Sticking to the rhythm
N.I. Issue no 88: 1980. No 79: 1979 No 52: 1977. No 15: 1974
Rhythm methods of contraception work much better in theory than in practice. Experimental failure rates are below 1 per cent, but failure amongst users can rise to over 30 per cent. Professor Judith Bardwick from the University of Michigan suggested why at a seminar on `Natural Family Planning' jointly organised by the World Health Organisation and the Irish Department of Health.
Professor Bardwick argues that contraceptive methods which call for greater awareness by women of their menstrual cycle also draw continuous attention to coitus itself. But the rhythm method calls for abstinence from coitus. This basic conflict - between keeping an eye on the menstrual cycle, but the mind off sex - may account for the high failure rate in contraceptive programmes based on periodic abstinence.
Join over 10,000 people just like you. Get e-mail updates about new content, issue alerts, contests, and more!
Voices from the margins:
Multimedia: video, podcasts, and more.
- Poetry Slam in Zimbabwe
- The House of Hunger poetry slam held in Zimbabwe in 2006, and organised by the Pamberi Trust, showcased young artists performing inspirational work on issues from corporate power to child soldiers. The video features four of the poets.
Published by Pambazuka News.
- Iranian women speak out
- 3 March 2007, London. Women's rights activists marched through the English capital last week to celebrate International Women's Day with a protest against the misogyny of the Islamic regime in Iran and the threat of invasion by the US. Hear the voices of Iranian feminists Azar and Leila Parnian and the sounds of the demonstration as it passed through the heart of the city. Click here to learn more about the campaign.
Produced by Heidi Bachram.
- Raised Voices audio:
- Benny from West Papua on Corporate Power
- Vinayan from India on agriculture
