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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffThe rhythm method can be used as a way to promote fertility or as a method of contraception, by helping you gauge the best days to have or avoid unprotected sex. Tracking your menstrual history for either fertility or contraception is inexpensive and doesn't have any side effects. Some women choose to use the rhythm method for religious reasons.
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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