For the past two decades, I have relied on the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) as my primary form of birth control. Allow me to clarify: I wouldn’t advise this method to everyone. It requires a deep understanding of your body, strict adherence to guidelines, and a stable, committed relationship, as it does not offer protection against STDs. However, for those who meet these conditions and are willing to fully commit, I can attest that FAM is an incredibly effective method of contraception.
How It All Began
My journey with FAM began when my partner, Jake, and I started living together. For the first ten years of our marriage, it successfully prevented pregnancy, and when we decided to conceive, it helped me pinpoint the optimal times for conception. In those twenty years, we only experienced one “oops” moment, which led to an early miscarriage. At the time, I was nursing and my hormones were a bit unpredictable, and I admit I was somewhat lenient with the method because I was open to the possibility of pregnancy. Nevertheless, my track record is quite impressive, and the statistics support my experience.
Understanding the Statistics
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 1-5 out of 100 women can expect to conceive within the first year of “perfect use” of FAM, meaning strict adherence to guidelines. With average use, that number rises to 12-24 out of 100 women. This highlights the importance of dedication to the method.
What Does FAM Entail?
So, what does this method entail? FAM includes three primary components: tracking cervical mucus, measuring basal body temperature (BBT), and using the “standard days” method, which involves monitoring your cycle on a calendar. While each component can be used individually, combining all three is the most effective approach.
Tracking Cervical Mucus
Observing cervical mucus may seem unappealing, but it’s essential for identifying fertile periods. By tracking changes in cervical fluid, you’ll learn when you’re most fertile. You’ll notice a pattern where slippery mucus is prevalent during ovulation, and it’s crucial to avoid intercourse during this time—or use barrier methods.
Measuring Basal Body Temperature
Tracking BBT is another fascinating aspect, albeit a bit inconvenient, as it requires daily monitoring right after waking. A basal body thermometer is necessary for this, but they are fairly affordable and accessible. This method helps you identify a slight temperature rise that occurs post-ovulation, indicating you’re in the safe zone for sex.
Resources for Learning More
There’s a wealth of information surrounding FAM, including details on timing intercourse to prevent pregnancy and managing irregular cycles. For a comprehensive guide, I recommend Toni Weschler’s book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, which is essentially the definitive resource on fertility awareness. Additionally, many apps and charts are available to help you track your journey, and there are even coaches who specialize in FAM to provide personalized guidance.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
While the learning curve may seem daunting at first, the insights gained are empowering and can become quite engaging. I often find myself discussing my cervical mucus patterns with Jake—he’s quite the supportive partner in this journey.
Conclusion
What I appreciate most about FAM is how it keeps me attuned to my body, my cycles, and my sexuality while allowing me to prevent pregnancy without relying on hormonal or barrier methods that haven’t worked for me. It truly feels like a win-win situation.
In conclusion, the Fertility Awareness Method is only recommended for those who are ready to commit fully to it. If you are prepared to dive in, this method is highly effective and can empower you to feel in control of your fertility journey. If you’re looking for more insights into home insemination, feel free to check out this informative post on intracervicalinsemination.com or explore resources about fertility boosters for men at Make a Mom. For more in-depth information on IVF, UCSF is an excellent resource for anyone considering pregnancy options.