The rhythm method, a form of natural family planning, can be used both to conceive and to prevent pregnancy. While it takes a little work, the rhythm method can be a great choice for those interested in intervention-free birth control or conception strategy, as all you need is a calendar and an understanding of your menstrual cycle.
However, the rhythm method isn't right for everyone, and it does come with both benefits and drawbacks. We turned to the experts and medical professionals to learn more about the rhythm method, how it works, and how to determine if it's right for you.
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What Is the Rhythm Method?
Let's start with the basics.The rhythm method is a chemical- and device-free tactic to either conceive or prevent pregnancy. It functions by tracking the fertile period of a person's reproductive cycle (also known as the ovulatory phase), as well as the other two phases, known as luteal and menstrual, in which conception is less likely.
Eli Reshef, M.D., member of WINFertility's Medical Advisory board and board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and OB-GYN, explains that the rhythm method is often used as a form of contraception. "It is a way to avoid unplanned pregnancy by identifying the fertile window in the menstrual cycle and avoiding intercourse during the peak fertile time," adds Dr. Reshef.
This identification of cycle phases can be accomplished by measuring your basal body temperature with a thermometer, tracking the consistency ofcervical mucus, and/or generally understanding the different phase lengths that are particular to your cycle.
Understanding these "rhythms" can also be of aid in conception, as it can help identify a fertile window when you're actively trying to get pregnant. This can be accomplished by tracking when you're most likely ovulating and having sex or undergoing IUI during that time, explains Janet Choi, M.D., chief medical officer atProgynyand board-certified reproductive endocrinologist. "The rhythm method can be a helpful tool to enhance your family building journey," she adds. "If you're hoping to get pregnant, it can help you determine the best days to have intercourse."
How Exactly Does theRhythmMethod Work?
The rhythm method works through a series of tracking and understanding your menstrual cycle. Learning how to identify your fertile window can be daunting if you've never done it before, but beginning to track your cycle can be as simple as determining the date of your last period.
How to Use the Rhythm Method to aid in Conception
Dr. Choi advises to break out the pen and paper as a first step. "To get started with tracking yourcyclevia the rhythm method, all you need is a calendar and the date of your last period to determine your ovulation point. First, you'll want to figure out what your average cycle length is and then subtract 14. This will give you a rough estimate of the day you will begin ovulating."
You ovulate once per cycle, and the egg that is released from the ovaries can only survive between 12 and 24 hours within the reproductive tract. However, experts agree that your fertile window is a bit longer, and includes the five days prior to ovulation, along with the 24 hours that follow.
If the idea of trying to track your cycle on a calendar seems like something you may not remember to do every day, keep in mind that there are plenty of apps out there that can help with doing all the hard work for you.
And if you want to do more, you can keep track of your ovulation period using a urine ovulation test, employing a basal body temperature chart, and/or checking yourcervical mucusfor changes, Dr. Reshef adds. "Over-the-counter urine tests can detect the LH surge, a sharp rise in a hormone that signals ovulation in 24-48 hours. A basal body temperature chart may help detect ovulation but usually retrospectively," he continues.
How to Use the Rhythm Method as Birth Control
If you are using the rhythm method to avoid pregnancy, you'll want to abstain from intercourse one week before your ovulation window, along with the two to three days following. If you are having sex at that time, be sure to use a barrier method, such as condoms.
Whether or not the rhythm method is a successful birth control method for you all depends on how carefully you track your cycle. It's important to keep in mind that there is room for human error with this approach. One study showed that when used properly, the rhythm method is 98% effective, though more typical use produced a success rate of about 76%. For comparison, barrier birth control like condoms, for example, have an overall success rate of 87% if used properly.
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What Are the Pros and Consofthe Rhythm Method?
Like any family planning or birth control strategy, the rhythm method has its pluses and minuses. Here are some things to consider when choosing what's right for you.
Benefits of the Rhythm Method
One of the biggest appeals of the rhythm method is that it's intervention and hormone-free, which can be appealing especially for folks with medical conditions that might interfere with other forms of contraception. "It's cost-effective and free of side effects," elaborates Dr. Reshef. "It empowers the couple to be actively engaged in family-planning decisions."
Another bonus? The rhythm method is a great way to get to know your natural cycles—and having more information about how your body works is never a bad thing. "If you're curious about understanding your body's menstrual cycle...then the rhythm method could be a great option to consider," Dr. Choi confirms.
Drawbacks of the Rhythm Method
While there are many appealing factors, the rhythm method also presents some challenges.
Those using the rhythm method for birth control must be vigilant about tracking their cycles, especially if they are trying to avoid pregnancy. When using this method as contraception, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is higher without the addition of supplemental hormonal or physical birth control methods. And while the rhythm method can be effective as contraception, human error is real, so the possibility of getting pregnant should always be taken into consideration.
Some people might face challenges with regard to the regularity of their menstrual cycles. As Dr. Choi points out, irregular cycles can make ovulation phases difficult to track.
When it comes to using the rhythm method for family planning while trying to conceive, folks in their late 30s or 40s might want to consider additional strategies. "I would suggest getting evaluated by a fertility doctor if they fail to conceive after three months," Dr. Choi advises. "I also recommend an earlier evaluation based on a person's personal or family reproductive history," she adds.
While the rhythm method can be effective for both birth control and family planning, it's always a good idea to reach out to an OB-GYN or health care provider with any questions or concerns you might have. Together, you'll be able to determine the right course of action for you.
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