Fertility awareness methods are all about tracking your menstrual cycles to determine your fertile window, or the days that you can get pregnant. To do this, you have to pay attention to your body, its patterns, and the way it changes when you are ovulating (releasing an egg). People who use this method can estimate when it is safer to have sex if they don’t want to become pregnant.

This method can be used for avoiding pregnancy or trying to become pregnant.

How effective is it against pregnancy?

• Prevents pregnancy 77 – 98% of the time

How to Use:

• Predict fertile days by: taking temperature daily, checking vaginal mucus for changes, and/or tracking your period
• It works best if you track more than one factor
• Avoid sex or use barrier methods during fertile days

Pros:

• Low cost
• Natural and no side effects
• Can be used while breastfeeding

Cons:

• Must use another birth control method if having sex during fertile days
• Many things to remember and track with this method
• Only works for people who have regular periods
• Does not protect against HIV or other STIs – use a condom when having sex