s cycle and abstaining from sex on the days she can become pregnant. It is a natural and safe form of birth control. 

The rhythm method of birth control works with the natural ovulation cycle of a woman. It is based on the following: 

·        A woman ovulates 14 days before the first day of her menstrual cycle beginning (first day of period)

·        Sperm can live for three days

·        An egg can live for 24 hours

   ·        Abstaining from sex during the days that surround ovulation will prevent pregnancy
 

Since there are no devices, medications, creams, etc. involved, it is free any medical side affects for women, nursing babies, and for a fetus later down the road when a couple may be trying to conceive. Another benefit is that it fits with a lifestyle that avoids killing at every level: it doesn’t destroy sperm or fertilized eggs. There are no costs to the rhythm method of birth control. 

Some couples choose to use other forms of birth control during the time of ovulation. Since they are being used when a woman is most likely to become pregnant, the success rate of condoms and other barrier methods drops significantly. This is not a good choice of birth control for a woman who has medical reasons to avoid pregnancy or feels strongly against becoming pregnant. 

Many women have irregular menstrual cycles and it would be difficult to guess at the times she is most fertile. Even women with very regular menstrual cycles could have ovulation delayed during times of stress or illness. Some eggs and sperm can live longer than the average estimated lifespan. These factors affect the effectiveness of the rhythm method. 

The rhythm method is very affective when combined with other forms of natural family planning. Determining times of ovulation and avoiding sperm reaching egg is the core of natural family planning. Ways to determine the time of ovulation: 

·        Basal body temperature (BBT)-a special thermometer and charting is required

·        Cervical mucus-monitored daily, may or may not be charted

·        Other changes-documented daily, changes may include cramps, sleeping, appetite, cramps, urination frequency and other changes that occur near ovulation

For a woman who doesn’t mind a little work to gather information and to chart it, combining the rhythm method with other forms of natural family planning can be a very safe and affective form of birth control. It doesn’t require the cost or inconvenience of any appointments or prescriptions from a health care professional. When there is no risk of being infected with a sexually transmitted disease, many couples enjoy being free of using condoms and other forms of birth control during the “safe” times of the month. 

Abstinence is the safest way to avoid pregnancy during fertile times with the rhythm method and other forms of natural birth control. If other forms of birth control are used it may be safer to combine two methods of birth control (condom and contraceptive sponge). 

The rhythm method is moderately effective (75%) with typical use. In the rare cases it is used perfectly with a woman who has perfectly regular cycles it is highly effective (97%). Combined with other forms of natural family planning/fertility tracking it is highly effective as a birth control method. The percentage rate varies with the other forms of birth control. If intercourse occurs during fertile times, it can affect the effectiveness of the rhythm method. When intercourse does occur during fertile times, the method of birth control used will also affect the effectiveness of the rhythm method. 

With proper use and combined with other natural family planning methods, the rhythm method is the safest and least expensive of all birth control options.