How Does it Work?

All fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) are based on the science of your menstrual cycle. To avoid or achieve pregnancy, FABMs aim to identify your fertile window: The 5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation (1).

The Menstrual Cycle Story

This incredible journey starts on the first day of your period in the follicular phase, progresses to ovulation, enters the luteal phase, and ends the day before your next period.

Each of these phases are associated with hormonal changes and observable signals from your body indicating which phase you're in. These phases can vary each month, even for women with regular cycles, which is why tracking is essential.

Why is Charting Important?

Your cycle is affected by environmental factors such as stress, diet, and sleep. These factors can cause variations in your cycle (2), but charting your signs every day gives you a deeper understanding of your body and helps you recognize your own individual patterns. This intimate knowledge of your body enables more informed discussions with your healthcare provider and empowers you to become your own advocate in the doctor's office.

FABM 101

The Symptothermal Method

Kindara recommends using the Symptothermal Method (STM) to achieve pregnancy or avoid pregnancy. In fact, it is one of the most effective methods to avoid pregnancy naturally. The STM, with perfect use, has a 99.6% efficacy rate, according to the CDC (3).

What makes the STM so effective? The STM relies on 2 (or even 3 if you want) daily observations to determine your fertile window. That way, the observations check that the other is indeed indicating a fertile or non-fertile phase. Read on to learn more about which observations to track.

Kindara-Science-Temperature-and-Ovulation

Temperature & Ovulation

Cervical Mucus & the Fertile Window

Cervical Position & Your Cycle

References +

Ecochard, R., Duterque, O. Leiva, R. Bouchard, T., Vigil, P. (2015). Self-identification of the clinical fertile window and the ovulation period. Fertility and Sterility, 1319-135.e3.

Fehring, R. J., Schneider, M., & Raviele, K. (2006). Variability in the phases of the menstrual cycle. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 35(3), 376-384.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, April). Providing Quality Family Planning Services Recommendations of CDC and the U.S. Office of Population Affairs, Appendix D: Contraceptive Effectiveness.

⁴

Martinez, A., van Hooff, M., Schoutc, Erik., van der Meer, M., Broekmans, F., Hompes, P. (1992). The reliability, acceptability and applications of basal body temperature (BBT) records in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gyneocology and Reproductive Biology, 121-127.

⁵

Mesen, T. B., & Young, S. L. (2015). Progesterone and the luteal phase: a requisite to reproduction. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, 42(1), 135-151.

⁶

Barron, M. L., & Fehring, R. J. (2005). Basal body temperature assessment: is it useful to couples seeking pregnancy?. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 30(5), 290-296.

⁷

Coyne, M. D., Kesick, C. M., Doherty, T. J., Kolka, M. A., & Stephenson, L. A. (2000). Circadian rhythm changes in core temperature over the menstrual cycle: method for noninvasive monitoring. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 279(4), R1316-R1320.

⁸

Planned Parenthood. What's the cervical mucus method of FAMs?

⁹

Stanford, J. B., White Jr, G. L., & Hatasaka, H. (2002). Timing intercourse to achieve pregnancy: current evidence. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 100(6), 1333-1341.

¹⁰

Weschler, T. (2015). Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health.

Are You Ready to Take Control?

Kindara was created to help you meet your fertility goals and learn about your body. Download the Kindara App and start taking control of your fertility today.

Using the Fertility Awareness Method to Get Pregnant or Avoid Pregnancy Naturally