Yeah, foolproof. Our good Irish Catholic neighbors practiced the rhythm method. Intending on having three or four kids. They had nine. Both parents were from big families, everyone (except the one weird aunt) practiced the rhythm method, everyone intended on having fewer kids.
For that matter, my folks used the rhythm method for a while. My mom used to be -extremely- regular and they started calculating her fertility hoping to have a kid. Fertility science wasn't what it is now, but the doctors found no reason for why Mom wasn't getting pregnant. It took years. Finally, my sister came along. I'm the cooperative one. Mom got pregnant the second month they were trying. Again, using the rhythm method for conception.
And then in her mid thirties, Mom's cycle wasn't quite as regular as it had been. And there was a surprise.
So as soon as she could after my brother was born, Mom got her tubes tied.
Of course, there are ways to have sex with no pregnancy risk. Oral sex! Anal sex! Gay sex!
no subject
Date: 2010-03-16 05:55 am (UTC)For that matter, my folks used the rhythm method for a while. My mom used to be -extremely- regular and they started calculating her fertility hoping to have a kid. Fertility science wasn't what it is now, but the doctors found no reason for why Mom wasn't getting pregnant. It took years. Finally, my sister came along. I'm the cooperative one. Mom got pregnant the second month they were trying. Again, using the rhythm method for conception.
And then in her mid thirties, Mom's cycle wasn't quite as regular as it had been. And there was a surprise.
So as soon as she could after my brother was born, Mom got her tubes tied.
Of course, there are ways to have sex with no pregnancy risk. Oral sex! Anal sex! Gay sex!