rhythm method

American  

noun

1. a method of birth control in which the couple abstain from sexual intercourse during the period when ovulation is most likely to occur.

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rhythm method British  

noun

1. a method of controlling conception without the aid of a contraceptive device, by restricting sexual intercourse to those days in a woman's menstrual cycle on which conception is considered least likely to occur See also safe period

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Etymology

Origin of rhythm method

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Abortion is of course not mentioned at all, although realistically, many women who attempt to use the rhythm method may end up calling an abortion provider at some point.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

District Court Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle granted Friday a request for a temporary restraining order from Cami Jo Tice-Harouff, a Texas nurse practitioner who specializes in fertility-awareness contraception, sometimes referred to as the rhythm method.

From Washington Times • Aug. 15, 2022

The symptothermal method should not be confused with the rhythm method or similar counting techniques.

From Scientific American • May 16, 2019

The most familiar form of fertility awareness is known as the rhythm method.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 2, 2018

Methods that use only basal body temperature or only cervical mucus are less effective, but still provide better contraceptive efficacy than the rhythm method.

From Slate • Sep. 19, 2018

Related Words

• abstinence
• condom
• contraceptive
• diaphragm
• family planning
• pill
• vasectomy