Standard Days Method (CycleBeads)

The Standard Days Method (SDM) is a natural family planning method. To use the Standard Days Method, a female follows her menstrual cycle and avoids unprotected intercourse on fertile days to avoid pregnancy. Most users of the SDM rely on CycleBeads® , a color-coded string of beads, to help them track their cycle and identify the days when pregnancy is most likely.

When used consistently and correctly by women with regular menstrual cycles of 26 to 32 days, 5% of women using SDM will become pregnant over the course of one year. 12 out of 100 women who are typical users will become pregnant over the course of one year.

The Standard Days Method does not protect from sexually transmitted infections. Use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.

Only women who have a regular menstrual cycle should use Standard Days or any other natural family planning method.