How to Use the Rhythm Method
The rhythm method is one of the many natural ways of birth control. This technique is based on the length of your menstrual cycle. Here are some tips you can follow to use the rhythm method.
Knowing the length of your menstrual cycle is very important. You may not be able to accurately use the rhythm method until you’ve observed several of your menstrual cycle. Take note of the number of days for your shortest and longest cycle. You’ll need this information when calculating for your infertile days. Mark the day your cycle begins. This is the first day of your menstruation.
Calculate for your pre- ovulatory phase days. Keep in mind that ovulation happens about 14 days before you get your period. From your recorded shortest cycle, subtract 19 days. This would give you an answer somewhere between 7 and 11 if you have a 30- 36 days cycle. Your answer would be the number of days that you’re infertile.
Determine the start of your post- ovulatory phase by subtracting 10 from your longest cycle. This will again be another infertile phase of your cycle. For a 30-36 days cycle, your post ovulatory phase would be on the 26th day.
Understand your days. The interpretation for the sample above would be that you’re infertile from the first day of your cycle until the 11th day. The 12th until the 25th day will be your fertile period. The 26th until the last day of your cycle is an infertile period. Don’t forget to mark the days of your menstruation. If your period lasts for 5 days, then the first 5 days of your infertile phase would be your menstrual phase.
Be extra cautious or avoid sexual intercourse on your fertile days.
Mark your calendar or use cycle beads to remind you of your phases. The easiest way to keep track of your cycle is by marking your days on the calendar. Use an X mark for fertile days and a check mark for non fertile days. There are colored cycle beads you can buy to help you remember your cycle. You can also just make one for yourself. Choose a color scheme that’s easy to remember. A good example would be using red beads for your menstrual period, green for your infertile phase and yellow for fertile phase. Associate the color red with blood or bleeding, green for go, meaning it’s safe to have sexual intercourse and yellow caution or avoidance of sex.
Using the rhythm method most effectively works on women who have regular cycles. Those with irregular cycles may have a hard time calculating for their phases. There are numerous natural birth control techniques. Use the one the best suits your needs.