counting days as birth control tool

bethem · Feb 5, 2006

This is what Catholics refer to as the "rhythm method". It involves counting the days in your cycle and only having intercourse on days which are deemed "safe". It is not a terribly reliable method. If you Google the term "rhythm method" you should find some sites that make it easy to understand.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 5, 2006

PLEASE PLEASE consult this book:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=In0Ri5JAu6&isbn=0060937645&itm=1

Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health

Toni Weschler

THE authority on such matters. Further questions need to be directed to your doctor/midwife. GOOD LUCK!

Alibaba · Feb 5, 2006

hi,,thanks for the replies. as for fowarding all questions to my pcp, I guess I should explain... I am volunteering at a catholic charities site and trying to teach "acceptable" birth control to immigrant families (women). Knowing the rationale behind the system helps a bit, but I need a completely simplified way to explain it to the women. thanks

hospitalstaph · Feb 5, 2006

This is what Catholics refer to as the "rhythm method". It involves counting the days in your cycle and only having intercourse on days which are deemed "safe". It is not a terribly reliable method. If you Google the term "rhythm method" you should find some sites that make it easy to understand.

Sorry, but this Catholic calls it the "unrealiable method":) I recommend the Creighton Method instead.

T

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2006

It is commonly referred to as "Vatican Roulette."

Teach temperature.

hospitalstaph · Feb 5, 2006

It is commonly referred to as "Vatican Roulette."
Teach temperature.

OHG!!! Too funny! I will have to remember that one for church tomorrow:lol2:

T

clee1 · Feb 5, 2006

I just don't get it. How exactly do you count days to determine "safe days" and "unsafe days"? Please make it as easy as possible to understand:imbar

This method is only effective IF the lady is COMPLETELY regular with her periods. Before it is relied on, a careful charting of daily temperatures over several cycles should be done. A former girlfriend and I used this method effectively for over three years! :eek:

Having said all that, ovulation is nominally on day 14 of the cycle, so abstaining from intercourse on days 12-16 is what is done. Those days are the "unsafe" days.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2006

OHG!!! Too funny! I will have to remember that one for church tomorrow:lol2:
T

You know what they call people who use rhythm?

Parents.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 5, 2006

We used the rhythm method the first 5 years we were married. I was as regular as clockwork. I did not want to use BC pills because I was on them, went off, got pregnant,and miscarried. I got it in my head that it was because of the BC pills. Other methods of BC just never occured to us because it wouldn't have been a catastrophe had we gotten pregnant. I took my temperature religiously. One month my temp dropped 8 days after my period and we had had sex the night before and I did get pregnant. Waited 48 hours, had my blood drawn at work and it was positive. My baby is now 24 years old and has her own little bundle of joy. Following her birth I did go on BC pills. Decided to get pregnant 3 years later, went off BC pills, had a miscarriage. Used no BC for the next 6 years and finally got pregnant. He is now 16 y/o. Did you know that secondary infertility is actually more common than primary infertility. I had a procedure to flush my tubes just prior to getting pregnant with our son. Apparently there was a blockage somewhere. Didn't mean to turn this into a morificecript sorry.

SerenityR.N., BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2006

Very interesting. Did you ever hear of anyone else miscarrying once getting off the pill?

MarySunshine · Feb 5, 2006

There's a HUGE difference between the rhythm method (abstaining during certain calender days) and charting your temperature and cervical mucous changes ("Fertility Awareness Method" or "Natural Family Planning"). One is highly unreliable and the other can give a very accurate picture of your body's fertility in a given day. I second SmilingBluEyes' book recommendation.

Charting your fertility is accepted by the Catholic church, and is relatively easy to learn and intuitive once you get the hang of it. If used correctly, it can be as effective as the BCP. HOWEVER, I don't think it can be taught in a short conversation. It requires some careful explanation, practice, and plenty of time for questions. Good luck to you!