Natural Family Planning is a popular birth control method that doesn’t involve hormones and has no side effects. Some people choose the NFP method because they’re planning to have children soon or because they prefer to avoid hormonal birth control. Whatever the reason, when used correctly, fertility awareness methods can be between 91% and 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
However, if the instructions are not followed exactly, effectiveness drops to 76%.
The Fertility Awareness Method is a birth control method that involves tracking the basal temperature daily to identify when a woman is fertile.
By understanding and monitoring these temperature changes, women can effectively make informed decisions on when they want to have protected sex.
How the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) Works
The Fertility Awareness Method works by tracking your temperature changes daily, as well as monitoring your cervical mucus, to get a pinpoint when your fertile window is.
There are three ways to track when you are ovulating:
- Taking your temperature daily before you get out of your bed and charting it ( almost any thermometer will do but not the max min thermometer, which is often used for gardening.)
- Checking your cervical mucus daily for changes ( for example, thick mucus may indicate that you are out of the fertile window.)
- Charting your menstrual cycle on a calendar.
Tracking the Basal Body Temperature
When tracking your basal body temperature, it’s important to use a basal thermometer (but you can use most types of medical thermometers) and take your measurements consistently at the same time each morning. Ensure you do this before eating, drinking, or even going to the bathroom. To make sure the readings are as accurate as possible allow yourself to have at least 3-4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
To track your cycle accurately, note any variations in your temperature and record them consistently. Using a dedicated app or journal can help identify patterns and provide a clearer picture of your menstrual cycle.
Checking the Cervical Mucus for Changes
Tracking cervical mucus (vaginal discharge) can help predict when you are entering and leaving your fertile window. Be sure to daily check for changes in the mucus, if it is stretchy, thin, long, thick.
Fertile cervical mucus has been described as clear, white or transparent, and stretchy. It has a wet and slippery feel. Whereas, non fertile mucus tends to be thick and sticky.
There are two ways that you can monitor your cervical mucus:
- By observing the cervical mucus on toilet paper after wiping.
- By finger testing- insert a clean finger into your vagina and reach towards your cervix to collect mucus, and observe its colour and consistency.
The Effectiveness of the Fertility Awareness Method
The effectiveness of the Fertility Awareness Method largely depends on how often you measure your basal temperature and/or monitor your cervical mucus.
Take note that there are factors that will affect the accuracy of temperature measurement, including sickness, stress, lack of sleep, diet changes and travel.
However, to maximise the effectiveness of the FAM, be sure to track your cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and menstrual cycle consistently and accurately. One way of doing so is using an app like Natural Cycles, which allows you to input temperature readings, log in your symptoms and track your periods.
By maintaining regular tracking and understanding the factors that may influence your readings, you will be able to use the Fertility Awareness Method with confidence, so you are able to make informed decisions about birth control methods.
Final Thoughts
The Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) is a natural birth control option chosen by many women who prefer hormone-free alternatives. This method can prove to be highly effective when it becomes a daily practice, offering women a safe and natural way to monitor fertility and prevent pregnancy.
Whether you choose to just track your temperature changes or monitor your cervical mucus or combine the two methods, with consistent monitoring you will be able to make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
Plus, the FAM will, over time, allow you to become more in tune with your body, which naturally fosters a sense of empowerment. By understanding the subtle changes in your cycle, you can gain deeper insights into your overall health.This awareness not only helps in preventing pregnancy but also encourages a holistic approach to reproductive health.
