What's the Standard Days method?
The Standard Days method is a kind of calendar method. It’s simpler than other FAMs, but you can only use it if your cycles are a certain length and regular.
How do I use the Standard Days method?
You can only use the Standard Days method if:
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Your menstrual cycle is really regular (your periods always come at the same time).
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Your cycle is never shorter than 26 days.
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Your cycle is never longer than 32 days.
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You’re okay with either not having vaginal sex or using birth control from day 8 through day 19 of each cycle.
To use the Standard Days method, you simply don’t have vaginal sex or use another method of birth control on days 8-19 of your cycle.
Most people using the Standard Days method use an app or have a special string of beads, called CycleBeads, that helps them keep track of their cycles. CycleBeads have 33 colored beads and a black rubber ring that moves from bead to bead.
Breastfeeding, a recent pregnancy, and hormonal birth control (including the morning-after pill) can mess with your menstrual cycle and affect how well the standard days method will work.