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Natural Family Planning (Rhythm method)
Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)
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A woman is fertile (able to get pregnant) only for a rather short time during each menstrual cycle. For most of the cycle, she should be infertile (not able to get pregnant). A woman or couple may learn how to tell fertile days from infertile days by checking the woman’s bodily signs daily and keeping a chart of the changes.
FAM consist of those methods used by women to estimate the time of month they are most fertile (about seven days in length) this is the time when you could get pregnant. Some women choose to avoid sexual intercourse during the time of the month when they are most likely to become pregnant. This is called periodic abstinence. Other women choose to use one or more contraceptive methods during their fertile time. FAMs are named after the method a woman uses to recognize her fertile days. These include: Natural family planning, Sympto-Thermal Method, Ovulation method, Mucus/Temperature and/or Rhythm.
FAM consist of those methods used by women to estimate the time of month they are most fertile (about seven days in length) this is the time when you could get pregnant. Some women choose to avoid sexual intercourse during the time of the month when they are most likely to become pregnant. This is called periodic abstinence. Other women choose to use one or more contraceptive methods during their fertile time. FAMs are named after the method a woman uses to recognize her fertile days. These include: Natural family planning, Sympto-Thermal Method, Ovulation method, Mucus/Temperature and/or Rhythm.
It is based on the fact that a woman is fertile only around the time of ovulation (the release of a ripe egg from an ovary). It relies on the following beliefs:
- An egg is usually released each cycle
- The egg is released about 14 days before the menstruation cycle
- The egg lives 12-24 hours, and after the sperm get into a woman’s reproductive system, they might be able to fertilize (join) an egg for up to five days
Pregnancy rates vary depending on whether one method or combinations of methods of FAM are used, or whether barrier methods are added during the fertile time. FAM is most effective with no intercourse during the fertile phase. About 24 out of 100 who are average users and rely on FAM with periodic abstinence may become pregnant each year.
Careful and consistent use can give better results. To make the method work best for you, you should talk to your healthcare professional.
Careful and consistent use can give better results. To make the method work best for you, you should talk to your healthcare professional.
- The method has no health risks or side effects for the woman.
- It can be used to prevent or to plan a pregnancy.
- It can be quite effective if used correctly and consistently, especially if you have regular periods.
- It is acceptable for couples with religious concerns about birth control.
- The method is free, except for a thermometer (and possibly a class fee and purchased charts).
- It can lead to greater awareness and understanding of the body.
- Couples may develop greater communication, cooperation and responsibility.
- Barrier methods that have very few side effects may be uses with FAM during the fertile period to increase the effectiveness of pregnancy prevention.
- Even with correct use, the failure rate is often higher than with other methods. If the method is not used correctly and consistently, pregnancy is risked.
- Learning the method takes time and effort.
- Using the method requires considerable commitment, calculations and self-control.
- Both the woman and her partner must use self-control, unless a barrier method is added during the fertile period.
- If the woman or her partner has other sexual partners there is the risk of transmitting (passing on) a sexually transmitted disease.