Rhythm Method

Rhythm method, or natural family planning, is a method of contraception that uses natural indicators to identify when a woman is at her least (or most) fertile during each menstrual cycle.

How Does It Work?

If a couple doesn't have sex around the time of ovulation, as a general rule the girl won’t get pregnant. The trick is knowing when ovulation happens.

How do you work it out?

Couples can use a calendar, a thermometer to measure body temperature, a kit that tests the thickness of cervical mucus, or a kit that tests for ovulation. The ovulation kits are more useful for couples who are trying to get pregnant.

Facts to note:

• The fertile period around ovulation lasts 6 to 9 days and during this time the couple who does not want to get pregnant should not have unprotected sex.
• It doesn’t protect against STD’s
• Don’t forget sperm can live inside the body for up to seven days
• This method relies heavily on the ability to accurately work out the fertile times each month - If the indicators aren’t correctly calculated, the method has a high risk of failure
• If the woman is stressed, tired, ill etc, these indicators can be affected - so don’t rely on this method if you don’t want to get pregnant!
• Over the course of 1 year, as many as 25 out of 100 typical couples who rely on the rhythm method to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy…. This is not a reliable way to prevent pregnancy!!