Risks

The rhythm method is an inexpensive and safe way to help you chart your fertility — the time of month when you're most likely to be able to get pregnant.

Using the rhythm method as a form of birth control doesn't pose any direct risks. However, it's considered one of the least effective forms of birth control. How well the rhythm method works varies between couples. In general, as many as 24 out of 100 women who use natural family planning for birth control become pregnant the first year.

The rhythm method doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted infections.