I remember the day I had my IUD taken out and how nervous I was making the decision to stop using hormonal birth control.
On one hand, I felt a sense of relief to finally be walking away from hormonal birth control. It’s something I always wanted to do but I didn’t know of any other options.
But….
On the other hand, I was scared as to what I was going to use next for my birth control. At the time, I was 9 months postpartum and had no intentions of conceiving any time soon! I only knew of hormonal birth control as the most effective and most normal route.
During my appointment to have my IUD removed, I refused any other hormonal birth control offered to me. Instead asked about my options around natural contraceptives. After a little reluctance to go down this route with me from the OBGYN I was seeing at the time. She began to tell me more about natural birth control options. We went over the the Diaphragm, copper IUD, and spermicide.
I mean I thought these were great options, a good start but still, not exactly what I was looking for.
So..I ended up leaving the office, without choosing any of the methods I learned about. This is when my search began.
I started looking up natural birth control options on my phone and the same method kept popping up for me. The Fertility Awareness Method!
In all the many years of my birth control use, never had I heard about The Fertility Awareness Method! I became interested and wanted to learn more!
It was all-natural, didn’t require any extra devices that I would have to place and it was pretty much free!
Now, It did require a lot of upfront learning, reading, and becoming informed but hey that’s what made the experience so empowering! For the first time, I was learning about my menstrual cycle, my body. I felt more connected to myself as a young woman.
I dedicated the time to learn, and practice using The Fertility Awareness method. I never went back to using hormonal birth control again!
It has been 6 years since I have been using this method of birth control.
This blog post is way overdue! I’ve wanted to share this since 2016 when I first discovered FAM.
I’ll be sharing an overview of The Fertility Awareness Method and my experience using this birth control method. At the end of this post, I will post my podcast episode sharing with you my story of switching to FAM. I also added resources in this post that can help you begin to learn more about The Fertility Awareness Method for yourself!
What is Fertility Awareness Method?
The Fertility Awareness Method is a birth control method that allows you to learn your cycle and determine when you are fertile by tracking 3 fertility signs throughout your cycle each month. These signs let you know when you are fertile or are ovulating. The 3 signs to check for are
- Your Body temperature in the morning
- Your Cervical Fluid
- Cervical Changes
How Does It Work?
These fertility signs I mentioned above reflect the many hormonal shifts happening in your body each month as it prepares for pregnancy. When these signs are observed on a routine basis, you can determine when you are fertile and not fertile.
But…
To accurately use this method, when you are fertile, choosing to abstain from sex is the most accurate way to use this birth control method. If you choose to have sex on the days you are fertile or ovulating, use a barrier method such as a condom during sex. If you have sex outside of your fertile days, you can use no extra contraceptive.
Learning the Menstrual Cycle
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, one of the most empowering parts of my experience learning about The Fertility Awareness method, was actually learning how my cycle works.
All the years that I have had my menstrual cycle, I never really understood what was going on in my body. I was just taught how to manage the cramps and bleeding that came monthly.
Nowadays, I now know that the menstrual cycle is more than just an inconvenience that comes every month, it’s a cycle of life. It’s a reflection of our health as women. When we become intune with our bodies, we can experience autonomy over our bodies.
Learning the process my body goes through every month on a deeper level helped me and can help you as well with understanding the basics of how the Fertility Awareness Method works.
A brief overview of our menstrual cycle
There are two phases to your cycle, the follicular phase, and the luteal phase.
Follicular Phase
The Follicular Phase is the first phase of your cycle. It starts from the 1st day of your menstrual to the day of ovulation. During this time, a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone will be secreted from your Pituitary Gland. This hormone stimulates eggs in your ovaries to grow.
As this egg grows and becomes bigger, estrogen is secrete from the eggs, causing estrogen levels in the body increase until it hits a peak. When this happens, a hormone called Luteinizing Hormone is secreted from once again, Pituitary Gland. Which then causes the egg to be released to the fallopian tubes.
This egg then travels into the fallopian tubes where the egg can be fertilized by sperm.
Luteal Phase
The Luteal Phase is the second phase of your cycle. It starts from ovulation to the last day before a new menstrual period begins. In this stage, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increase. This is caused by the corpus luteum that takes the place of the egg that was released from the ovaries. The Corpus Luteum stays in the ovaries if an egg is fertilized by sperm.
It will continue to secrete progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for implantation of egg by making it the uterine lining thicker for the growth of a baby. Progesterone also raises the body temperature which is why one of the fertility signs to check if ovulation is or has occurred is a rise in body temperature.
If fertilization does not happen, the Corpus Luteum will dissolve, causing progesterone and estrogen levels to completely drop and this is when the uterine lining will shed, resulting into the menstrual cycle.
Think of The Luteal Phase is the Progesterone stage.
During your cycle, these 2 hormones are constantly shifting. This creates signs within our body that we can monitor to determine ovulation. Although there are many other signs we may feel within our body that signal ovulation is happening, I’m going to be getting into the 3 fertility signs used in the FAM.
The 3 Fertility Signs
1.Waking temperature- Checking your body temperature every morning
Our Body temperature fluctuates throughout our cycle and runs higher when we are ovulating. Once ovulation happens, our body temperature will rise due to the increased levels of progesterone. The bodies temperature will continue to run high until the end of the cycle or the rest of The luteal phase. When we are not ovulating, in the follicular phase. Our temperature will be at our lower temperature range.
Checking your temperature every morning and charting the fluctuations in your temperature in the first indicator of your fertile days. This can be done with a basal thermometer that you keep next to your bed for easy access.
To get the most accurate results when checking temperature, it’s important to…
- Check temperature every morning before you get out of bed
- Make sure temperature is taken at the same time every morning
- Get a minimum of 3 hours asleep before taking temperature
- Chart temperature onto a chart to visibility be able to see a temperature shift
Checking your temperature and charting down your temperature can be done from the first day of each cycle to the last day of your cycle. This can be a lot of fun experimenting with. Getting to see what your normal temperature range is, then seeing a spike in your temperature helps you to pinpoint ovulation, along with the other signs.
It’s like collecting data about your own body and reviewing it. Charting also shows you exactly how long your cycle is, being that cycles range anywhere from 28 to 35 days, you will get to see exactly where you fall in between.
2.Cervical Fluid
If I didn’t tell you before, I’m telling you now. The method is a very hands on approach, literally. With this second fertility sign and actually the 3rd one as well you will be physically using your fingers to fill for the changes in your cervical fluid throughout your cycle. This will give you huge insight on rather if you are ovulating or not by noticing and learning the different cervical fluid.
Cervical fluid changes throughout your cycle because there is a certain kind of cervical fluid that forms leading up to ovulation keeps sperm alive in the vagina to fertilize an egg.
When checking for cervical fluid, this can be a little more complex. It may take some practice as you learn what you are looking for. Definitely make sure to do your research to make sure you get a clear understanding of how this works.
From the years that I have used FAM and from what I have researched, this is one of the most important signs to determine the fertile days/ days you are ovulating.
You’re cervical fluid or what many of us have been told to refer to as discharge is the result of the hormonal shifts happening to prepare for ovulation caused by rising estrogen levels.
Leading up to ovulation, in the follicular phase of your cycle. As estrogen peaks and the body prepares your eggs for fertilization, the way your cervical fluid looks and feels will change as it becomes more nurturing to carry sperm to fertilize an egg.
It will go through different stages that will need to be observed daily to avoid pregnancy.
To quickly explain, here are the changes that happen with your cervical fluid as ovulation approaches.
- After your menstrual period, the vaginal opening will be pretty dry, won’t be much cervical fluid present.
- Within a couple of days, cervical fluid will begin to turn into a sticky, or pasty feeling.
- Then your cervical fluid will begin to thicken up, with a creamy look and feel to it.
- Leading up to ovulation, cervical fluid will begin to thicken, even more, resembling egg whites. It can be clear, or thick with white color and you can stretch it between your fingers. When it looks like this, this is cervical fluid indicating ovulation. This is the point in your cycle where you may feel a lot of cervical fluid down there throughout the day when you go to the bathroom and wipe etc. Once you notice the different changes of fluids, you will see how more wetter this cervical fluid is.
- After your fertile window passes, cervical mucus will change from the slippery, clear egg white fluid to sticky, creamy, and slowly dry before period.
Your cervical mucus can be charted on the same chart as your temperature for you to observe its changes and learn it along side your body temperature.
3.Cervical Changes
During ovulation, your cervix will rise higher up, soften and open to prepare for easier access for sperm to enter the cervix. This is caused by rising estrogen levels as well.
When feeling your cervix, check and see if it feels hard or soft. When the cervix feels hard, similar to the tip of your nose, this is a sign that you are not fertile.
If your cervix feels soft, and mushy like, then this is a good indicator that you are fertile.
The cervix lifts higher up into the vaginal canal during ovulation and this is what you would be feeling for and noticing when it comes to cervical position. You may noticed your cervical position changed in other ways as well, like maybe certain times you have sex its more painful. Or maybe when checking your cervix, you notice you may have to reach higher or sit a different way to feel you’re Cervix.
Checking your cervical changes and cervical mucus can go hand and hand and can be done at the same time really. As you begin to check for cervical fluids, and start visiting down there more. It will be naturally for you to start to notice physical changes in your cervix.
Take note of this along with the other 2 signs on your chart and it can helped you learn what your fertile days look and feel like so you can accurately use this method.
How I got started?
Although this birth control method is free, it will still require investing your time upfront. Taking the time to read, learn and practice this method is going to be key to fully understanding your body and how FAM works along with your cycle.
When I began my journey using FAM at my birth control, to get started had
- A thermometer. I went to Walgreens and found one for somewhere around 5 to 8 dollars.
- Taking charge of your fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural birth control and pregnancy achievement (This book is a must-read, it is the bible of FAM, picture of book below)Found this book at the local used book store for 7.99.
- Condoms (A barrier for fertile days and in the beginning stages of my learning)
- Last but not least, THE TIME TO LEARN. I didn’t necessarily have the time to educate myself, but I made the time. I read my book at work, after work after putting my babies to sleep. And once I began to use the method, I allowed the time to practice before fully relying on this as my birth control method, until I felt comfortable.
Other things you may want to get started
- Invest in diaphragm and spermicide (Some form of barrier method you will want to use)
- Find courses online or in person class that teaches Fertility Awareness Method for more personal and guided learning experience
- Consulting with Fertility Awareness Specialist
Does the Fertility Awareness Method Work? Is it accurate?
The Fertility Awareness method does work and is accurate, BUT it must be used correctly. When used correctly, it has an effective rate of 99.4%!
This method of birth control is not like other birth control. It isn’t inserted and then you’re done. It isn’t a pill or shot that you can take and then you’re done.
Using this method requires learning, hands-on practice, learning your cycle and body, and consistently checking these fertility signs. This method will require your full participation and even your partners as well.
The Fertility Awareness method relies on you. You are in charge of your fertility, literally.
This is a whole new world you will be walking in. At first, it may seem like it’s a lot and it probably will be at firs. As you become more knowledgeable about your body and get in the habit of checking these signs, the method becomes easier. Checking for these signs will become the new norm, and you begin to learn so much about yourself and cycle overall! For example the way you feel around certain times if your cycle, other signs your body gives off, the length of your cycle, etc.
Also, keep in mind
That to most accurately using this method, the best way to avoid pregnancy is to abstain from sex on your fertile days. If you choose to have sex during these days, you are no longer relying on the method, but on the barrier, you choose during this time like the pull-out method, condoms, the diaphragm, etc. I have a blog post here that talks about few barrier methods you can use on fertile days.
Is this method right for you?
Like when deciding with any other birth control or honestly any decision when it comes to your body. You have to ask yourself and factor in, is this method going to work for you?
Some things to consider when choosing this method is
Will you have the time to invest and learn this method upfront?
Do you have the capacity to stay consistent with accurately using this method throughout each cycle with your lifestyle ?
Will your partner be supportive of this method, open to learning with you, and okay will abstaining from sex or using barrier methods?
Are you comfortable with using condoms, spermicide, the diaphragm, or abstaining from sex altogether on fertile days?
Those are just some questions I wanted to throw in there but I encourage you to stop and ask yourself if this method is personally something that will work for you.
Benefits of the Fertility Awareness Method
Rather if you are using this method to prevent pregnancy or using it to achieve pregnancy, there are other benefits to experience when using this birth control method. Honestly, it’s a great starting point to know about your cycle no matter what birth control you choose. To gain knowledge about your cycle, and have the option to turn to this natural, non hormonal birth control method is something every women should have. It should be an option that we know about.
Some benefits are
- Becoming more familiar with the length of your cycle by visually seeing your cycle when you chart each month.
- In addition to the 3 main fertility signs, you may become more aware of other fertility signs and other signs that happen throughout your cycle
- Helps detect health issues/possible reproductive imbalances
- Free. No recurring cost to use this method besides upfront educational materials, thermometer, and barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragm, spermicide etc.
- More informed on how your body works when/if you see a medical provider and can be informed on what’s going on with your body
- Hormonal free. No side effects from synthetic hormones, and the bodies natural hormones can stay in balance
- 100 % free of health risk that hormonal birth controls have
- Can build a deeper connection between you and your partner when it comes to your sexual health
- Can have sex without any barrier method between you and your partner
Disadvantages
While I could go on about the benefits FAM offers, I also want to be transparent about some things that may be disadvantages for you.
Some disadvantages to using the Fertility Awareness Method is :
- Very hands-on. You will be using your finger to check the cervix throughout your cycle, checking your temperature every morning, and feeling cervical fluid.
- This method solely depends on you and how accurate you use it, if you are not on top of your game, the method fails.
- This birth control method is an ongoing process, forming habits around observing your cycle every month. Lifestyle change.
- Abstaining from sex or use another method along with FAM such as condoms, diaphram , spermicide etc.
- Learning curve. Takes time to use because of upfront learning needed to accurately use FAM method
- Involves your partners support and participation
My experience using FAM
When I began using this method back in 2016, I felt so empowered. I couldn’t believe that after all the many years that I had been using birth control, there was another way. A natural nonhormonal way. A birth control method that taught me and is still teaching me so much about my womb space and reproductive health.
Using the fertility awareness method set the tone for how I approach my health in general.
I share with you in hopes to inspire you to look into your options if hormonal birth control does not resonate with you anymore. We have the opportunity to take our health and wellness back into our hands and gain knowledge and wisdom around the sacredness of our bodies!
Down below, I have shared the podcast episode of my personal story and how I switched to using the fertility awareness method. Learn more down below!
Resources to get started with FAM
Toni Weschler book
Very In detailed book all about fertility awareness method : Taking Charge Of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement By Toni Weschler, MPH.
Additional information, resources, and charting templates to learn more about FAM from Author Toni Weschler.
Lisa, Certified Fertility Awareness Educator, Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner
Many resources over at her website www.fertilityfridays.com that cover all topics when it comes to The Fertility Awareness Method and Reproductive Health.
- Fertility Fridays Podcast
- Fertility Awareness Course
- 5th vital sign (Book)
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