Requires keeping track of your menstrual cycle and taking vaginal mucus and body temperature readings. Those who use this method does not have sex during the fertile days (when a woman is most at risk for pregnancy). Discuss this method with your family physician or any other health care professional. Books are usually available at your local bookstore to help you learn more about the calendar method.

Serena Thunder Bay teaches people the Serena Method. For more information, check your local phone book or see Serena Canada's web site.

Advantages:

• Can help enhance a woman's awareness of her body with relationship to her menstrual cycle.
• There is no side effects, and no use of chemical or any other devices.
• Can be useful in achieving pregnancy when desired.
• Acceptable to individuals with religious concerns about birth control.

Disadvantages:

• It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
• Unreliable method if menstrual periods are irregular.
• It requires continuous monitoring and keeping accurate records.
• It requires the co-operation of both partners, abstinence for more than a week each month, and may cause tension, stress, or worries in the relationship.
• Can be difficult to follow if you are running a fever or have a vaginal infection.

Average Cost:

• cost of a calendar and thermometer.

Effectiveness:

• 60-80% effective if done correctly.