Objectives To evaluate the demand, effi cacy, and satisfaction concerning the Standard Days
Method ® (SDM; a fertility awareness method) as an option presented among other
contraceptive methods at regular service delivery settings.
Methods The survey group consisted of 993 women who presented at the primary care
units in Umraniye District of Istanbul, Turkey, between 1 October 2006 and 31 March 2008,
and started to use a new method. Women were enrolled until reaching a limit of 250 new
users for each method, or expiration of the six-month registration period. Participants were
followed for up to one year of method use.
Results The characteristics of women who chose the SDM were similar to those of
participants who opted for other methods. The most common reasons for selecting it were
that it is natural and causes no side effects. Fifty-one percent used the SDM for the full
year, compared to 71% who chose an intrauterine device (IUD). Continuation rates were
signifi cantly lower for all other methods. During the one-year follow-up period, 12% of
SDM-, 7% of pill-, 7% of condom-, 3% of monthly injection-, 1% of quarterly injection-,
and 0.5% of IUD users became pregnant.
Conclusion The SDM had relatively high continuation rates and relatively good levels
of satisfaction among participants and their husbands. It should be mentioned among the
routinely offered contraceptive methods.