Video Transcript
The rhythm method involves
abstaining from sexual intercourse around the days a female ovulates. Why is this not an effective method
of contraception? (A) It is not possible to predict
when a female will ovulate. (B) It relies on the menstrual
cycle being perfectly regular to ensure predictions about ovulation are
accurate. (C) A female is less likely to
become pregnant around ovulation days. (D) This statement is incorrect;
the rhythm method is highly effective. (E) The longer the period of
abstaining from sex, the higher the chance of future pregnancies.
This question asks us about the
rhythm method of contraception, which is neither a hormonal nor a barrier method of
contraception. Instead, the rhythm method involves
tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle. By tracking the woman’s cycle,
sexual intercourse around ovulation can be avoided.
Recall that ovulation refers to the
release of an egg from the ovaries. After ovulation, it is possible
that a sperm and egg could join together in fertilization. If the embryo resulting from this
formed zygote were to implant in the woman’s uterus, the female could become
pregnant.
Our question asks why the rhythm
method is not an effective method of contraception. You might recall that while it is
possible to predict ovulation, a woman’s menstrual cycle can be extremely
irregular. Many environmental effects can
affect the cycle. Some of these effects include
physical activity, weight loss, diet, and stress. Since a woman’s menstrual cycle can
be difficult to predict, the rhythm method of contraception is not very
effective.
The correct answer is therefore
given by option (B). It relies on the menstrual cycle
being perfectly regular to ensure predictions about ovulation are accurate.
