Types of
Fertility Awareness Methods
Fertility awareness method is an umbrella term for different kinds of methodologies with guidelines and rules for effective use.
Highly Effective / Recommended
Cervical Fluid Only Methods
These methods only use the changes in cervical fluid to determine the fertile window, and observations of fluid are taken more closely with regards to its characteristics.
Symptothermal Methods
The gold standard of FAMs. These methods use corroboration between cervical fluid, cervical position, and basal body temperature observations, along with secondary fertility signs, to determine the fertile window.
Symptohormonal Methods
Symptohormonal methods focus on cervical fluid and urinary hormone metabolite information to make determinations about the fertile window. This is done through hormone monitors or ovulation test strips.
Unreliable / Not Recommended
Temperature Only Methods
Most common in the form of thermometer/apps that use past cycles and past thermal shift data to determine the fertile window. Not recommended and unreliable because temperature is a retroactive fertility sign and ovulation cannot be predicted.
Calendar Methods
Sometimes called the standard days or rhythm method. Unreliable, and not a true fertility awareness method because it does not track personal biodata. Uses information from large population data o
Types of Symptothermal Methods
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In the single check methods, the fertile window opens when the first cervical fluid observation is made for that cycle. The fertile window stays open until it is closed with rules regarding changing cervical mucus and thermal shift (temperature) observations.
Perfect use: Around 98% effective
Not as Effective As Double Check.
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In double check methods, the fertile window opens with the first cervical fluid observation or a calculation based on the earliest thermal shift or shortest cycle length of previous cycles. The fertile window ends when changes in cervical fluid and a thermal shift are observed.
Typical use: 98.2% effective (use in practice / self taught)
Perfect use: 99.6% effective (use in trial / taught by an instructor)
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Methods: Justisse, The Well (Grace of the Moon), Taking Charge of Your Fertility, Fertility UK, Natural Fertility NZ, SymptoTherm Foundation, Natural Fertility Education Australia
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Religious Based: FEMM, SymptoPro Fertility Education, Couple to Couple League, Natural Family Planning International, Serena
Secular With Catholic Origins: Sensiplan, Natural Family Planning Teachers Association (UK)
Effectiveness of Different Methods
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