Calendar-based contraceptive methods: Difference between revisions

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The '''Rhythm Method''', also known as the '''Calendar Method''' or the '''Knaus-Ogino Method''' (named after Hermann Knaus and [[Kyusaku Ogino]]), is a method of [[natural birth control|natural]] [[birth control]] that involves counting days of a woman's [[menstrual cycle]] in order to achieve or avoid pregnancy. A recently developed variant of the Rhythm Method is known as the '''Standard Days Method'''.

The phrase "the rhythm method" is frequently used, in error, to describe the behavior of any people who have unprotected sex yet wish to avoid pregnancy. The phrase "the rhythm method" may also be incorrectly used to describe the practice of [[fertility awareness]] (FA) or [[natural family planning]] (NFP). This comes as a source of chagrin to some practitioners of FA and NFP, as these methods are more accurate than Rhythm, and they are much more reliable than unprotected sex with no method used.

A recently developed variant of the Rhythm Method is known as the '''Standard Days Method'''. Developed by [[Georgetown University]]'s Institute for Reproductive Health, the Standard Days Method has a simpler rule set and is more effective than Rhythm. A product, called CycleBeads, was developed alongside the method to help the user keep track of estimated high and low fertility points during her menstrual cycle.

One reason that these terms may be confused is that the Rhythm method was promoted as a [[birth control]] method by the Catholic church in the earlier part of the 20th century. However, this church has now dropped Rhythm in favor of more accurate methods.

==Comparison to Fertility Awareness methods==

The term 'the rhythm method' is frequently used, in error, to describe any method of tracking fertility. However, thereThere are significant differences between the older Rhythm method, and newer methods of tracking fertility. The Rhythm method relies on statistical estimates and calendar reference, providing an educated guess of the likelihood of fertility. Unlike Rhythm, modern techniques of [[fertility awareness]] involve direct observation and charting of several physiological signs of fertility, providing immediate feedback with bodily cues. The Rhythm method is less accurate than modern fertility awareness methods. Because of this, many fertility awareness teachers consider calendar rhythm to have been obsolete for at least 20 years.

Unlike Rhythm, modern techniques of [[fertility awareness]] involve direct observation and charting of several physiological signs of fertility, including basal body temperature, and consistency of cervical mucus. These bodily cues provide immediate feedback regarding a woman's current state of fertility. These biological signals are significant, because many women experience some variation in the length of their cycle. A woman with regular cycles can experience change in their length due to a number of environmental factors, which can affect her fertility. For these reasons, the Rhythm method is less accurate than modern fertility awareness methods. Because of this, many fertility awareness teachers consider calendar rhythm to have been obsolete for at least 20 years.

At one time, the Rhythm Method was promoted as an acceptable form of [[natural family planning]] by the [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic Church]],. althoughHowever, as in the fertility awareness community, the Rhythm method has largely been superseded by more modern methods. Several methods, including the [[Billings Ovulation Method]] and the [[Creighton Model]], are beingcurrently researched and advocated by the leaders of this church, today. ,

==Description and effectiveness==

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===Standard Days Method===

Developed by [[Georgetown University]]'s Institute for Reproductive Health, the Standard Days Method has a simpler rule set and is more effective than Rhythm. A product, called CycleBeads, was developed alongside the method to help the user keep track of estimated high and low fertility points during her menstrual cycle. The Standard Days Method may only be used by women whose cycles are always between 26 and 32 days in length. In this system, days 1-7 of a woman's menstrual cycle are considered infertile. Days 8-19 are considered fertile. Infertility is considered to resume beginning on day 20. When used to avoid pregnancy, the Standard Days Method has a perfect-use failure rate of 5% per year.<!--

--><ref>{{cite journal | author = Arévalo M, Jennings V, Sinai I | title = Efficacy of a new method of family planning: the Standard Days Method. | journal = Contraception | volume = 65 | issue = 5 | pages = 333-8 | year = 2002 | id = PMID 12057784 | url=http://pdf.dec.org/pdf_docs/PNACQ416.pdf}}</ref>