Does the evidence support global promotion of the calendar-based Standard Days Method® of contraception?

Contraception
Cicely A Marston, Kathryn Church

Abstract

To scrutinise claims about the effectiveness of the Standard Days Method® (SDM). The SDM is a calendar method with similarities to the rhythm method that has now been reclassified and is marketed as a modern contraceptive method. As promoted, it requires users to avoid unprotected intercourse on days 8-19 of the menstrual cycle. It is used in at least 100 countries. SDM has been researched, developed, and is marketed by the Institute of Reproductive Health (IRH) at Georgetown University, USA, and a for-profit company Cycle Technologies. SDM proponents say it is a major advance on traditional periodic abstinence, claiming that it is 95% effective when used correctly - rivalling pills and condoms. The effectiveness claim is repeated in recent documents from the World Health Organization. Evaluation of evidence obtained via literature review of published and unpublished reports. Claims made for SDM effectiveness appear to rely on a single efficacy study where "correct use" of SDM was defined as total abstinence from intercourse in cycle days 8-19. It may therefore be misleading to apply a 95% effectiveness figure from the study to SDM as promoted, where abstinence is not required. Moreover, "typical use" effectiveness figures, cit...Continue Reading

References

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Oct 3, 2006·Lancet·Carine RonsmansUNKNOWN Lancet Maternal Survival Series steering group
Apr 1, 2009·Dynamics : the Official Journal of the Canadian Association of Critical Care Nurses·Christine KoczmaraRoger Cheng
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Nov 10, 2011·Contraception·Victoria Jennings, Irit Sinai
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Jun 12, 2012·The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception·Rebecka I LundgrenEileen A Yam
Dec 4, 2014·International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics : the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Aug 16, 2015·Contraception·David Hubacher, James Trussell

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