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By Mayo Clinic staffTracking your menstrual history doesn't require special preparation. However, if you want to use the rhythm method for birth control, consult your health care provider first if:
- You recently had your first period, gave birth, or stopped taking birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives
- You're breast-feeding
- You're approaching menopause
References
- Jennings V. Fertility awareness-based methods of pregnancy prevention. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2011.
- Pallone SR, et al. Fertility awareness-based methods: Another option for family planning. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 2009;22:147.
- Jennings V, et al. Fertility awareness-based methods. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media; 2011:417.
- Zieman M, Hatcher RA, et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Ga.;2010:94
- Birth control methods: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/birth-control-methods.pdf. Accessed Sept. 23, 2011.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, 2010. MMWR. 2010;59(RR-4):1. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr59e0528a1.htm. Accessed Sept. 23, 2011.
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