Usually the woman's cycle is 28 days. Day 1 is the first day of her period. Day 29 is the first day of her next period. Between day 1 and 28 there is an egg released from the woman's ovaries (ovulation) which enters the uterus through the fallopian tub es. If there happens to be sperm around during the time the egg is passing through the fallopian tubes into the uterus, the sperm and egg may get together and make a baby. For many women, the egg is released on day 14. Since both sperm and eggs can hang around for a while, this means that you should avoid sexual contact (especially unprotected sexual intercourse) from about day 9-10 until day18-20 (or so). And that is only if the woman is regular in her ovulation BUT many women aren't regular.
In order to practise the rhythm method successfully, women must become very familiar with their cycle and signs of ovulation (mucus discharge, a slight increase in temperature etc). Also women and their partners have to be very diligent in not having sex ual contact during those times of the cycle. If you are interested in this method of birth control please call Planned Parenthood (in Halifax, 455-9656) to get more information on how to use the rhythm method effectively.
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This page was written by Angela McGibbon, Dalhousie Medical School Class of 1998.
This page was last modified: September 5, 1996.