Risks associated with the rhythm method of contraception
Iffy, L.
Contraception Fertilite Sexualite 7(7): 505-509
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-861X PMID: 12335999 Document Number: 150425
It has been known for a long time that ovulation takes place generally in the middle of the cycle, and consequently that one may avoid impregnation by observing sexual abstinence during this time. Studies have revealed however that impregnation can occur practically any day of the cycle, which suggests that emotional factors such as sexual intercourse may to a certain extent influence the time of ovulation. It has been demonstrated that impregnation in the middle of the cycle is rarely followed by spontaneous abortion or extra-uterine implantation. Subsequently the hypothesis was made, that accidental impregnation in women observing sexual abstinence in the middle of the cycle as a method of birth control, may lead to reproduction abnormalities such as congenital malformations. The rhythm method of contraception was improved with the method of the body temperature and other techniques destined to detect the ovulation so as to considerably diminish the rate of failure due to this method. Experiments involving a delay in the ovulation have proved that when the ovum is too ripe, it can provoke abnormalities in the fetus. This leads to the conclusion that failures of the rhythm method of contraception carry a great risk of fetal malformation. Ideally this method should be combined with other behavioral contraceptive methods, particularly for women who have decided to bring to term an unwanted pregnancy.