HOPEs - Health Outreach Peer Educators

Rhythm Method

What is it?
Women track their periods to determine when they are most likely to be fertile (ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the next period starts). Women can also track temperature changes during the cycle that indicate ovulation.

How reliable is it?
The efficacy of this method depends largely on identifying days during each menstrual cycle when intercourse will result in pregnancy. The effectiveness also depends on how meticulously you practice it and on the predictability of your periods and ovulation periods. With perfect use, nine women per 100 will become pregnant with the rhythm method.

Are there any hormones involved?
No

Does this type of contraceptive offer protection from STI/STDs?
No

What are the advantages?
It requires no devices or chemicals and is available in all sexual situations. Overall fertility awareness increases the couples' knowledge of their reproductive potential and enhances self-reliance. In addition, the rhythm method produces no side effects as some hormonal contraceptives can.

What are the disadvantages?
Disadvantages range from no protection from sexually transmitted infections to a lack of participation from the male partner. Recent discontinuation of hormonal contraceptive methods can also cause complications for women wishing to use this method for contraception.