Learn how to track your period with four totally doable methods.

From paper calendars to period tracking apps, we’ve got you covered.

But now, that private information may be weaponized in states where abortion is or will soon be banned.

alt

So if youre wondering how to track your periodwithoutan app, know that your inclination is valid.

Lets review them:

How many days is a normal period?

This range of normalcy is important for a couple of reasons.

alt

associate professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington

However, not everyone has a typical period, and thats where period tracking can get dicey.

(And in turn, make it hard to know when youre going to be fertile.)

How do you calculate when your next period will be?

alt

So, do you count 28 days from the start or end of your period?

Why does my period date change every month?

Its actually more common for that to be the case than for people to have 28-day cycles every month.

alt

Other factors likebeing sick can delay your period, or even being stressed for long periods of time.

How effective is period tracking?

However, period tracking is not fool-proof if youre using it topreventpregnancy.

pregnant person with long brown hair in a black tank top and pants and flowy tan overshirt looking at their baby clothes and awaiting birth, to show concept of superfetation pregnancy

associate professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington

(If you dont have a regular period, cycle tracking is likely even less effective.)

Below, youll find three of the best no-tech, period-tracking strategies out there.

Your chances of getting pregnant are the highest in the few days before your bodys temperature rises.

alt

You have to track your temperature consistently forat least three months before you roll using itas contraception.

you could download and print a free BBT charthere.

CycleBeads

Dr. Godfrey likes to recommendCycleBeads, a visual family planning tool that emulates a rosary.

alt

Starting at day one of your cycle, youll simply slide the beads clockwise as the month progresses.

Each bead is color-coded, andtells you something about your cycle on that particular day.

There are also blue beads, which represent days where youre highlyunlikelyto get pregnant.

Its also typically not recommended for people with cyclesshorter than 26 days or longer than 32days.

It can only get fancier from there.

Considering these questions will help you pick the right app for you.

But things can get more complicated from there.

Some apps will also incorporate biometric data.

This temperature data can help you predict ovulation and when your period will come.

However, a paid option might come with more ways to track biometric data from devices and community features.

Other apps may be free, but also rely on data collection and advertising to provide you with services.

arequestions you may want to consider.

Ultimately, the level of data youre comfortable sharing is a personal choice.

Take your goals into account

Some period tracking apps are focused on period and symptom prediction.

Others are oriented toward providing contraception, while others aim to help you become pregnant.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.