For some women, the rhythm birth control method serves as an inexpensive form of contraception that allows them to understand their body’s natural cycles. If you’ve taken hormonal contraceptives in the past, you might have been uncomfortable with the changes that occurred with your body or reproductive cycle. Perhaps you relied on this method so you could work with your biology to prevent pregnancy instead of working against it. You adjusted to this method better than an implant or a pill. But maybe you have been surprised by a few symptoms, such as a missed period or nausea. Each form of birth control, with the exception of abstinence, involves calculated risk. Before you do anything else, it’s helpful to gather more information about contraception and a potential unexpected pregnancy.
Do you suspect you may be pregnant after using the rhythm method? Find out today with a free medical-grade pregnancy test at Avenue Women’s Center. Our caring pregnancy consultants can discuss birth control, its failure rates, and your three options of abortion, adoption, and parenting. We understand this may be a stressful time for you. That’s why we’re here to offer compassionate support and relevant services.
Contact us today for answers about available resources throughout your unexpected pregnancy!
How Does the Rhythm Method Work?
Couples who rely on the rhythm method to prevent an unexpected pregnancy typically avoid sex when the woman is ovulating. Since the time of ovulation – the release of an egg during a woman’s monthly cycle – is when you’re most likely to become pregnant, you and your partner may have avoided sex during this period. But as you might have noticed, this can be a bit tricky.
As many as 24 out of 100 couples experience an unexpected pregnancy after using the rhythm method. This is usually because monitoring changes to your body and keeping consistent records often requires a lot of work.
Switching to a natural contraception technique can seem difficult. It often involves a few more steps than remembering to take a pill. For proper instruction on how to apply it to your everyday life, you may want to discuss how to utilize the rhythm method with a healthcare provider.
Should I See a Medical Professional About a Potential STD?
The rhythm method generally does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). So, you may want to consult a healthcare professional about scheduling a time to get tested. An STD can sometimes remain hidden. Even if you do not notice symptoms, it’s usually a good idea to be screened for one if you’ve recently had sex. If you’re pregnant and are considering abortion, then ruling out the risk of infection is recommended. Undergoing an abortion procedure with an undetected STD can cause the bacteria to spread. And you may have to seek more complex medical care if your condition worsens. This is why before you make any decisions, it’s usually to your benefit to ensure you have accurate information about your health.
I’m Pregnant: Where Do I Go From Here?
A positive pregnancy test may have answered one of the questions you had on your mind: “Am I really pregnant?” But it may have also left you with a few more. Whether you’re struggling with your choices of abortion, adoption, and parenting, how to improve your preferred birth control method, or who you can talk to, help is readily available.
By seeking advice from professional resources, you can be provided with answers to your questions about natural contraception and your unexpected pregnancy solutions. It’s normal to have an assortment of conflicting emotions and fears at this time. But this journey doesn’t have to be yours alone. When it comes to the navigation process, plenty of support is here to assist you.
If you suspect you may be pregnant after using natural contraception, you may have started researching your options. Avenue Women’s Center provides free, medical-grade pregnancy tests. Here, you can meet with our expert staff for a private consultation. We’ll walk you through each of the steps behind your choices. Share your story within a nonjudgmental environment, and receive answers to your questions today.
Schedule your free appointment with us today for confidential care at no cost!
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References:
- American Pregnancy Association. Fertility Awareness: Natural Family Planning (NFP). Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/natural-family-planning/
- Mayo Clinic. (2018, January). Rhythm method for natural family planning. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhythm-method/about/pac-20390918
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.