Symptothermal Method
Basal Body Temperature Method
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.
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Waking temperatures remain low |
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Cervical fluid is initially dry after menstruation, then becomes wet and similar to raw egg white. |
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The cervix rises and becomes softer and open |
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Waking temperatures rise for 12-16 days |
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Cervical fluid quickly dries up |
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The cervix quickly drops and becomes firm and closed |
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Using FAM helps you track and improve PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms. |
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It empowers you with practical knowledge about your menstrual physiology. |
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If pregnancy is your goal, FAM helps you know when your most fertile days are so that you can have sex on those days. |
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This method is useful in conjunction with other contraceptive methods such as barrier contraceptives and withdrawal. |
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No side effects or complications from hormones. Some religions and cultures approve of this method as the only acceptable form of contraception. |
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FAM requires daily charting of fertility signs |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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This method is often unreliable during times of stress or illness because cycles may be irregular. |
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.
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, contact a Family Planning clinic near you or visit www.go2planb.com. 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.
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