The Rhythm Method’s Failure

Happening

This conflict flow traces the gap between the contraceptive method Annie Duchesne trusts and the pregnancy it fails to prevent.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Trust in Calculation Trust in Calculation from "Happening". Trust in Calculation A Method Available Annie Duchesne and P rely on the Ogino method during their sexual relationship.

Trust in Calculation from "Happening". Trust in Calculation A Method Available Annie Duchesne and P rely on the Ogino method during their sexual relationship.

Trust in Calculation A Method Available Annie Duchesne and P rely on the Ogino method during their sexual relationship. The method appears to offer a manageable way to avoid pregnancy. Confidence Without Security Annie believes the risk will not become reality. The confidence conceals how little control the couple actually possesses.

The Pregnancy Discovered The Pregnancy Discovered from "Happening". The Pregnancy Discovered A Failed Safeguard Annie Duchesne realizes that the method has not protected her from pregnancy.

The Pregnancy Discovered from "Happening". The Pregnancy Discovered A Failed Safeguard Annie Duchesne realizes that the method has not protected her from pregnancy.

The Pregnancy Discovered A Failed Safeguard Annie Duchesne realizes that the method has not protected her from pregnancy. The consequence overturns her belief that conception could not happen to her. Unequal Consequences The method’s failure becomes a crisis carried primarily by her body. P’s later distance makes the imbalance more visible.

No Reliable Alternative No Reliable Alternative from "Happening". No Reliable Alternative Restricted Choices Annie Duchesne finds no straightforward access to contraception or abortion.

No Reliable Alternative from "Happening". No Reliable Alternative Restricted Choices Annie Duchesne finds no straightforward access to contraception or abortion.

No Reliable Alternative Restricted Choices Annie Duchesne finds no straightforward access to contraception or abortion. Criminal prohibitions make prevention and response part of the same legal pressure. A Personal Emergency The failure of one method is not followed by reliable institutional support. The burden shifts to informal knowledge, money, and risk.

A Diaphragm Afterward A Diaphragm Afterward from "Happening". A Diaphragm Afterward Contraceptive Advice After recovery, Doctor N gives Annie Duchesne a diaphragm and sperm jelly.

A Diaphragm Afterward from "Happening". A Diaphragm Afterward Contraceptive Advice After recovery, Doctor N gives Annie Duchesne a diaphragm and sperm jelly.

A Diaphragm Afterward Contraceptive Advice After recovery, Doctor N gives Annie Duchesne a diaphragm and sperm jelly. The new method follows the crisis that the previous one failed to prevent. Changed Knowledge Annie now approaches contraception through experience rather than confidence alone. The device signifies practical planning but also the cost of learning through danger.

A Historical Measure A Historical Measure from "Happening". A Historical Measure Two Eras Annie Duchesne compares her 1963–1964 experience with a later world of cheap condom dispensers and HIV testing.

A Historical Measure from "Happening". A Historical Measure Two Eras Annie Duchesne compares her 1963–1964 experience with a later world of cheap condom dispensers and HIV testing.

A Historical Measure Two Eras Annie Duchesne compares her 1963–1964 experience with a later world of cheap condom dispensers and HIV testing. The contrast measures changes in sexual health and public access. A Life in Periods She describes her life through the span between the Ogino method and newer forms of prevention. Personal memory becomes a way to register social change.

Summer 1963

October 1963

November 1963

March 1964

At the opening of the book