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HOW IT WORKS:

Determining when you are fertile using basil body temperature, cervical mucus changes, excretion of LH (luteinizing hormone - the ovulation triggering hormone) and menstrual calendars and refrain from intercourse during ovulation. Also called the Symto-Thermal Method. Once called the Rhythm Method.

EFFECTIVENESS:

65-95% WITH STRICT ADHERENCE

AVERAGE COST:

Initial Cost of Instruction, Thermometer, and Hand Held Computer (if used)

ADVANTAGES:

No health risks. Approved by many religions. Can be successful with a motivated couple. Allows a woman to become informed about her reproductive cycle.

DISADVANTAGES:

Requires extensive instruction and following a number of steps to predict ovulation. Must be highly motivated. Must be adhered to on a cycle-to-cycle basis, since a cycle and the day of ovulation can vary from one month to the next.  Difficult to use with irregular periods.  Illness can alter temperature.  Vaginal infections can alter cervical mucus changes.

HOW TO USE IT:

Chart temperature, cervical mucus changes, and menstrual calendar and refrain from intercourse during fertile period. Sperm live up to 5 days, the egg lives 24 hours. Therefore, most women are fertile a few days before to a few days after ovulation. There are also two new unique hand-held computer generated programs to help.  See additional information for more details.

YOU NEED TO CALL A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF:

There are no complications or emergent situations connected to this method of birth control unless you suspect pregnancy.

Additional Information: Graphics, correct usage and important links for this method of Birth Control.

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