What Is It?

A variety of methods to help detect when to avoid sex during the fertile days of a woman’s cycle

How Does It Work?

Users abstain from sex on fertile days to prevent egg and sperm from meeting

How Is It Used?

Meet with a qualified family planning clinician for specific details on the following: Observing and charting daily signs of fertility or ovulation (release of egg)

Basal Body Temperature Method:

• Temperature taken and charted each day
• Cervical Mucus Method: Mucus is checked for signs of ovulation
• Sympto-Thermal Method: Combines both methods above, with checking position of cervix

Effectiveness:

85%

Benefits:

• No health risks or side effects
• Can be used to determine fertile days if pregnancy is wanted
• Responsibility is shared by couple

Possible Concerns:

• Abstinence is required on fertile days
• Fertility may be difficult for some women to identify
• Records of signs have to be kept

DOES NOT REDUCE THE RISK OF HIV/AIDS OR STDs

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