Contraception

Methods of Contraception: Contraceptive Methods for Women: “Rhythm”

Disadvantages
Each of these three versions of the rhythm method (basal temperature, calendar, and Billings method) requires expert professional guidance. No woman should try them on her own. However, even in combination and with the help of a doctor they are not very reliable. The rhythm method does not work at all for women whose longest cycle differs more than 10 days from the shortest. Physical and emotional problems can change the length of cycles, and there is also the possibility that some women may ovulate in response to coitus itself. Apart from its lack of reliability, the method also has the disadvantage of subjecting coitus to the rule of calendar and thermometer. Nevertheless, many people use the rhythm method for religious reasons, since at present it is the only method of contraception approved by the Catholic church.