Guest Author - Stephanie Cummings

Many women that have ethical, moral, or even financial objections to some available birth control yet wish to avoid pregnancy turn to a technique known as the Rhythm Method also known as natural family planning.

Where many birth control methods allow an egg to become fertilized but inhibit implantation, the rhythm method does not in anyway interfere with conception, fertilization or implantation, Therefore, it is the only accepted form of birth control by most conservative organizations, including, but not limited to the Roman Catholic Church.

Of course, it has its cons too. My grandmother was always happy to explain the rhythm method to any young woman that was needing to know exactly how it worked, but she was quick to preamble her tutorial with the quick fact that she got pregnant four times while using the rhythm method. So, while it is widely accepted, encouraged, and even taught by churches and other pro-life organizations, it is not usually the most effective form of birth control according to doctors everywhere.

That being said, when used correctly, by a woman that has a very regular menstrual cycle, it can and most often does protect against pregnancy with no ethical or moral dilemmas, side effect free, and best yet, it’s absolutely free.

So, just how does it work?

It’s so simple. It is essentially nothing more complicated than counting the days of your cycle. (Please note that these days are based on a normal 28-day cycle. Your individual results may vary.)

The first day of your menstrual cycle is the first day of your period. This is when you begin counting. It is generally safe to engage in intercourse during the first seven days of your menstrual cycle without risks of unwanted pregnancy.

Day eight marks the beginning of your fertile period. You and your partner should abstain or avoid intercourse during this time. Your fertile period is between days eight and nineteen. If you do not want to become pregnant, you should not have sex during these days.

It is then considered “safe” you have intercourse from day nineteen until you start your next period.

This however is only effective if you have a regular cycle that is the same length each month. Women that often experience irregular menstrual cycles will have trouble calculating their fertile period. Cycles that are usually thirty days should abstain form sex during days 10 through 21. Fertile periods should be calculated by estimating when you expect your next period and count backwards twenty days. This is the first day of your fertile period. Calculating fourteen days after your last period may leave you expecting ovulation several days before it actually occurs.

There are tools available to help you keep track of your cycle days. Obviously a good old-fashioned colander is useful, but if you prefer something a little more tangible, I recommend CYCLEBEADS. These are inexpensive and easily ordered over the Internet. I will provide you with a link to their website below in the related links.

Happy counting!