Today, there are many methods that help reduce the risk of pregnancy, which is not included in the plans of partners. However, such a variety has appeared relatively recently. Previously, one of the most popular methods was the calendar method of contraception. Now it is not so relevant, but very often it is one of the most real methods of protecting against an untimely pregnancy. As a rule, its use is justified when the use of all other methods is impossible due to existing contraindications or lack of access at the moment.
The calendar method of contraception is also called natural, or rhythmic. Its essence lies in the fact that the menstrual cycle is divided into dangerous and safe phases. That is, in those days when the risk of pregnancy is high, you need to refrain from sexual intercourse or use contraceptives. The rest of the time, you can not limit yourself to proximity, while not using additional protective equipment.
However, it should be remembered that the calendar method of protection is suitable only for those girls who have a regular menstrual cycle , and there are no diseases in the gynecological sphere.
The technique is based on determining the time of ovulation. As a rule, with a standard 28-day cycle, ovulation occurs approximately in the middle of the cycle: on day 14. With a cycle consisting of 30 days - for 15-16 days, and the like. Considering that all women have a purely individual menstrual cycle , approximately 13-17 days are allocated for the period of ovulation .
It is also important that the calendar method of contraception takes into account the life span of the sperm and the possibility of fertilization of the egg. That is why it is necessary to add a few more days to the dangerous period. Thus, the time favorable for conception extends from about 9 to 18 days.
You should consider the formula, due to which the calculations of dangerous and safe days for conception are carried out:
- initial phase: 18 should be subtracted from the number of days of the smallest by the duration of the menstrual cycle (for example, 27-18 = 9);
- final phase: subtract 11 from the longest cycle (for example, 30-11 = 21).
Thus, starting from 9 to 21 days, this is a dangerous period for those who do not want to get pregnant.
Remember that the wider the range between the shortest and longest cycles, the less reliable the calendar method of contraception becomes.
When choosing this principle of protection against unwanted pregnancy, one must take into account that malfunctions in the cycle can be caused by many reasons: stressful situations, illness, fatigue, climate change or even weather conditions. These factors significantly reduce the efficiency of using this technique to about 50%.
All protection methods have certain limitations in use. This principle, in addition to a low degree of efficiency and regularity of the cycle, also requires a long period of abstinence from intimacy and constant fear of pregnancy.
Among the possible contraindications are the recommended use of more effective methods of protection and an irregular menstrual cycle.
Among the advantages of this method, doctors call the absence of side effects and complete availability. However, it is important to remember that a reliable, regular sexual partner whom you trust and who is not sick with sexually transmitted diseases plays a significant role in this.
However, in view of the current health problems that arise in women, doctors still recommend using more reliable methods of protection, which are not lacking today.