The rhythm method, which is usually now called natural family planning or fertility awareness-based birth control, is a simple concept. The rhythm method requires that a couple abstain from sex during the woman's fertile period--ovulation. Although it can be very effective if done correctly, it can be difficult to do it correctly and know exactly when a woman is ovulating. It takes careful planning and understanding of a woman's body and menstrual cycle, but many women find that the rhythm method is an effective form of birth control that's without the risk of side effects.
Step 1
Take your temperature. One method of the rhythm method, or natural family planning, involves taking your temperature with a basal body temperature thermometer each day. Most women notice a slight rise in their temperatures during ovulation. It's only a tiny increase--around 0.9 degrees, says the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). And while the temperature increase is usually only noticeable for a day, you should abstain from sex until after your period and until at least three days after your temperature spikes, suggests the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Step 2
Keep a record of temperatures. Each day that you take your temperature, record it on a chart. Try doing this for about six months to get a good idea of whether or not your cycles are regular, and look for a pattern in the slight increase in body temperature. That will help you to understand when you ovulate, track it each month and be able to tell ahead of time when you are ovulating.
Step 3
Check cervical mucus. For a few days before a woman ovulates, the cervical mucus changes in texture. The mucus gets the most wet and most slippery during ovulation--it's called the "peak" day. The AAFP says that it becomes very slippery and elastic--kind of like a raw egg white. Feel just inside the vagina with your fingers and look for signs of wet and stretchy mucus that wasn't there before, or look for discharge in your underwear or on toilet paper. Record that on a chart to help you figure out when you will ovulate the next month.
Step 4
Look for signs and symptoms. Many women notice physical symptoms during ovulation, like tender breasts, pain in the lower back, light spotting or even some minor cramping. These symptoms signify ovulation says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Step 5
Know when your period starts. Women who have regular menstrual periods can use a calendar to figure out when they ovulate, says the AAFP. If you know when your period will start, you likely ovulate 14 days prior to the start of menstruation. Track this for at least six months, suggests ACOG.
Step 6
Abstain from sex. Once you have figured out when you ovulate based on one (or several) of these methods, you know when to abstain from sex. Avoid sexual intercourse for the days before and a few days after ovulation to avoid pregnancy. This means abstaining from sex at the first sign of cervical mucus, symptoms and increased temperature, and wait until at least six to seven days after the peak of ovulation until you have sex. Keep in mind that sperm can live inside the body for days--as long as a week--so you can't just skip sex for a day and think you're safe. If you have sex any time within up to seven days of ovulating, there is still a chance you can get pregnant.
Tips and Warnings
- It can be difficult to tell when you're ovulating, so try an over-the-counter ovulation kit to help you determine if you're ovulating and should avoid sex.
- Menstrual cycles can be irregular, and the rhythm method is not effective unless you know exactly when you're ovulating and you abstain from sex.
Things You'll Need
- Basal body temperature thermometer
- Chart
- Calendar
- Ovulation test kit (optional)
