Calendar Birth Control: Effectiveness, How to Use & Accuracy

The calendar method of birth control involves avoiding intercourse on days when you are most fertile. On fertile days, you can use a barrier method, such as a condom, or practice abstinence to prevent pregnancy.

Considerations

• Before using the calendar method of birth control, you must keep a record of at least eight menstrual cycles while abstaining from hormonal contraceptives.

Effectiveness

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the calendar method, when used correctly, is about 87 percent effective at preventing pregnancy.

STDs

• The calendar method of birth control is ineffective at protecting you against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are at risk for contracting a STDs, such as having intercourse with multiple partners, you will need to use a condom for protection.

Warning

• If your menstrual cycles vary in length and are not consistent, then the calendar method for preventing pregnancy will not be an effective option for you.

Costs

• The calendar method is a free birth control option, but small costs may incur if you need to use condoms for STD protection. Condoms are available at many locations for less than $1.