Fertility Awareness

Not all birth control involves pills or devices. Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) let your body stay in its normal rhythm while giving you a way to plan for pregnancy. These options come with no physical side effects and focus on learning your body's signals.

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs) are forms of birth control that use your body's natural, physical indicators to identify when you're most likely to get pregnant. By monitoring signs like cervical mucus changes, body temperature and menstrual cycle DAILY, you can recognize your most fertile days — and choose to avoid them if you want to prevent a pregnancy or embrace them if you're ready to start or expand your family.

FABMs require no medical appointments, procedures or prescriptions, and they're device, medication and hormone free. It's how you can naturally plan your family, while growing your understanding of your body's cycles.

Resources

To learn more about using FABMs to prevent pregnancy, check out these helpful resources.

FABMs Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

FABMs Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

FABMs Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

Effectiveness

Varies By Method Type

Lasts Up To

1 Month

How it Works
  • You track physical signs like cervical mucus changes, body temperature and menstrual cycle days to identify when you are most likely to get pregnant (fertile days).
  • To prevent pregnancy during fertile days, DO NOT have sex.
Pros
  • There are various types of fertility awareness-based methods to choose from
  • Each method requires daily monitoring
  • Hormone-free and all natural
  • Increases your body awareness and understanding of the menstrual cycle
  • Partner is engaged and supportive
  • No medical appointments, procedures or prescriptions required.
Cons
  • You MUST track your physical signs daily
  • Physical signs of fertility can be impacted by stress, illness, travel, alcohol, or shift work
  • Less effective with irregular cycles, during the postpartum period, or if you have certain health conditions like Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Learning curve to gain confidence in daily monitoring
  • Doesn't protect against STIs
  • Difficult to use if partner is not supportive
Possible Side Effects
  • No physical side effects
  • Emotional or mental stress from daily tracking or fear of error
  • Potential frustration if physical signs are hard to interpret
  • Risk of pregnancy if not used correctly or consistently

Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about these methods and which is best for you.
Source: Contraceptive Technology, 22nd edition

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Abstinence

Abstinence

Abstinence

Effectiveness

100%

Lasts Up To

1 Time

How it Works
  • Choosing NOT TO HAVE vaginal sex to prevent pregnancy
Pros
  • No cost, no prescriptions, no devices
  • No side effects
  • 100% effective in preventing pregnancy
  • Also protects against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if ALL sexual contact is avoided (oral, vaginal and anal)
Cons
  • Requires strong personal commitment
  • Partner must be supportive of abstaining
  • May be difficult to maintain in long-term relationships or under peer/social pressure
  • Backup birth control method needed if decision changes spontaneously
Possible Side Effects
  • No physical side effects
  • Emotional or relational stress if partners have differing expectations

Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about these methods and which is best for you.
Source: Contraceptive Technology, 22nd edition

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