That standard days method is a little like the calender method of family planning. Women who use this method calculate the most likely fertile days within a regular menstrual cycle. They use a chain of cycle beads to indicate which days they're fertile and which days they can safely have unprotected vaginal intercourse, according to the Institute for Reproductive Health. The standard days method relies on a predictable ovulation schedule, so if you ovulate at irregular times, you could become pregnant.
Step 1
Tie a knot in the end of your string to keep your beads from slipping off.
Step 2
Slip the black bead onto the string. Slip the rubber band over the red bead, then add the red bead to the string.
Step 3
Slip six brown beads on top of the red bead, then add the 12 white beads, then the remaining 13 brown beads.
Step 4
Take up the end of the string and slip it through the black bead again to close the circle. Leave a small amount of space between the black bead and the red bead to tie a knot. Clip off any extra string.
Step 5
Draw an arrow on the black bead with the white paint pen that points toward the red bead. Allow the paint to dry completely before using the cycle beads.
Step 6
Start tracking your fertility on the first day of your period with the rubber band, which is already on the red bead. The band on the red bead represents cycle day No. 1.
Step 7
Move the rubber band to a new bead each day. Move to the right as the arrow indicates, away from the black and red beads
Step 8
Use a backup method, like condoms, a cervical cap or a diaphragm on days that correspond with the white beads, according to Planned Parenthood. The white beads indicate your potential fertile days.
Step 9
Move the rubber band back to the red bead the day you get your period, even if you still have a few brown beads left on your strand.
Tips and Warnings
- This method is approximately 95 percent effective when used properly, according to the Institute for Reproductive Health.
- Do not use the standard days method if you have irregular menstrual cycles, if your cycle is less than 26 days long or more than 32 days longs.
Things You'll Need
- 12 to 18 inches of string
- White paint pen
- 1 black bead
- 1 red bead
- 12 white beads
- 18 brown beads
- 1/4-inch-diameter rubber band
