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FAMILY PLANNING: "RHYTHM" METHOD

Another method which is often used is the so-called ' 'rhythm'' method, as well as the more accurate "ovulation method." This aims at avoiding intercourse at the time when conception is most likely, which is the fourteenth day before the onset of the next menstrual period. In many women whose periods are regular, this is easy to calculate. However, many women do not have regular periods, and this makes pinpointing the time   difficult, if not impossible. Keeping calendars can help in some cases. Others have a definite warning signal in that they develop a typical low pelvic pain at the time ovulation occurs.

The ovulation method looks for certain kinds of vaginal secretions and relates these to ovulation. This method requires exceptional motivation by the partners. However, those who have used it for many years claim it is workable, provided one takes the time and makes the effort. The average woman can't be bothered, however, and under such circumstances the method will inevitably fail.

Last, but not least, on the list of contraceptive methods is that referred to as "coitus interruptus." This simply means that the male withdraws his penis from the vagina just a few seconds short of ejaculation (the climax). Great mental discipline and physical control are required for this, and many males with good intentions simply can't bring themselves to spoil the most enjoyable part of intercourse, the climactic moment. Under these circumstances, of course, the method will fail.

However, during intercourse, it is well-known that sperms may silently and unwittingly pass down the urethra to find their way into the vagina. As any doctor will tell you, it takes only one sperm to fertilize one egg. That wayward fellow might be the one that causes the, pregnancy!

 

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GENERAL HEALTH

 

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