Fertility awareness methods include the calendar/rhythm method, the basal body temperature method, the cervical mucus method, and the standard days method. There are a number of factors you should consider before deciding whether fertility awareness methods are right for you. As with any method of contraception, you should first talk to your health care provider or a counselor at your local clinic or hospital before using fertility awareness methods.
Fertility awareness methods may be appropriate methods for you
If any of the following is true:
- You find other contraceptive methods unacceptable for religious or other reasons.
- You prefer a method you can discontinue yourself.
- You wish to use a barrier method only during the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle.
- You have a condition considered to pose a health risk for the use of other contraceptive methods.
- You are concerned about the side effects of other methods.
- You wish to share responsibility for family planning with your partner.
Fertility awareness methods may not be appropriate methods for you
If any of the following is true:
- You are at risk for exposure to or transmission of sexually transmitted infections,
including HIV infection. Fertility awareness methods do not provide protection against these infections. Aside from abstinence, male and female condoms offer the best protection against these infections.
- You intend to use only the calendar (rhythm) method and have menstrual periods at irregular intervals.
- You intend to use only the basal body temperature (BBT) method and cannot obtain or correctly use a basal body thermometer.
- You intend to use only the cervical mucus method and cannot correctly interpret cervical mucus signs.
- You intend to use only the cervical mucus method and have abnormal vaginal discharge.
- You have just delivered a baby or had an abortion.
Fertility awareness methods are not appropriate methods for you
If any of the following is true:
- You have a partner who is unwilling to avoid unprotected sexual
intercourse during the fertile period of each cycle.
- You cannot keep track of your fertile period.
- You cannot abstain or use another method during your fertile
period.
For more information about this method, see Fertility Awareness Methods: Questions & Answers.
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