FAM
Whats on this page
- What are fertility awareness methods (FAMs)?
- What's the temperature method?
- What's the cervical mucus method?
- What's the calendar method?
- What's the Standard Days method?
- Are there any other FAM I should know about?
- How do you use fertility awareness methods?
- How much do fertility awareness methods cost?
- What are the side effects and benefits of the fertility awareness methods?
- Where can you get fertility awareness methods?
What are fertility awareness methods (FAMs)?
These methods aim to prevent fertilization during the so-called "fertile window" of the menstrual cycle i.e. five days before up to day of fertilization. This is usally achieved by abstinence or using a barrier method e.g. condoms.
What's the temperature method?
The basal body temperature (BBT) method uses cyclic physiological changes to estimate ovulation. After ovulation, increasing levels of progesterone cause a detectable rise in daily BBT. To use this method, a person should track BBT daily and abstain from intercourse from the end of menstrual period until the third consecutive day of elevated BBT, indicating post-ovulation. This method requires careful monitoring and is best for those with regular cycles.
What's the cervical mucus method?
The cervical mucus method involves observing and interpreting the presence and consistency of cervical mucus, which increases with rising estradiol levels: 1) After menstruation ends, the person should monitor cervical mucus daily. 2) Intercourse is allowed until notices copious, slippery mucus is observed, indicating fertility. 3) After the last day of this characteristic mucus, intercourse can resume four days later. This method requires careful observation and understanding of one's cervical mucus patterns.
What's the calendar method?
The calendar method is a traditional way to estimate ovulation for contraception. It involves three key assumptions: 1) An egg is fertilizable for about 24 hours after ovulation. 2) Sperm can fertilize an egg for 3-5 days after intercourse. 3) Ovulation occurs 12-16 days before the next period. To use this method, a person calculates the fertile period by subtracting 18 days from the previous shortest menstrual cycle and subtracting 11 days from the previous longest menstrual cycle. This method works best for people with regular and predictable menstrual cycles.
What's the Standard Days method?
The Standard Days Method involves tracking the days of the cycle by noting the first day of menstruation and using a calendar or a tracking tool such as CycleBeads. The user avoid unprotected intercourse during cycle days 8 through 19. This method only tracks the cycle length over several months and uses a fixed "fertile window" (Days 8-19) as opposed to the calendar method. Therefore is suitable who have regular menstrual cycles of 26 to 32 days.
Are there any other FAM I should know about?
breast tenderness, ovulation pains, lactational amnerrhia
How do you use fertility awareness methods?
These methods can be used separately or in combination with one another (called symptothermal method)
How much do fertility awareness methods cost?
Many of these apps are free but some might cost
What are the side effects and benefits of the fertility awareness methods?
These methods rely on regular cycles and predictable ovulation. Therefore, those with irregular cycles, older than 35, and those who are immediately postpartum should not use FAM . Requires partner’s cooperation More importantly, these apps are not regulated and might be medically inaccurate they should be used with caution and may even contain misleading information. Patients should also be cautioned about uncertain privacy protections for their personal information
Where can you get fertility awareness methods?
There are many mobile fertility tracking apps that can be downloaded from app stores Many of them are free, some might require payment