METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL: THE RHYTHM METHOD
This is a method of partial abstinence, based on the fact that women are unable to conceive during part of each month.
The ‘safe period’ is, on the average, about 20 days long. It starts ten days before menstruation and lasts until approximately ten days after the onset of menstruation. Usually, pregnancy can result only when coitus is performed during the middle days of the menstrual cycle, the period four or five days before ovulation to four or five days after ovulation takes place.
As the ‘safe period’ varies according to the menstrual cycle, each woman must determine it for herself. Some women know when ovulation occurs. At that time, midway between periods, they experience an inter-menstrual pain, a peculiar, sudden, spasmodic sensation associated with one of the ovaries, followed by a heavy feeling in the lower abdomen that may last several hours. If they are alert to it, most women will also observe an unusual mucous secretion. These indications are helpful in determining the exact day of ovulation. Far more accurate, however, is the rise in temperature that occurs in women at the time of ovulation, usually between 0.6° and’ 0.8° F. To determine the period of ovulation, you should keep a temperature chart for no less than three months. A five-minute temperature should be taken every morning after awakening, while you are still in bed.
Even in women whose periods occur with great regularity, ovulation may be hastened or delayed when they are ill or emotionally upset. If this should happen, the calculations will be in error. Because of this possibility, the rhythm method cannot be considered as reliable’ a means of preventing conception as the condom or the pessary. It also has the disadvantage of limiting the days for having intercourse.
The advantages of the rhythm method lie in the fact that it does not depend on either the man or the woman alone. It is a partnership responsibility. Also, it is not dependent upon a mechanical or artificial device. This makes it morally and ethically acceptable, not only to Roman Catholics but to members of certain other religious denominations.
For absolute safety—when, for example, pregnancy would constitute a serious threat to health or life—I feel that all couples whose religious scruples permit should use both the condom and the diaphragm with contraceptive cream, and should not have intercourse at the time when conception might take place.
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