One of the natural methods of family planning is known as the rhythm method. The rhythm method is considered a natural method since there is no need for any artificial contraceptive to prevent fertilization. Using this method is advisable for women who have regular monthly period. An erratic period could be unreliable as basis for determining the ovulation cycle. A woman’s ovulation cycle is important to know since this has a lot to do with her becoming fertile. For one, egg cells are being released by the ovary during this period which makes her easy to conceive. After the period from which the egg cells become unfertilized since there was no sexual contact, she begins to have her regular menstruation. A regular cycle happens between 28-30 days interval. Monthly periods that are irregular or delayed pose as a risk when using the rhythm method for contraception.

Another basis for determining fertility is Basal Body Temperature. BBT is actually the body’s temperature at normal levels equivalent to 97F. During the ovulation period, body temperature rises due to hormonal changes and this can be detected by a rise of half a degree that can reach 98F. It is very easy to detect this since the higher body temperature remains for a number of days. In fact, millions of women around the world use this method in keeping track of their ovulation period. The BBT needs only a mercury thermometer that can accurately read the body’s temperature.

In order to keep track of ovulation, there is a need to use a family planning chart. The chart records the daily changes in the body’s temperature which can be analyzes later to see if there is a pattern. The chart can be a simple log of what is the reading on the thermometer for a day. The reading should be done on a daily basis at the dame hour or minute it was done. After a few days, the log can also be drawn as a graph which charts the decrease or increase of temperature. This family planning chart guide couples in determining which days they should abstain from sex. Diligent observance of the abstinence would make the rhythm method an effective natural method for birth control.