This old method of contraception is on the rise again

First things first, we’re not talking about the pull-out method here.

The Rhythm method was first conceived in the 1920s and was officially named in 1932. Unlike the pull-out method, the rhythm method is when the female tracks her menstrual cycle (to a tee) and has sex on her least fertile days. The method is favoured and promoted by the Roman Catholic Church. The method is obviously not fool proof but has been given a new boost thanks to apps that allow women to easily track their cycles. Dr. Jerilynn Prior spoke to ATTN: about the apps and the method. "I can't speak in general for apps, because some of them are quite good and user friendly and helpful, and some are not. So I think each woman needs to do some checking herself” he said. Prior also said another method, known as the Fertility Awareness Method is also on the rise again. The difference between the two is that instead of tracking days, the Fertility Awareness Method measures mucus levels produced by your cervix when your estrogen levels are high. Apps like Natural Cycles and DOT can be used during the Rhythm method. "A woman is fertile up to 6 days per cycle," Natural Cycles explains. "The fertile window ends with the day of ovulation and begins up to 5 days before, depending on sperm survival. Natural Cycles carefully studies your body temperature to find your ovulation day and fertility." Natural Cycles is a paid for app but DOT is free. They claim: “We believe that family planning options should be free."