Lesson 4: So Many Choices, So Many Myths - Making An Informed Choice
These Don't Work

Information about the Rhythm/Calendar Method and the Widthdrawal Method of birth control, and why they don't work.

Rhythm/Calendar Method - The Rhythm method should not be confused with Natural Family Planning or Fertility Awareness methods. Rhythm also known as the Calendar Method relies on predicting fertility according to previous cycles. It relies on 3 things; first that a woman ovulates 14 days before her period starts, second that sperm live for 3 days, and third that the ovum lives for 12 to 24 hours.

How correct are the above three things? Well a woman can ovulate as early as 10 days before her period, or as late as 16 days before her period. Sperm can survive in fertile quality cervical fluids for 5 to 7 days. The ovum is thought to only be viable for a maximum of 24 hours, but it is possible for a woman to ovulate twice within 24 hours, so that can extend the time to 48 hours. It is thought that, if the woman has regular cycles, abstaining from sex is only needed 5 days before suspected ovulation through 5 days after. Now, this does not take into consideration that a woman can ovulate at any time in her cycle. Stress, illness and travel can delay ovulation, so a woman that 'thinks' she is 'safe' after 20 days, may actually ovulate then if she has been stressed, ill, or traveling.

Because of the variables involved in determining ovulation, a woman could ovulate earlier or later than she thinks and the 'method' fails. Typical use results in an effectiveness rate of 85% (can be as low as 70%) but when used 'perfectly' it is possible to have a 92% effectiveness rating.

The pros of this method include that it is natural and discreet. The cons include; no protection against STDs, high failure rate, requires understanding of the fertility cycle, and you must trust your partner not to pressure sex during fertile days.

Widthdrawal Method - Withdrawal requires that the man 'pulls out' before ejaculation. This is probably the oldest 'method' known and was even mentioned in the Bible. Although this 'method' may seem very simple and easy to do, it does require that the male be able to know when he is about to ejaculate, and have the control it takes to remove his penis from the vagina before this happens. This method relies on the thought that sperm are only released during ejaculation. This is not true; sperm can be released in the clear fluid that leaks out before ejaculation happens making this an unreliable method.

Typical use of the withdrawal method is about 80% (can be as low as 60%) effective, meaning that out of 100 couples that use it, 20 will become pregnant. Perfect use of this method is about 90% effective.

The pros of using the withdrawal method include that it is natural and discreet. The cons to using this method include; high failure rate, no protection against STDs, male must be able to control or identify ejaculation, and it is easy to 'forget' to pull out.