Natural Family Planning

Understanding Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning

Beyond artificial methods of birth control, there is of course the option of natural methods, also known as fertility awareness methods (FAMs) or natural family planning. These are methods that involve tracking a woman’s menstrual cycle and body to predict when she is most likely to get pregnant. The goal is to avoid sex or use other birth control methods during her fertile days. FAMs are not as effective as hormonal or barrier methods, but using more than one method at a time can increase their effectiveness. Many apps exist to help women keep track of their cycles and ovulation such as FEMM, Flo, and Clue.

5 Types of Natural Family Planning Methods

Cervical Mucus Method

The Standard Days method (SDM) is a fertility awareness-based method of family planning that helps identify a woman’s fertile days. It’s a variation of the rhythm method that’s most effective for women with menstrual cycles that are consistently 26–32 days long.

The SDM is considered easy to teach and requires the fewest days of alternative contraception or abstinence. However, contraindications, such as recent pregnancy and breastfeeding, can affect cycle regularity and eligibility for the method.

To use the SDM, you:

When you get your next period, start the counting over at day 1.
Count the days in your menstrual cycle, starting with the first day of your period as day 1
Consider days 8–19 to be your fertile days.
Avoid unprotected sex or use a barrier method of birth control on days 8–19 to prevent pregnancy.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, try to have intercourse between days 8–19.
On days 1–7 and 20 through the end of your cycle, you’re not considered to be fertile and can have unprotected sex.

Calendar or ‘Standard Days’ Method

This is a natural family planning method that involves tracking changes in cervical mucus to determine when ovulation is occurring. It’s also known as the Billings Ovulation Method or the ovulation method.

Keep a chart of the amount, texture, and color of your mucus each day. You can use a calendar and label days as pasty, creamy, wet, or dry. The cervical mucus method is more effective when used with the basal body temperature method, which involves taking your temperature first thing in the morning each day, also called the symptothermal methods.

4 phases of the Cervical Mucus Method

Dry Phase
not fertile, days 1-3 after period. Mucus is dry or mostly dry.

Sticky Phase
not fertile, days 4-6 after period, mucus is white or cloudy, forms sticky globs

Creamy Phase
semi-fertile, days 7-9 after period, mucus is creamy or cloud, thick

Clear Phase
fertile, days 10-14 after period, mucus is stretchy and slippery

Symptothermal Methods

The symptothermal method is a fertility awareness method that uses a combination of methods to identify a woman’s fertile window. The method involves tracking and observing signs of fertility, such as cervical mucus, basal body temperature (BBT), and menstrual dates. The symptothermal method is considered one of the most reliable FAMs because it combines multiple signs of fertility.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method

This is a natural family planning method that involves tracking your body temperature to predict ovulation and fertility. Your basal body temperature, a person’s lowest body temperature while at rest, increases slightly after ovulation, so you can track your temperature each morning before getting out of bed. Basal body temperature thermometers are most accurate because they are more sensitive and are able to detect temperatures to 1/100th of a degree, but a mercury thermometer can be used if needed. You should take your temperature the same way and at the same time each day, and record it on a fertility awareness chart. You should chart your BBT for at least three months before using it for birth control.

There are many thermometers that pair with an app these days to help track and store your temperatures. Premom Basal Thermometer, Easy@Home Basal Body Thermometer, and Tempdrop are just a few examples.

Pull Out Method

The pull-out method, also known as withdrawal or coitus interruptus, is a form of birth control that involves withdrawing the penis before ejaculation. It’s better than not using any birth control, but it’s not very reliable and is less effective than other methods. The pull-out method is about 78% effective, meaning that a little more than 1 in 5 people who use it will get pregnant in a year. It’s difficult to use the pull-out method perfectly, and many factors can affect your chances of getting pregnant, such as ovulation timing, stress, and illness.

When exploring birth control methods, it’s essential to research various options and consult a healthcare professional to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and lifestyle. Each individual’s body and circumstances are different, so it’s important to choose a method that feels right for you—free from external pressures or influences. Remember, this is a personal choice that directly impacts your health and well-being. Prioritizing your comfort and understanding will empower you to make the best decision for your reproductive health.

Things to
Keep in Mind

Disclaimer:

When exploring birth control methods, it’s essential to research various options and consult a healthcare professional to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and lifestyle. Each individual’s body and circumstances are different, so it’s important to choose a method that feels right for you—free from external pressures or influences. Remember, this is a personal choice that directly impacts your health and well-being. Prioritizing your comfort and understanding will empower you to make the best decision for your reproductive health.

Natural Family Planning Resources

FEMM Health

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Well Woman ExamsFamily Planning ConsultationGeneral HealthcareOther Medical Care

FEMM Health- Telemed

FEMM Health

941 Chatham Lane

Columbus, OH 43221

★ 3.7

Well Woman ExamsFamily Planning ConsultationGeneral HealthcareOther Medical Care

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Natural Family Planning

Understanding Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning

5 Types of Natural Family Planning Methods

Cervical Mucus Method

Calendar or ‘Standard Days’ Method

Symptothermal Methods

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method

Pull Out Method

Things to Keep in Mind

Natural Family Planning Resources

FEMM Health

FEMM Health- Telemed

FEMM Health

Have Questions About Natural Family Planning?

Things to
Keep in Mind