Rhythm Method

What is the rhythm method?

The act of abstaining from sexual intercourse on the days of the woman's menstrual cycle 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 there are calculations you can do to predict 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 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%


• Perfect use: 1-9%

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.

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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Additional Outside Sources

Below is additional information and resources. Some are links to other Internet pages, which might have information on health topics of interest to you. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them. In addition, PAMF has no control over the privacy practices of external Web sites. The user should read and understand the policies of all Web sites with respect to their privacy practices. These links are provided for your general information and education only, and should NOT be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have questions, please contact your health care provider.

Planned Parenthood. Birth Control [Online]. Accessed September 2007.

The National Women's Health Information Center. Birth Control Methods [Online]. Accessed September 2007.
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