Is the rhythm method appropriate?

Question

My partner and I thought that the rhythm method would be appropriate in our situation. I'm allergic to letex and she is sensitive to birth control pills.

What do you think?

Answer 1

Appropriate only if you want to become parents.

To put it simply... the rhythm method DOES NOT WORK

Remember the old joke:-
Q: what do you call a couple who use the rhythm method?
A: parents

If you have problems with the pill and latex then you should consider using another more reliable method such as a IUD (Inter-Uterine Device) such as a coil.

Answer 2

There are other methods - she should look into other birth control pills - there are tons of varieties and she would probably be able to find one that worked for her if she discusses her concerns with her gynecologist. There are also non-hormonal methods like an IUD (which is the preferred choice of gynecologists and very reliable) or a diaphragm. I would really consider those options before going to the rhythm method. The rhythm method is only 75% effective. It takes A LOT of practice, planning and self-control to use it. I would only recommend it if you don't mind becoming a parent because there is a very high chance that will happen - far higher than with other forms of contraception.

Answer 3

You should look into Natural Family Planning, which is much like the rhythm method but more accurate.

Also another viable option is an non-hormonal IUD.

Or if neither of you is allergic to spermice (many people are) there is the sponge, spermicidal jellies and foams, diaphrams, cervical caps, and Lea's Shield (like a diaphram but you don't need a prescription. Spermicides on their own are not terribly effective. However if you combine them with family planning, or the rhythm method it will increase their effectiveness.

Also, though I can't really say if this works (but I am going to have hubby try it after our next baby we are TTC right now) .... http://www.sisterzeus.com/neem.html

There are many options available, you can speak to a doctor or nurse. Or call Planned Parenthood and discuss your options: 1-800-230-PLAN

However ultimately it depends on how much you want to avoid pregnancy. Hubby and I have used withdrawal (80-90% effective IF you follow the rules) for two seperate 1 year periods and it worked for us. But we used it merely to space children and it wouldn't have mattered if we did get pregnant.

Natural Family Planning:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_family_planning

Withdrawal:
http://www.peelregion.ca/health/hsexual/htmfiles/bcwdrawl.htm

Answer 4

Sure if you feel like being a daddy. Just because she's sensitive to B/C pills doesn't mean she can't be protected can use an IUD, or a nuvaring, or patch... but she absolutely can NOT use the depo shot. I'm sensitive to even the lowest dose of B/C pills and use the Mirena IUD quite sucessfully.

If you absolutely HAVE to use that method (for religious or moral reasons /boggle ) Make sure she's also counting her days and tracking her cycles thouroughly.

http://www.mymonthlycycles.com/

Answer 5

The pull out method never works. If you guys are looking to become parents, then sure. But if you are using it as a form of birth control you are on the wrong track. Tell her to go on the ring, or the patch, or get the shot. Use some sort of back up method because the rhythm methos doesn't work as a form of birth control.

Answer 6

Your partner must be VERY disciplined to use the rhythm method. Most people aren't. It is effective if used properly, like any birth control. But its usually counted as not effective because the users aren't disciplined enough.

Fertility awareness (FA) methods involve a woman's observation and charting of one or more of her body's primary fertility signs, to determine the fertile and infertile phases of her cycle. Unprotected sex is restricted to the least fertile period. During the most fertile period, barrier methods may be availed, or she may abstain from intercourse. Different methods track one or more of the three primary fertility signs:[10] basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and cervical position. Other bodily cues including mittelschmerz are considered secondary indicators. A woman may chart these events on paper or with software. FA is versatile and may also be practiced to achieve pregnancy, by identifying the fertile period and having intercourse prior to and during that time.

Answer 7

The rhythme method is not a good idea. There are other forms of birth control that you can use. You can get condoms that do not contain latex or you could use a spermacidal foam or the sponge.I would not trust the rhythme method at all.

Answer 8

Rhythm method will just give you false confidence that she will not get pregnant. If you are allergic to latex, look for non-latex condoms. They are widely available on the Net and are a much better insurance against pregnancy.

Answer 9

Well i haven't been on birth control in 7 years (I have a 5 year old son) and my husband and i use the pull & pray method (well we did -trying to get pregnant now)
For the last 5 years i have not gotten pregnant from using the withdrawel method. The one time though when he didn't pull it out i got pregnant in 2005 but miscarried.
It is up to you two as to what you want to do.

they make latex free condoms at wal-mart
http://www.ripnroll.com/Poly-Rips.htm
http://www.justrubbers.com/non-latex.html

Answer 10

The rythem method is not very safe. I know a few people who have gotton pregnant using this. Has your girlfriend thought about an IUD? That would be a great solution for you both...trust me. I have 2 kids of my own and my husband has 4 (5 boys in total) so I got an IUD and it is good for 5 years (or you can take it out earlier if need be) I am not sure of you situation or your ages, but it is worth it for her to talk to her Gyn. about it.

Answer 11

There are other options to latex and birth control pills. Many MANY options.

The rhythm method still results in pregnancies very VERY often. unless youre married and okay with the thought of possibly eventually having kids, dont risk it.

It only worked for us for 1.5 years before we got pregnant. Ive gotten pregnant twice on fluke ovulations that werent anywhere near my usual ovulation date.