Hi there :wave:

I really need some advice/info about using the rhythm method as a form of birth control?

I've just decided to go off the pill after 4-5 years of use. I'm currently in a long-term relationship of 4 years and we are planning to get married and all that good stuff. We have never used condoms and probably aren't going to want to.... Is it safe enough to just use the rhythem method to prevent pregnancy?

If not, what are some other forms of birth control that are easy to use? (besides condoms?).

Hi there :wave:

I really need some advice/info about using the rhythm method as a form of birth control?

I've just decided to go off the pill after 4-5 years of use. I'm currently in a long-term relationship of 4 years and we are planning to get married and all that good stuff. We have never used condoms and probably aren't going to want to.... Is it safe enough to just use the rhythem method to prevent pregnancy?

If not, what are some other forms of birth control that are easy to use? (besides condoms?).


Advocates of the rhythm method claim that it works very well. Other sources indicate elsewise.

Your periods will have to be VERY regular to even attempt the rhythm method, though. If you're even the slightest bit irregular, it's going to be difficult to effectively track your cycles.

glsheridan- thanks for the response.... i think to be safe in the next 3 months or so i'm going to use another form of contraception- probably condoms, just until my period regulates.. like you suggested.

I used the rhythm method sucessfully for a year...UNTIL....in the heat of the moment I did my math wrong..ooppss Baby #2 will be here in 2 weeks lol :)

Foams are VERY easy to use. You just insert it and wait about 10 mintues to have sex. (the box will tell you specifically) It's a good alternative to condoms if he wants to be able to "feel" more

Kiera, you mentioned foams... how effective are they? I've been interested in trying them, but I really don't hear anybody mention them, so I kind of thought maybe they weren't good to use? But they work for you? As far as the rhythm method goes, personally I wouldn't trust it, but that's only me. Before I ever even went on birth control years ago my periods weren't normal, then I was on Depo for a few years and I think that messed things up a bit too. So I just don't trust my body to tell me anything. But I'm sure that for some lucky people it's very effective.

hey girls thanks for the responses.... i am definitely going to stay away from the rhythm method until my cycle is very very very consistant.... i won't take any chances at the beginning right now because i'm sure it will take some time for my cycle to regulate. luckily before my pills my period was very regular anyway, so hopefully it will go back that way.
i'll look into the foam idea as well. thanks again

I don't have too much experience with contraceptive foam, but I've had very good luck using contraceptive squares in combination with condoms. I think these are called vaginal contraceptive films--they are small, clear, flexible squares that you fold up and insert shortly before sex. They are a lot less messy than foam and provide extra piece of mind compared to relying on condoms alone (especially if you don't want to use hormonal birth control methods like the pill and Depo--I personally LOVE Depo because I only think about it four times a year and it eliminates my periods, but I know it's not as great for everyone). It may take some experimenting to find the best method for you, but I think you're smart not to rely on the rhythm method alone. An ob/gyn would probably be able to help you find the best possible BC method, or combination of methods, for you if you sat down with him or her and explained what you're looking for. Good luck and take care :).

My aunt wound up with 13 children by using the rhythm method. Guess she must have been doing something wrong or was extra fertile. I wouldn't trust it personally myself.

I'm not bashing the Rythm method, but I'm in the same case as you. I wanted an alternative method of BC ( ideally with NO medication) and learned about Fertillity Awareness Method called FAM. You can make some research about it. Or get the book "Taking charge of your fertility", it's very thorough. I've only started in December.

It's a whole new journey :) !

My wife used to be on the pill since 1983 she came off it twice when we were planning to have kids.

For the past 2 years she has been off the pill. What I have been doing is a combination of condoms at times during the mid month cycle and time when I can ejaculate inside her.

Her cycle is any where betwen 28 to 32 days so I count from the first day she started her period and only will ejaculate inside her up to the 9 day to be safe and then wait till the 22nd day to ejaculate inside her again.

I just don't like the feeling of wearing condoms you just dont get to appreciate a woman wetness and feel all the good sensations of skin to skin contact. :)

I do enjoy being intimate around her mid cycle as she gets very very wet. :) I just have to be carefull.

Maybe I am too sexual :D

I've gotten pregnant twice using this method. My cycles were very regular.