How does it work to prevent pregnancy?
You identify the days each menstrual cycle when sex is most likely to result in pregnancy. Then, you avoid sex or use another birth control method (like condoms) on those “unsafe” days.
How effective is it in preventing pregnancy?
25 in 100 couples typically experience a pregnancy in the first year of using this method. This varies widely based on how well they were taught to practice the method, how exactly they track biological signs, and how strict the couple is in abstaining/using an alternate form of birth control during fertile times.
How effective is it in preventing STDs?
NOT effective at all! If a person has sex, condoms must ALSO be used to reduce the risk of STDs and HIV.
Other Things to Know about the Rhythm Method:
Advantages:
- Increases knowledge of the menstrual cycle
- Could result in increased communication
Disadvantages:
- Works best for people who have very regular menstrual periods—but many people (including teens) often have irregular periods
- Unclear communication and poor cooperation can be a great risk for pregnancy
- A teen’s relationship may not be stable or committed enough to develop the trust and cooperation needed for this method to be effective
- It can be challenging to interpret your body’s signs (e.g., changes in mucous, body temperature, orientation of the cervix)
- It can take many months of training and record keeping before a couple can try to use the method
Acknowledgements: This fact sheet was adapted from PlannedParenthood.org, a website that provides education about reproductive and sexual health.
