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rhythm method

birth control
Also known as: natural family planning, periodic abstinence

Quick Summary

The rhythm method, also known as natural family planning, is a form of birth control that involves abstaining from sexual intercourse during a woman's fertile period. This fertile period is when ovulation is most likely to occur.123

While a calendar can estimate ovulation, this method has low effectiveness. More reliable approaches include tracking daily body temperature or observing changes in the cervix and cervical mucus. These methods can also be combined for greater accuracy. The effectiveness of periodic abstinence can vary, with failure rates ranging from approximately 2% to over 20%.3

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