Calendar or Rhythm
What Is It?
- Charting menstrual cycle to determine fertile days
- Abstinence from sex during fertile days
How Does It Work?
The egg and sperm do not meet - Fertilization will not happen
How Is It Used?
Woman charts menstrual cycle on a calendar. Fertile days are charted based on ovulatory cycle, knowing that usually:
- Ovulation happens between days 12 and 16 before your period
- Sperm lives for about 5 days
- Egg lives for 24 hours
Effectiveness:
75% - 91%
Benefits:
- No health risks or side effects
- Can be used to determine fertile days if pregnancy is wanted
- Responsibility is shared by couple
Possible Concerns
- May be hard to predict fertile days. Menstrual cycles can change due to stress or illness
- Abstinence can be hard to stick to
- Record-keeping is essential
DOES NOT REDUCE THE RISK OF HIV/AIDS OR STDs
