Fertility Awareness Methods: Beyond Ovulation Prediction Kits

Understanding your body's natural fertility signs can be empowering, whether you are trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy.

While ovulation prediction kits are popular, fertility awareness methods (FAMs) offer a more comprehensive approach to tracking your reproductive health. Let's explore FAMs, their benefits, and how they compare to other family planning options.

What are fertility awareness methods?

Fertility awareness methods, also known as natural family planning, are techniques used to identify the fertile days in a woman's menstrual cycle. These methods rely on observing and recording natural body signs to determine when ovulation occurs and when a woman is most likely to conceive.

The basic principle behind FAMs is that a woman is fertile for about 6 days each cycle - the 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. By accurately identifying this fertile window, couples can either avoid intercourse or use barrier methods during this time to prevent pregnancy, or time intercourse to increase the chances of conception.

Check out our Complete Guide to Contraception (Birth Control) here. 

Types of fertility awareness methods

There are several types of fertility awareness methods, each with its own approach:

• The calendar method: Tracking menstrual cycles over several months to predict fertile days.

• The cervical mucus method: Observing changes in cervical mucus throughout the cycle.

• The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method: Take your temperature each morning before getting out of bed.

• The Symptothermal method: Combining BBT tracking with cervical mucus observations and other fertility signs.

• The standard days method: A simplified calendar method suitable for women with regular cycles between 26-32 days long.

Effectiveness of fertility awareness methods 

When used perfectly, FAMs can be up to 95-99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, typical use effectiveness rates are lower, around 76-88%, as they require consistent daily practice and careful interpretation of body signs. It is important to note that effectiveness can vary depending on how accurately and consistently the method is used. 

Request an appointment with a Thomson Medical specialist to discuss which method might be most suitable for your needs.

Benefits of fertility awareness methods

1. Natural and non-invasive

   • FAMs do not involve hormones or devices, making them suitable for women who prefer a more natural approach to family planning.

2. Increased body awareness

   • Practising FAMs helps women become more attuned to their bodies and menstrual cycles.

3. Versatile

   • These methods can be used to either avoid or achieve pregnancy.

4. Cost-effective

   • After initial learning, FAMs require minimal ongoing costs.

5. No side effects

   • Unlike hormonal contraceptives, FAMs have no physical side effects.

6. Compatible with religious or cultural beliefs

   • Some couples prefer FAMs due to personal or religious reasons.

Challenges and considerations

While FAMs offer many benefits, they also come with challenges:

1. Requires dedication

   • Daily tracking and record-keeping are essential for accuracy.

2. Learning curve

   • It takes time to learn how to accurately interpret fertility signs.

3. Abstinence or barrier methods required

   • Couples must be willing to avoid intercourse or use barrier methods during fertile days if preventing pregnancy.

4. Not Suitable for Everyone

   • Women with irregular cycles, certain medical conditions, or those approaching menopause may find FAMs less reliable.

5. No protection against STIs

   • Unlike condoms, FAMs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Get started with fertility awareness methods

If you are interested in trying fertility awareness methods, here are some steps to get started:

1. Consult our Thomson Fertility Specialists

   • Request an appointment with a Thomson Medical fertility specialist who can provide guidance on which method might be best for you and help you learn how to use it correctly.

2. Choose a method

   • Based on your lifestyle and preferences, select a FAM that you feel comfortable with and can commit to using consistently.

3. Start tracking

   • Begin recording your menstrual cycles and fertility signs. There are many apps and tools available to help with this process.

4. Be patient

   • It may take several cycles to become proficient in identifying your fertile days accurately.

5. Use backup methods initially

   • While learning, consider using additional contraception if you are trying to avoid pregnancy.

When to seek medical advice

While fertility awareness methods can be very effective, there are times when it is important to consult a healthcare professional:

• If you have irregular cycles or suspect you may not be ovulating

• If you are having trouble conceiving after several months of timed intercourse

• If you experience unusual symptoms or changes in your cycle

• If you are approaching menopause and your cycles are becoming less regular

Carefully Practice FAMS

Fertility awareness methods offer a natural, empowering approach to family planning and reproductive health. While they require commitment and careful practice, many women find the increased body awareness and versatility of FAMs to be worth the effort. 

Whether you are looking to conceive or avoid pregnancy, understanding your body's natural fertility signs can be a valuable skill.

However, it is important to remember that FAMs may not be suitable for everyone. Factors such as cycle regularity, lifestyle, and personal preferences all play a role in determining the best family planning method for each individual or couple.

If you are interested in exploring fertility awareness methods further, we encourage you to visit one of our specialists at Thomson Medical. Our experienced healthcare professionals can provide personalised guidance and support to help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a fertility specialist at Thomson Medical.