Fertility awareness methods are used by women to determine the most fertile or infertile days in their menstrual cycle. These methods can be used to improve your chances of getting pregnant, avoid pregnancy or to monitor your gynecological health. There are common fertility awareness methods that you can use if you need help to get pregnant naturally or if you are looking for alternative methods to the hormonal birth controls.
The Most Common Fertility Awareness Methods
1. Charting your menstruation cycle:
When it comes to fertility awareness, your first objective is to know your menstrual cycle enough to chart the fertility pattern. Keep track of your cycle for about eight to twelve months to get an estimation of the times when you are most fertile. It’s important to note that the first stage of the menstrual cycle, which is before ovulation, can change monthly and will be different for every woman. This variation often occurs for thirteen to twenty days.
2. Monitoring cervical mucus:
The mucus plays a very important role for egg fertilization. In general, the cervix is usually very dry about five days after menstruation and this will last for around three or four days. After that day, the cervical fluid will increase until ovulation occurs, which is the wettest day. When you start to ovulate, you will notice that the mucus is clearer with stretchy texture. Once you know how to identify the changes in your cervical mucus, you can tell when ovulation starts.
3. Observing cervical changes:
Of all the common fertility awareness methods, it is very important to observe the cervical changes during your cycle. During ovulation, the cervix will move somewhat higher, but it will remain low at just a couple inches away from the opening of the vagina on the first or second day after your period. You should always check to see what is going on with your cervix daily. Try to do this at the same time every day. Use your knuckles as a measuring device to monitor the highest and lowest points.
4. Basal body temperature:
After ovulation, your basal body temperature will change and remain at an elevated level until the next period. When your body temperature stays normal for three consecutive days, this means that you are no longer in your fertile period. Taking your temperature will help you to identify your infertile days and the time when ovulation ends. It’s best to do this every morning and keep a chart with the results.
Now that you know about the common fertility awareness methods, you can make plans to conceive or avoid pregnancy. You can also look out for other fertility signs such as tenderness of breasts, spotting or slight cramping within the lower abdomen.