The rhythm method of birth control is one technique of the natural family planning or fertility awareness method of birth control. It consists of identifying the fertile days in a woman's menstrual cycle and avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse during those days.
Use
Women using the rhythm method of birth control use a calendar to record the length of their menstrual cycles, with the first day of bleeding counting as the first day of the cycle. The American Pregnancy Association recommends doing this for a period of eight to 12 months before implementing the method to increase accuracy and effectiveness. After the woman has collected the data she needs, she should subtract 18 from the shortest menstrual cycle recorded, which will result in the first day of the fertile period. She should then subtract 11 from the longest menstrual cycle, which will result in the last day of the fertile period. To use this method as birth control, couples should use a barrier method of birth control or abstain from sexual intercourse completely within the time period falling between the first fertile day and last fertile day.
Benefits
Using the rhythm method to prevent pregnancy may not be the most effective birth control option, but it does have advantages. Unlike other birth control method, the rhythm method is completely free, relatively easy to use, does not have any unwelcome side effects and typically does not go against religious beliefs.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of this method of birth control can vary. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is an estimated failure rate of 13 to 25 percent. To increase the effectiveness of the rhythm method, couples should consider combining this method with other fertility awareness techniques. These techniques involve monitoring a woman's cervical mucus, tracking basal body temperature changes and watching for other physical symptoms of ovulation. If a woman has recently given birth, is breastfeeding or is approaching menopause, the effectiveness of this method may compromised. These women should discuss this issue with their doctor before implementing this method.
Warnings
Illness, stress and other factors can affect when a woman ovulates, so trying to predict ovulation using the rhythm method may not always be accurate, notes the Mayo Clinic. Women with consistently irregular cycles, in particular, may want to consider using another method of birth control that would be more effective.
Considerations
Although the rhythm method can be used as a form of birth control, it also can be used to increase your chances of conceiving when you decide you would like to become pregnant. To take this approach, couples simply need to increase the frequency of sexual intercourse during the fertile period instead of avoid it or using a barrier method of birth control.
