Birth Control Options: Symptothermal Method

WHAT IS THE FERTILITY AWARENESS METHOD (FAM)?

Fertility Awareness is a means of understanding your reproductive system by observing and writing down fertility signs. These signs determine whether or not you can become pregnant on a given day. You are actually fertile only about one-fourth of your menstrual cycle. It is a great way to learn more about your body. The three primary fertility signs are your temperature when you first wake up; your cervical fluid (the fluid from your cervix, the opening of the uterus); and the position of your cervix. The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) permits you to use this information so that you can abstain from intercourse when you are most fertile.

BEFORE OVULATION

Waking temperatures remain low.
Cervical fluid is initially dry after menstruation, then becomes wet and similar to raw egg white.
The cervix rises and becomes softer and open.

AFTER OVULATION

Waking temperatures rise for 12-16 days.
Cervical fluid quickly dries up.
The cervix quickly drops and becomes firm and closed.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

Using FAM helps you track and improve PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms.
It empowers you with practical knowledge about your menstrual physiology.
If pregnancy is your goal, FAM helps you know when your most fertile days are so that you can have sex on those days.
This method is useful in conjunction with other contraceptive methods such as barrier contraceptives and withdrawal.
No side effects or complications from hormones. Some religions and cultures approve of this method as the only acceptable form of contraception.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

FAM requires daily charting of fertility signs.
This method requires discipline for a number of days in the cycle, in particular if you choose to avoid sex rather than use a barrier contraceptive during your fertile days. It takes at least 6 months of recording cycles to learn how to use natural family planning.
You can only use this if both you and your partner are monogamous and free from infection, since this method provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections.
As a contraceptive, FAM is unforgiving if used incorrectly. If you have sex when this method tells you to abstain, you are very likely to become pregnant.
This method is often unreliable during times of stress or illness because cycles may be irregular.

WHERE DO I GO TO LEARN THE FERTILITY AWARENESS METHOD?

Some clinicians and family planning clinics can help you. You can also read: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement by Toni Weschler or Fertility Awareness Handbook by Barbara Kass-Anese.

WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?

Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.

The Pill | The Mini-Pill | Birth Control Shot | Abstinence | Cervical Cap

Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices

Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning | IUD's

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides

Tubal Sterilization | The Ring | The Patch

Wyoming Health Council

Birth Control Options: Symptothermal Method

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