Are you tired of the side effects that come with some birth control methods? Are you searching for a natural and effective way to plan your family and prevent pregnancies? The birth control calculator with its rhythm method offers a natural approach to birth control. In this article, we will explore this rhythm method and the options available- the traditional and standard methods- and how this calculator can be a source for your birth control options.
What is the Birth Control Calculator?
The birth control calculator is a tool designed to simplify the process of family planning, specifically for those who are interested in the rhythm method. This natural family planning method involves tracking your menstrual cycle to identify the most fertile and least fertile days of the month. By understanding these patterns, the birth control calculator enables you to know when to avoid, use protective measures, or engage in intercourse.
The rhythm method used by the birth control calculator operates on the premise that a woman is most fertile during a specific window of her menstrual cycle, typically centered around ovulation.
Ovulation is the period when a mature egg is released from the ovary and available for fertilization.
By determining the days that surround the ovulation –the fertile window, couples can become careful and make the right decisions to prevent pregnancy.
For accurate results, the birth control calculator incorporates the rhythm method as you know. Let’s check out the two stages of the rhythm method incorporated in the calculator.
Formulas Used by the Birth Control Calculator
The Traditional Method
One of the options the rhythm method has is the traditional method. Known as the traditional calendar rhythm, this method involves:
- Identifying the last six to 12 months’ menstrual cycle lengths. Make use of a calendar to take note of the lengths of the menstrual cycles.
- It uses the lengths of those months’ menstrual cycle to identify the average menstrual cycle length. Here’s the formula for the average cycle length: Average cycle length= sum of menstrual cycle lengths for 6 months / 6
- Subtract 18 from the shortest menstrual cycle length to figure out the first fertile day.
- Subtract 11 from the longest menstrual cycle length to figure out the last fertile day.
These two dates represent the estimated fertile window, where you are more likely to conceive if sexual intercourse occurs.
Let’s represent the traditional method in a calculation:
Addition of the length of the last six menstrual cycles= 29+25+31+30+27+24=166 / 6 = 27.6, approximately 28.
First fertile day using the shortest menstrual cycle length= 24-18= 6. The first fertile day is day 6 during this menstrual cycle.
Last fertile day using the longest menstrual cycle= 31-18 = 13. The last fertile day of the menstrual cycle is day 13.
This means according to the traditional calendar rhythm, other days are safe days.
The Standard Method
The standard rhythm method is suitable for women with menstrual cycle lengths that fall within a specific range, typically between 26 to 32 days. To apply the standard day’s method,
- Use a calendar to record your menstrual cycle length from day one (the first day of your menstrual period).
- Days 1-7 are considered safe days.
- Days 8 to 19 are your fertile days. So taking precautions is important.
- Day 20 begins another infertile period. This is till the end of that cycle. You begin counting at the beginning of the next cycle.
With an understanding of the formulas the calculator uses, let’s see how you can make use of the calculator and avoid manual calculations.
How Does the Birth Control Calculator Work?
The birth control calculator uses the data you provide to accurately predict your safe days and fertile days. By inputting information on menstrual cycle lengths or last menstrual period (LMP) date, depending on the method you choose to use, the calculator tells you specifically your fertile and infertile days and their dates.
Follow the steps to make use of the calculator:
Choosing the method:
Select the method you wish to follow. You can opt for either the traditional method or the standard method. This can be based on your menstrual cycle characteristics or just preference.
The use of the Traditional Method
- For the traditional method, the calculator calculates the data collected over six consecutive months.
- It tells you your shortest menstrual cycle, the longest, and your average menstrual cycle length.
- The calculator predicts your fertile days. From day 1 to the last fertile day.
- Using your LMP and average menstrual cycle length, the calculator using the traditional method predicts your next period start date and end date, your fertile days’ start date, and end date.
The use of the Standard Method
- The standard method collects your LMP and average menstrual cycle length.
- With that, it tells your early infertile days, fertile days, and late infertile days. It provides you with their specified dates as well.
The Birth Control Calculator Suitability
It’s crucial to know that the rhythm method employed by the calculator might not be suitable for everyone. Considered a natural family planning method, there are likewise downsides to it. So, regularly monitor your menstrual cycles if any changes occur and take note of them.
