·        Requires keeping track of your menstrual cycle and taking vaginal mucus and body temperature readings.

·        Those using this method don't have sex during the fertile days [when you are most at risk of pregnancy].

·        Discuss this with your doctor or the staff at the sexual health clinic. Books are usually available at bookstores to help you learn more about the calendar method.

·        Serena Thunder Bay teaches people the Serena Method. For further information contact Serena Thunder Bay, found in the white pages of the telephone book. See Serena Canada's web site for more information

·        cost of calendar and thermometer

·        60% - 80%

Pros

Cons

·        Can help enhance a woman's awareness of her body with relationship to her menstrual cycle

·        No side effects

·        No use of chemicals or devices

·        Can be useful in achieving pregnancy when desired

·        Acceptable to people with religious concerns about birth control

·        Can be bought at drugstores

·        Convenient and comfortable to use

·        Unreliable method if periods are irregular or menstrual cycles upset

·        Requires continuous monitoring and keeping accurate records

·        Disturbs natural sex life

·        May cause tension, stress, worry

·        Requires abstinence for more than a week each month

·        Can be difficult to follow if you are running a fever or have a vaginal infection

·        20 to 40 % failure rate

·        Does not protect against STD's

·        Requires the co-operation of both partners