Is the safe period contraceptive method really effective?
Generally speaking, the fertility awareness method (FAM) of contraception has a certain degree of effectiveness, but it is not absolutely reliable and carries a relatively high risk of failure. Detailed analysis is as follows:
The fertility awareness method avoids intercourse during the fertile window by estimating the time of ovulation. Theoretically, having intercourse outside the ovulation period can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. For individuals with regular menstrual cycles, the estimated safe period tends to be relatively stable, and short-term contraceptive effectiveness may be observed, which is why some people choose this method.
However, female ovulation can be influenced by various factors such as emotions, environment, and health status. Ovulation may occur earlier, later, or even occur multiple times, leading to inaccuracies in predicting the safe period. For those with irregular menstrual cycles, determining the safe period is even more challenging. Using this method in such cases increases the likelihood of unintended pregnancy and cannot guarantee effective contraception.
Using the fertility awareness method requires a thorough understanding of one's own menstrual cycle characteristics and is only suitable for individuals with regular cycles. If there is no immediate plan for pregnancy, it is recommended to use other more reliable contraceptive methods in combination to avoid the negative consequences of contraceptive failure. Consult a healthcare professional promptly if you have any questions.