Health Topics
Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FAB)
Online Birth Control Education

Fertility awareness-based methods attempt to determine the days in a woman’s menstrual cycle when she is fertile, that is, when an ovum has been released from the ovary and is capable of being fertilized. Fertility awareness-based methods either estimate when ovulation is most likely to occur or indicates when ovulation has already taken place. These methods are most useful when a woman has regular and predictable menstrual cycles.

On days when fertility is greatest, a couple can use an alternative barrier method of birth control, such as condoms or a diaphragm; enjoy ways of sexual pleasuring other than genital intercourse; or abstain from sexual contact completely.

Using Fertility Awareness-Based Methods Effectively

Fertility awareness-based methods offer the advantages of being safe and inexpensive. For some couples, religious convictions make fertility awareness-based methods the only acceptable method of birth control. Failures can occur when using these methods because people do not keep careful records, women may have irregular or minimally symptomatic cycles, couples may find the intervals of abstinence during the fertile days too long, or they find that having to plan sex a hindrance to spontaneous lovemaking. Fertility awareness-based methods require that both partners have strong commitment to use the techniques correctly and consistently.

The Standard Days Method (SDM) and the Calendar Rhythm Method, involve counting the days in the menstrual cycle and require that the woman knows which day of her menstrual cycle she is on. For the SDM she is considered fertile between days 8 through 19 counting day 1 as the first day of menstruation. Women can use SDM if they have regular cycles never shorter than 26 days or longer than 32 days. Other FAB Methods include the Symptothermal Method (based on temperature and other signs); the Ovulation Method (observing cervical secretions); and the Simple Observation Method. These methods involve observation by the woman of signs of fertility due to fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

There are also home test kits available for ovulation prediction and detection that can be used to detect the fertile window of the menstrual cycle for contraceptive purposes.

It is strongly recommended that training from a qualified health care provider be obtained to use these methods effectively.

Advantages

Greater involvement of partner to avoid pregnancy
No prescription needed
Increased communication between couple
Increased awareness on how to become pregnant if conception is desired

Disadvantages

High failure rate
Fewer days to have intercourse
Training is essential
Breast feeding, illness and other factors can obscure fertility signs
No protection from STI
If periods are not regular, may not be as effective

Efficacy

Failure rate: Typical use: 25%; Perfect use: 9%

Recommended Resources

Fertility Awareness (Feminist Women's Health Center)

Online Birth Control Education
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