How to Use Calendar Method of Birth Control

  1. Track your menstrual cycles for several months. If your menstrual cycles are fairly regular, the calendar method of birth control may work for you. Use a calendar and note your start and end date of each menstrual period. Most women with 26 to 30 days between menstrual period start dates find this method of contraception to be fairly effective.
  2. Have sex at will from days 1 through 8 in this method. This system functions based on the belief that you will not ovulate during this part of your cycle. There is a failure rate associated with this method of birth control. (See warnings section.)
  3. Use the rhythm method or a barrier method of birth control, which involves prevention of ejaculation or containment of sperm during intercourse for days 9 through 18. There are many options including condoms, diaphragms and spermicides for this period of time.
  4. Enjoy outercourse, which involves sexual intimacy yet without intercourse, during days 14 through 17 on the calendar. These are your most fertile days. If there is no penetration, there is no chance of accidental ejaculation or a failed barrier (condom, sponge or diaphragm) method.
  5. Watch the calendar for your menstrual period to arrive right on schedule to determine if the calendar method of birth control was successful for you.
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