>Personal Health >Womens Health >Family Planning >Methods >Natural

Natural Family Planning (Calendar, Rhythm)

Effectiveness:

• Typical use: 81%
• Perfect use: 91-99%

 

Advantages:

• No health risks or side effects caused by method
• Accepted by most religions
• Can be used to determine fertile days when pregnancy is desired
• Responsibility can be shared by couple

Disadvantages:

• Have to abstain from intercourse on fertile days (back-up method can be used on fertile days, if couple chooses not to abstain)
• Menstrual cycle can change due to stress, illness, or other factors making it difficult to predict ovulation and fertile days based on past cycles
• Temptation to take risks may occur
• Care is needed to keep records and observe signs
• Fertility signs and symptoms may be difficult for some women to identify
• Does not prevent HIV or other STD's