Perfect Use
Perfect use is a measure of how well a family planning method works when a couple follows every rule correctly. It sits beside typical use, which counts all couples, including those who take a chance during the fertile window. Perfect use describes the method itself.
Both figures belong in an honest account of fertility awareness-based methods. A review of 29 studies found 0.4 to 5.0 unintended pregnancies per 100 woman-years with correct use of the major methods.1 In an online teaching pilot of 222 women, correct use gave 2 unintended pregnancies per 100 women over six months, and typical use gave 7.2
Perfect use rests on clear teaching and on both partners making the same decision each cycle.
Cited in this entry
- Manhart MD, Duane M, Lind A, Sinai I, Golden-Tevald J. Fertility awareness-based methods of family planning: A review of effectiveness for avoiding pregnancy using SORT. Osteopathic Family Physician. 2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.osfp.2012.09.002
- Fehring RJ, Schneider M, Raviele K. Pilot evaluation of an internet-based natural family planning education and service program. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN. 2011. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21488954/
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult an RRM clinician or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.