What's the Standard Days method?

How do I use the Standard Days method?

You can only use the Standard Days method if:

• Your menstrual cycle is really regular (your periods always come at the same time).

• Your cycle is never shorter than 26 days.

• Your cycle is never longer than 32 days.

• 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.