Standard days

The standard days method requires abstaining from unprotected sex on certain days of your menstrual cycle — the days you're most likely to conceive. You keep track of your cycle by using a special string of beads, known as CycleBeads. The standard days method works for a woman who:

• Has regular menstrual cycles
• Has menstrual cycles not shorter than 26 days or longer than 32 days
• Has a cooperative partner
• Avoids unprotected sex on days eight through 19 of her menstrual cycle

Effectiveness rate. The typical effectiveness rate among users of the standard days method is 88 percent. That means that 12 out of 100 women practicing this method for one year will get pregnant.

Side effects and health risks. The major downside of using the standard days method is the requirement for prolonged abstinence. This method doesn't protect against STDs.

How to use the standard days method. If you decide to use the standard days method, CycleBeads can help you keep track of which days you're most fertile. This string of beads contains 32 colored beads that each represent one day of your cycle. Here are some tips on using these beads effectively:

• On the first day of your period, move the rubber ring attached to the string of CycleBeads to the red bead.
• Advance the rubber ring one bead for each day that passes.
• If the rubber ring is on a brown-colored bead, you're unlikely to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex on that day.
• If the rubber ring is on a white-colored bead, pregnancy is likely on that day, so you should abstain from unprotected sex.

In your late 30s or early 40s, your menstrual cycles tend to shorten. In that case, the fertile phase may begin on day five rather than day eight.

Cost and availability. The standard days method uses CycleBeads — at a cost of about $14 — to help you keep track of your fertile days.