What is the Fertility Awareness Method?

I LOVE teaching the fertility awareness method to couples.  It is a way of understanding your cycles and knowing where you ovulate so that you can either avoid or plan a pregnancy.  As a contraception, the world health organisation states that it is more than 99% accurate as a contraception.  That`s the same as the birth control pill but without the nasty side effects

The method involves taking your basal body temperature with a digital thermometer each morning, which needs to be done before you get out of bed and start moving about.  It also needs to be taken at the same time each day, although there are some easy calculations that you can do to account for any weekend lie-ins  or early starts.

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The fertility awareness method is a reliable method of contraception if used properly. It is often confused by some people with the old "rhythm method" which was highly dubious.  Fertility awareness is COMPLETELY different and based on scientific fact, not estimations.  As well as recording your temperature, It uses other symptoms of the female body such as monitoring cervical mucous and the position of the cervix.

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Hormonal contraception pitfalls

The birth control pill is known to cause huge health implications.  The hormones used are synthetic - that means that they are made in a laboratory somewhere.  Whilst they are effective at controlling unwanted pregnancies, the hormones are depleting your body of vital nutrients and contribute to life-long conditions later down the line.

The oestrogen and progesterone that our bodies makes have other functions across our physiology other than just supporting  the reproductive system.  Oestrogen is vital for bone health and cardiovascular function amongst many other functions, and progesterone is essential for our mood and cognitive balance amongst other reasons.

Synthetic hormones do not offer the same health benefits. The only thing they are good for is stopping unwanted pregnancies. 
It is common for a woman to have been on the contraceptive pill for many years and then after menopause discover that she has osteoporosis.  The lack of natural oestrogen has contributed to poor bone health.
Not only this, but hormonal contraception is known to deplete B vitamins, Zinc and other nutrients which are vital for health.  

What are the advantages of using the Fertility Awareness Method as a contraception?
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​Apart from the health advantages of using a natural form of contraception, there are other reasons why the FAM is beneficial:
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But the method is not for everyone, and it would be biased of me not to include the disadvantages of using fertility awareness as a contraception.  

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How can fertility awareness be used to achieve a pregnancy?

Learning about your menstrual cycles in such a way is really enlightening.  Not only can you see if you are ovulating each month, but you can see the health of your luteal phase and follicular phase.  We can also assess thyroid function by  your charts and monitor the acidity of the vaginal environment during ovulation.  

By pinpointing where you ovulate, you stand a much better chance of conception.  Whilst ovulation strips are great, sometimes they pick up the hormone too late and the ovulation has already happened.  
Once the ovum (egg) is released, it only lives around 24 hours before being absorbed by the body.  Out of those 24 hours, it can only be fertilised for around 12 hours.  In contrast, sperm can live a lot longer and can last between 3 - 6 days.

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I`ve helped many women understand their cycles better and be able to plan a pregnancy more accurately.  Take a look at this short video of me explaining a pregnant ladies fertility awareness chart.

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​My qualifications to teach fertility awareness

The fertility awareness method is only 99.6% accurate if you learn it from a qualified teacher and stick to the rules you are taught.

I am a fully qualified and registered teacher of the fertility awareness method and was trained by the NFPTA - the Natural Family Planning Teachers Association.  I have undergone rigorous training and examinations and continue to further my knowledge on the subject every year as part of my professional development.
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What do I do if I want to learn the Fertility Awareness Method?

​Get in touch! 

You can either drop me a message on the contact form or email me and I will send you the information that you need.  I offer 1 - 1 or small group teaching.  I am also writing an online course for those who want to learn at their own pace.

If you are wanting to understand your fertility further, then why not book a consultation to see how we can fine-tune your body to be more of an optimal state.

In the meantime, as always...

Love and health,

​Eve x