Rhythm Method

What is the rhythm method?

The act of abstaining from sexual intercourse on the days of the woman's menstrual cycle (around ovulation) when she could become pregnant (or using a barrier method of birth control on these days).

How is it used?

• To use the rhythm method, you must know the length of your menstrual cycles for the previous year. You can also record changes in your cervical mucus and take your basal body temperature every day before you get out of bed, and chart those changes to understand when you ovulate. Then you calculate the days of the month that you will probably not get pregnant. If you abstain from sex on the unsafe days, or use a barrier method on those days, you can probably avoid pregnancy.


• You must learn about the rhythm method or talk to a clinician before using it.

Does it protect against STIs?
No!

Does it protect against pregnancy?
Yes, but only when used correctly and consistently.

What are the chances of getting pregnant while using the rhythm method?

• Typical use: 25 percent


• Perfect use: 1 to 9 percent

Advantages to using the rhythm method?

The rhythm method is completely safe, and requires no apparatus. It poses no threat to the users' health and has no effect on long-term fertility.

Disadvantages to using the rhythm method?

• Some people find the time and attention required to keep the charts is a bother, or have schedules that are too unpredictable to take their temperature regularly.


• You must keep at least two months of charts before you begin to use this method of birth control.


• You can have "off" cycles that still put you at risk of getting pregnant.

Note: Speak with a health care provider about this complex method before using it as your only form of birth control.

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