Rhythm Method Notes

If you are considering using the Rhythm Method for birth control here are a few things you need to consider.

You cannot start using this method instantly and will need to note your cycles for at least 6 months first. The better you know your cycle timing the more successful you will be.

The assumption that ovulation will always occur at the same time every month is not always valid. Although they may follow a similar pattern, a woman’s menstrual cycle can vary from month to month.

The rhythm method is not recommended for women who have irregular cycles or who do not have menstrual cycles that are exactly the same number of days every month.

Any changes to your lifestyle, such as taking medication, dealing with stress, illness, starting menopause or breastfeeding can change the length of your cycle. It is helpful to know just how much variation in your cycle such things cause.

There is another practice called observational fertility awareness (FA). This is significantly more effective than using the Rhythm method by itself.

The Rhythm Method assumes that all bleeding is true menstruation but mid-cycle or ovulatory bleeding can be caused by a number of factors. Incorrectly identifying mid-cycle bleeding as menstruation can cause your calculations to be incorrect.

Ovulation predictor kits are available at your local drugstore. These kits are used to test your urine to identify hormones that indicate when ovulation is about to occur.

The rhythm method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To protect against STDs couples having sex must always use condoms along with their chosen method of birth control.