I found some interesting information from the book, Contraceptive Technology (recommended by OB/GYNs)
The "Rhythm Method" for avoiding pregnancy is an old term (who knew?!), as it does not adequately describe all the methods used...the new term is: "Fertility Awareness-Based Methods", which includes many methods, most used together:
- The Ovulation Method (based on evaluating cervical mucus)
- The Two Day Methods (based on evaluation of cervical mucus)
- The Standard Days Method (avoids intercourse on cycle days 8 through 19)
It is important to note that the assumed, magical "day 14" for ovulation is untrue for many women, as women can ovulate as early as "day 8" and as late as "day 19" (and, can also ovulate earlier or later than this, depending on their cycle length). Unprotected intercourse should be avoided for these 12 days, as outlined in the Standard Days Method.
The percent of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy within the first year of use (when failure rates are typically higher) are with PERFECT use:
- The Ovulation Method = 5%
- The Two Day Methods = 4%
- The Standard Days Method=3%
(It is important to notes: TYPICAL use of these natural-family planning methods increase to around 13% or more of unintended pregnancies in the first year).
I think it is important to put these numbers in perspective, to compare with other methods:
- Male condom= 2%
- Withdrawal= 4%
- Pill (combo)= 0.3%
- No method= 85%
Ovulation itself is a process, and from the time the ovum (egg) is released from the fallopian tubes, travels down the fallopian tubes into the uterus, where it is absorbed by the body (if unfertilized) takes 12-24 hours.
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I found some interesting information from the book, Contraceptive Technology (recommended by OB/GYNs)
The "Rhythm Method" for avoiding pregnancy is an old term (who knew?!), as it does not adequately describe all the methods used...the new term is: "Fertility Awareness-Based Methods", which includes many methods, most used together:
- The Ovulation Method (based on evaluating cervical mucus)
- The Two Day Methods (based on evaluation of cervical mucus)
- The Standard Days Method (avoids intercourse on cycle days 8 through 19)
It is important to note that the assumed, magical "day 14" for ovulation is untrue for many women, as women can ovulate as early as "day 8" and as late as "day 19" (and, can also ovulate earlier or later than this, depending on their cycle length). Unprotected intercourse should be avoided for these 12 days, as outlined in the Standard Days Method.
The percent of women experiencing an unintended pregnancy within the first year of use (when failure rates are typically higher) are with PERFECT use:
- The Ovulation Method = 5%
- The Two Day Methods = 4%
- The Standard Days Method=3%
(It is important to notes: TYPICAL use of these natural-family planning methods increase to around 13% or more of unintended pregnancies in the first year).
I think it is important to put these numbers in perspective, to compare with other methods:
- Male condom= 2%
- Withdrawal= 4%
- Pill (combo)= 0.3%
- No method= 85%
Ovulation itself is a process, and from the time the ovum (egg) is released from the fallopian tubes, travels down the fallopian tubes into the uterus, where it is absorbed by the body (if unfertilized) takes 12-24 hours.
June 18, 2009 - 1:50pmThis Comment
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