CALENDAR METHOD
The calendar method attempts to predict ovulation using a woman's menstrual history. By keeping a written record of each cycle, you can determine when you're least likely to conceive.
Effectiveness rate. The typical effectiveness rate among users of the calendar method is 87 percent. This means that 13 out of 100 women practicing this method for one year will get pregnant. The calendar method isn't dependable if your cycles vary in length.
Side effects and health risks. The downside of using the calendar method is the requirement for prolonged abstinence or use of barrier methods and the need to monitor your cycle for several months before using the method. This method doesn't protect against STDs.
How to use the calendar method. If you decide to use the calendar method, you'll calculate which days you're likely to become pregnant. During that time, abstain from sex or use barrier methods. Here are some tips for using this method:
Keep a record of the number of days in each cycle, counting from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. When bleeding starts, circle that day.
Check your record of previous months, find the shortest cycle and subtract 18 from the total number of days. For example, if your shortest cycle is 26 days, 26 - 18 = 8.
Starting with the day that you circled, count ahead eight days and draw an X through that day. That's the first day you're likely to be fertile. That's also the first day to practice abstinence or use barrier methods.
To find the last day you're likely to conceive, subtract 11 days from your longest cycle. If your longest cycle is 30 days, 30 - 11 = 19. Starting from the first circle, count ahead 19 days and draw an X through that date. That's the last day you need to practice abstinence or use barrier methods.
Keep a cycle record for at least eight of your cycles before relying on this method. You must not be using hormonal contraception while you keep these records.
Cost and availability. Using the calendar method costs nothing, but classes that teach this technique may charge fees, which vary from region to region.
STANDARD METHODS
Who Can Use the Standard Days Method?
The standard days method is most effective for women who have cycles between 26 and 32 days long. It is estimated that it takes about 5 hours to properly learn to use the standard days method, and it is recommended that you first meet with a trained counselor to be sure you understand this technique before using it.
How to Use the Standard Days Method
To use the SDM you will need to count the days of your menstrual cycle, starting with the first day your period begins.
Count the first day of your period as day 1.
On days 1 to 7 you are not fertile and can have unprotected intercourse. (Provided neither partner has an STD, it is medically safe to have sex even while menstruating!)
On days 8 to 19 you must avoid sex or use a barrier method if you do not want to get pregnant.
From day 20 until your period starts you can have unprotected sex.
Most women who use this method use special color-coded beads called CycleBeads to help keep track of where they are in their cycles. The figure below shows a set of cycle beads used for the standard days method.
Effectiveness of the Standard Days Method
Although the perfect use failure rate is only 5%, the typical failure rate is 12% per year. This rate will be higher for women who have sex during the fertile time, even if using another method of birth control during that interval.
Benefits and Limitations of the Standard Days Method
Because this method is completely natural it addresses the needs of diverse populations with varied religious and ethical beliefs. It also provides an effective alternative for women who want to use natural methods for medical or personal reasons. Other advantages of standard days method include the ease of use, low cost, and complete lack of side-effects and health risks. The standard days method does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted disease.
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