A Rhythmic Approach To Birth Control

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or trying to avoid it, one approach for tracking your cycle is to determine when the greatest possibility of getting pregnant is highest. The way this system works is by using a calendar. Many women use a regular calendar, but there are also many apps available on phones that will provide the same information and tracking aid. Many apps will even help anticipate when you are most likely to get pregnant.

How does the rhythm approach work? When attempting to avoid pregnancy this approach works purely through abstinence (not having sex) during your most fertile days of the month. This approach is also called periodic abstinence. Abstinence is the only 100-percent way to avoid pregnancy. The trick to the rhythm method is knowing exactly when you’re ovulating.

When you determine when you are ovulating, you must not only abstain from sex at that time, but you must also practice abstinence for several days before and after. Even though your egg only lives for about a day, you need to be careful five days before ovulation and one to two days after because the sperm life span is about three to five days.

The rhythm method can be effective because if the sperm and egg cannot connect, fertilization is impossible. The problem lies in the fact that it is difficult to determine the exact time that you are ovulating. If you have a very predictable period, the method may be easier for you to use and track.

Every method of birth control poses a risk, unless you choose to abstain from sex altogether. If you are interested in discovering which birth control method is best for you, contact Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P. A. today to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.