How to Use Calendar Method of Birth Control

The calendar method of birth control is one of the oldest methods of contraception there is. While it is not 100% effective, this is a safer way to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy, has the bonus of having zero side effects and is free of charge.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calendar for tracking purposes
• Barrier method of birth control for unsafe days

1. Track your menstrual cycles for several months. If your menstrual cycles are fairly regular, the calendar method of birth control may work for you. Use a calendar and note your start and end date of each menstrual period. Most women with 26 to 30 days between menstrual period start dates find this method of contraception to be fairly effective.

2. Have sex at will from days 1 through 8 in this method. This system functions based on the belief that you will not ovulate during this part of your cycle. There is a failure rate associated with this method of birth control. (See warnings section.)

3. Use the rhythm method or a barrier method of birth control, which involves prevention of ejaculation or containment of sperm during intercourse for days 9 through 18. There are many options including condoms, diaphragms and spermicides for this period of time.

4. Enjoy outercourse, which involves sexual intimacy but without intercourse, during days 14 through 17 on the calendar. These are your most fertile days. If there is no penetration, there is no chance of accidental ejaculation or a failed barrier (condom, sponge or diaphragm) method.

5. Watch the calendar for your menstrual period to arrive right on schedule to determine if the calendar method of birth control was successful for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry your calendar in your purse to keep better track of your cycle and know what your fertile period is at a quick glance. Consider highlighting the fertile period on your calendar.
• Use this method to also help you plan to become pregnant.
• Learn about accompanying methods of natural family planning such as charting your temperature and checking cervical mucus. This can be very beneficial in working in conjunction with the calendar method to help prevent or plan a pregnancy.
• The calendar method of birth control is not guaranteed to prevent pregnancy and it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. This method is considered one of the lesser recommended contraception forms today because many women have menstrual cycles that vary from month to month which means that ovulation may occur outside the typically identified fertile period in this method. If birth control is very important to you, you might want to consult your doctor for alternatives.

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[mkateko]

on 10/12/2009 i finished my periods on da 3rd of october.me and my partner we had sex on da 12 of october with no condom so is the any possibilities that i will be pregnant.

[beautysexy]

on 10/7/2009 pls answer my question??

[beautysexy]

on 10/7/2009 can i ask how if we had sex october 7,2009 and my last period begin last september 7 and it end september 12...is there tendency that im fertile??

[CrystalR]

on 9/8/2009 How about you just use condoms instead of listing dates in the comments section!

[boynextdoor]

on 9/7/2009 Hi guys , I need your help ! I want to know the dates when my girlfriend and I may have intercourse without her getting pregnant . . According to my records , her last mens period was August 1, 2009 upto August 10, 2009 and then the next bleeding happend last September 3, 2009 and is still going till now . . Basing on the given , she has a 34 days cycle or maybe 33 . . can you give me the dates when we can have our intercourse , please ??