Natural fertility Awareness
This method may
appear complicated, but it really does pay off in the long run. It gives you
such a good understanding of your body you'll feel far more confident about
approaching your doctor if you need to. And - when you ultimately become
pregnant, you'll know without even using a pregnancy test!
There are two main elements to Natural Fertility
Awareness.
Each of these is checked on a daily basis and
recorded on a chart allowing you to build up a picture of your cycles.
To see an example chart,
click here
To download a blank chart (Microsoft Excel required),
click here
BASAL BODY TEMPERATURE
The
progesterone increase after ovulation causes
your body's resting temperature to rise by at least 0.1 degree centigrade.
So, by taking your temperature every morning at
the same time, and charting the results, you can observe the increase which will
confirm you have ovulated. Because the increase occurs after ovulation it can
only confirm it has taken place - it cannot indicate egg release in advance. But
used over time, measuring your temperature allows a better knowledge of your cycle.
Your BBT can also predict when your period
will start. The point of ovulation can vary, but once your temperature has risen
and you are in your
luteal phase, you'll find that the number of days in that part of
your cycle varies by only one or two each month. And, if you have 18 days of
raised temperatures, the chances are that you're pregnant!
Your temperature must be taken as soon as you
wake up, before you move, talk, have a cup of tea, anything! Try and take it at
the same time each morning as it will go up with each extra half hour you have
in bed. Record any major fluctuations in time on your chart.
Obviously you'll need a thermometer. Digital is
best. The ones you use in your ear are no good. If you can get a fahrenheit one,
all the better as they are more sensitive. But - being in the UK - the chances
are you'll have to settle for centigrade (which is fine). You don't need a
specific BBT thermometer (in fact they're almost impossible to find in the UK
anyway).
CERVICAL
FLUID
Again, hormonal fluctuations mean the
consistency of your cervical fluid changes throughout the month. To check the
consistency you can wipe with toilet paper before urinating, or insert a finger.
| Menstruation (your period) |
Discharge is predominately
blood (red / brown). No need for any further checking. |
| Sticky |
As your period ends you'll find
you produce either no fluid, or fluid that is dry and sticky. The vagina
feels dry (except when sexually stimulated). Any fluid produced is hostile
to sperm - they cannot survive in it. |
| Wet & creamy |
As
oestrogen levels increase
you will notice a wet or watery feeling and an increase in fluid which is
slippery when rubbed between the fingers. It may take some time to dry, and
feels creamy, almost like lotion. This is fertile quality; sperm can survive
in it, and you should be making love at least every other day once you get
this. May last several days. |
| Egg white |
At peak fertility (when the egg
is about to be released), your cervical fluid is likely to reach a
consistency very similar to egg white. It is very slippery and can stretch an
amazingly long way between your fingers! However,
not all women get this - some do not progress beyond wet, and that should not affect
your ability to conceive. Others may have it for just a few hours up to
three days. |
| Sticky |
After ovulation you will return
to sticky or no fluid. |
If you consistently find it hard to detect the
changes we've outlined, you may not be ovulating. If so, you should
visit your GP for some initial tests.
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Getting Pregnant's
view: Natural Fertility
Awareness is a very empowering thing. We've tried to give an overview here
and include sufficient information for you to get started.
If you're interested in learning more, the
definitive book on Natural Fertility Awareness is by American Toni Weschler.
It covers the three key methods - basal body temperature, cervical fluid and
cervical position, with a no-nonsense occasionally humorous approach. It
also explains all the fertility basics, as well as how using natural
fertility awareness could help identify reproductive problems so you can
give your doctor better information.
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