Calendar (natural family planning) icon

Natural family planning 

  • 76% to 88% effective
  • Requires daily use
  • Partner must be committed
  • No hormones
  • No STI/STD protection
  • Free or low cost

  

What is it?
  • Natural family planning is when people keep track of their fertility and either avoid having sex when they’re fertile or use condoms or other nonhormonal birth control when they’re fertile. It’s also called fertility awareness and the rhythm method.

  • There are 4 different methods: calendar or rhythm, standard days, cervical mucus, and temperature (or symptothermal). 

  • It’s not recommended for people with a short, long, or irregular cycle.

  • It’s considered one of the least effective forms of birth control. 

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