Making the Standard Days Method (SDM) and CycleBeads Part of Your Practice

The Standard Days Method (SDM)® is a new, fertility awareness-based method of family planning developed through scientific analysis of the fertile time in the woman’s menstrual cycle1. This method works for women with menstrual cycles between 26 and 32 days long. To use the SDM, a couple:

• Tracks the woman’s menstrual cycle
• Checks to make sure her cycles are within the 26 to 32 day range and
• Identifies the days she is most likely to get pregnant—days 8 through 19 of her cycle.

With this information the couple either uses a barrier method (like condoms) on the days the woman can get pregnant; or the couple abstains from sex to avoid pregnancy on those days. This method is more than 95% effective when used correctly.2

Most SDM users rely on CycleBeads®, a color-coded string of beads, to help monitor cycle length and identify the days when pregnancy is most likely. The SDM and use of CycleBeads has been tested world-wide through clinical trials, operations research, and behavioral studies. This method can easily be offered by trained community health workers, educators, counselors, clinicians, and other levels of staff in a wide variety of programs.

• See www.irh.org for technical papers and articles from peer-reviewed journals, online training for providers, and client materials.
• To order CycleBeads and for more information got to www.cyclebeads.com )

Why Offer the SDM/CycleBeads?

By offering the SDM/CycleBeads, providers enable women and couples to have easy access to a natural, effective method of family planning. This increases choice, expands coverage, and in many areas addresses an unmet need for family planning. This method also empowers women, teaches couples about the reproductive system, and involves men in family planning. Listed below are a few steps for offering this low-cost, available method.

Steps to Offering the SDM/CycleBeads

• Determine client interest. Include the SDM/CycleBeads when discussing other family planning methods.

• Screen for method eligibility. Ask specific questions to find out if the woman has cycles between 26 and 32 days long; and determine whether the couple can use condoms or abstain from sex on days 8 through 19 of her cycle. Also discuss risks for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

• Explain the SDM/CycleBeads. Use CycleBeads to describe the method, show what the different colored beads represent, and demonstrate how to use the beads.

• Ask the client to do a “return demonstration.” Hand CycleBeads to the client and ask her to show and tell how she and her partner plan to use the beads. Add any missing points and correct misinformation.

• Discuss male involvement and the couple perspective. Find out how the couple plans to manage the fertile days 8 through 19 of the woman’s cycle. Discuss possible scenarios to support couple communication and effective use of the method.

• Verify understanding and acceptance. Check for understanding, answer any questions, and determine whether the client is still interested and able to use the SDM/CycleBeads.

• Provide CycleBeads, the package insert, and other materials. Remind clients to call or return if they have any questions. If the woman has more than one cycle out of the 26 to 32 day range she should return for a different family planning method.

Reasons women and couples choose the SDM and CycleBeads

• It is an effective, natural method of family planning.
• It does not cause or increase health problems.
• It does not require the use of hormones or internal devices.
• It helps couples learn about the woman’s menstrual cycle.
• It involves the male partner.

For more information

• Visit the website for the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University at www.irh.org for information, training, and research about the SDM/CycleBeads as well as and other fertility awareness-based methods of family planning.
• Information about the SDM and CycleBeads can also be found in state-of-the art guidelines including Contraceptive Technology, 18 th Edition, and WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use.
• To order CycleBeads go to www.cyclebeads.com.

Footnotes

1 Arevalo M., Sinai I. , and Jennings , V., 1999: A fixed formula to define the fertile window of the menstrual cycle as the basis of a simple method of natural family planning. Contraception, 60:357-360.

2 Arevalo M., Jennings, V., and Sinai I., 2002: Efficacy of a new method of family planning: the Standard Days Method. Contraception, 65:333-338.