BEYOND THE BIRTH CONTROL PILL: Understanding the Natural Fertility Awareness Method

A Science-Backed Approach to Reproductive Health

In a world where hormonal birth control and intrauterine devices (IUDs) dominate the conversation about contraception and women’s reproductive health management, many women are seeking alternatives that don’t involve masking their natural hormone symptoms with synthetic hormones.

The Natural Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) offers a more informed (aka unmasked), hormone-free approach that not only helps prevent pregnancy but also allows individuals to better understand their menstrual cycles and overall health. Whether used for contraception or conception planning,

FAM is gaining traction as an effective and empowering alternative for those looking to work with their bodies rather than suppress their natural rhythms.

Let’s deconstruct and explain the advantages of leveraging natural contraception methods and the different types you can choose from.

What is the Natural Fertility Awareness Method?

The Fertility Awareness Method involves tracking ovulation signs to determine fertile and infertile days in the menstrual cycle. By recording and analyzing these signs, individuals can predict fertile days and adjust sexual activity accordingly. The three primary fertility indicators include:

Basal Body Temperature (BBT):  A slight rise in temperature after ovulation.

Take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed.

After ovulation, BBT rises by about 0.5°F (0.3°C) and stays elevated until your next period.

You are most fertile in the days before this temperature rise.

Cervical Mucus Changes: Increased, clear, stretchy mucus around ovulation.

Throughout the cycle, cervical mucus changes in consistency:

• Dry/Sticky (Infertile)

• Creamy (Possible Fertility)

• Egg White (Most Fertile)

• Watery (Fertile)

The most fertile days are when mucus is clear, stretchy, and slippery (like raw egg whites).

Cervical Position: Higher, softer cervix during fertility windows.

Symptothermal method: Combining multiple tracking approaches (i.e. basal body temperature and cervical mucus changes) to increase accuracy.

How is the Fertility Awareness Method used as Birth Control?

Advancements in technology have made FAM more accessible and user-friendly than ever. Several tools and devices can aid in tracking fertility signs, including:

• Basal Body Thermometers: Digital thermometers with two decimal precision for accurate BBT readings (you need at least 5 of 7 days recorded for accurate readings) 

  
  

• Wearable Trackers: Devices like Tempdrop, the newest Apple Watch, or the Oura Ring (my personal favourite) that monitor BBT while sleeping (I personally find this method superior because there's less room for human error and less risk of forgetting to record)

  
  

• Cycle Tracking Apps: Apps like Natural Cycles (FDA-approved), Kindara, and Clue use data metrics to help record and predict ovulation indicators.

  
  

• Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKs): Though not a core FAM method, LH test strips can help confirm ovulation windows.

If using FAM for birth control (which is 76-98% effective, depending on accuracy and consistency):

• Avoid unprotected sex during the fertile window, which includes:

  • 5 days before ovulation + ovulation day + 1-2 days after

• Use barrier methods (e.g., condoms) or abstain during fertile days.

• Track symptoms consistently for at least 3-6 months before relying on FAM.

• Avoid FAM as your only method if your cycles are irregular.

If using FAM to get pregnant:

• Have sex during your most fertile days (egg-white cervical mucus + just before BBT rises).

• Ovulation usually happens 12-16 days before your period.

• If cycles are irregular, rely on mucus and temperature tracking over the calendar method.

How Does FAM Compare to Other Birth Control Methods?

When followed precisely, the Fertility Awareness Method can be highly effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Typical use efficacy: 76–88% (accounting for human error)

• Perfect use efficacy: Up to 98–99% (when applied correctly)

  
  

For comparison, other birth control methods have the following typical-use effectiveness rates:

• Hormonal birth control pills: 91%

• Copper IUD: Over 99%

• Condoms: 85%

• Withdrawal method: 78%

Fertility Awareness Method can be as effective as hormonal birth control when diligently followed, though it requires discipline and consistency.

Successful implementation of natural contraception methods relies on careful attention to several key factors. Ovulation tracking forms the foundation, using various tools and techniques to identify your fertile window with greater precision. Periodic abstinence during fertile periods becomes essential for preventing pregnancy when using these options. 

You'll need to commit to consistent daily monitoring and record-keeping to establish reliable patterns and improve accuracy over time. Strong partner communication also plays a vital role, as both parties must understand and commit to the chosen method for it to be effective.

Beyond the Birth Control Pill: Additional Benefits of FAM

Every woman is different, which is why not everyone can rely on traditional birth control medications. Many women find life-changing benefits with organic contraception, including the following:

• No synthetic hormones or chemicals entering your body, which may reduce the risk of side effects common with hormonal drugs

• Enhanced body literacy and awareness as you learn to recognize your built-in fertility signs

• Cost-effective long-term solution with minimal ongoing expenses

• Reversible immediately if you decide to conceive

• Compatible with various health conditions and religious beliefs

• It may help identify underlying hormonal imbalances or reproductive health issues

Is the Fertility Awareness Method right for you?

The benefits of natural birth control methods can be not only an accurate and effective method for pregnancy prevention but also an informative experience to learn more about your health, hormones, and reproductive cycle.

However, there are some key criteria that need to be met in order for this method to be effective as a means of contraception. Therefore, I always advise speaking with a naturopathic doctor or physician before you decide if this method is right for you.

To learn more about the fertility awareness method and strategies for optimizing your hormone health, reach out to Toronto Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Courtney Holmberg at (647) 351-7282 to explore naturally supported birth control options.