Standard Days Method (SDM)

it's simple

it's tested

it works!

What is the Standard Days Method?

SDM is a simple Fertility awareness - based method
It helps a woman know her fertile days by counting the days of her cycle
It is for women with menstrual cycles between 26 to 32 days
It identifies days 8 - 19 of the cycle as fertile

What is the Scientific Basis of SDM?

Biological factors that determine a woman's fertile period

-
-

-

Timing of ovulation
Maximum life span of the sperm cell, 5 days inside the woman's Reproductive tract on fertile days
Life span of the egg cell, 24 hours

Probability of pregnancy during the fertile period is high
Intercourse on other days of the cycle outside the fertile period is essentially zero (Wilcox, 1998)

Development and Testing Method

Concept of SDM validated thru theoretical analysis and computer simulation of over 7,600 cycles provided by WHO from Ovulation method trials.

SDM found socially acceptable in pilot studies done in 3 countries for 6 months using protocols and counseling guidelines developed by IRH.

High Effectiveness rate of 95.25% resulted from clinical trials in 3 countries where women were followed-up for 13 cycles.

Note:

Other NFP methods may have reported higher efficacy rates because pregnancies for the first 3 months of learning were not counted. In SDM, all pregnancies in all cycles were considered.

What are its Advantages and Disadvantages?

Advantages	Disadvantages
No side effects. Easy to learn, teach and use. Affordable. No re-supply of commodities. Does not need an established logistics system. Can be provided by community personnel. Ideal for low resource settings.	Can be used only by women with 26-32 days cycles Couples must abstain from intercourse during the fertile days. ( this is seen as an advantage by many couples)