Natural birth control can be effective, book declares

FOLLOW THE CHART: An example in Weschler's book shows how women chart their cycles in order to prevent or achieve pregnancy.

By Jennifer Lund

November 27, 2006 | A young woman says to her mother "I'm thinking of doing natural birth control."

"Oh! Well you know what those natural birth control women are called," says her mother.

"What?" the daughter asks.

"Mothers!" she responds.

Jokes about natural birth control have been told for decades. Due largely to the low success rate of the rhythm method, many people have negative attitudes about natural birth control. The rhythm method involves a mathematical formula that uses menstrual cycle lengths to predict future fertile phases. This method, proven to be less than effective, has largely been believed to be the only natural method of birth control available. But, there is another option for women who want to avoid using hormones as a method of preventing pregnancy.

In her book Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health, women's health educator Toni Weschler teaches women the ins and outs of the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM).

"Women from all over the world have been drawn to FAM simply because it is free of the chemicals associated with hormonal methods such as the pill," Weschler says in her book. "Most women are thrilled with the sense of control they feel after spending just a couple of minutes a day charting their cycle, cherishing the privilege of finally understanding their bodies."

FAM is based on the fact that a woman is only capable of getting pregnant for about one quarter of her menstrual cycle.

"Given that women are fertile only a few days per cycle, it's ironic that they're the ones that risk the vast array of side effects and physical ramifications of birth control," says Weschler.

By knowing when she is fertile and therefore capable of getting pregnant, a woman using FAM can avoid and achieve pregnancy. The method involves two primary fertility signs—the waking temperature and cervical fluid. These two signs are then recorded on a chart that allows a woman to see when she has a risk of getting pregnant and when she does not.

The waking temperature is used to determine when ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary) occurs. To get her waking temperature, a woman must take her temperature upon awaking every morning. She must do this before she does anything else (getting out of bed, talking, etc) in order to ensure accuracy.

A woman's temperature usually falls within the range of 97.0 to 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit before ovulation. After ovulation the temperatures rise to 97.6 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures will stay high until her next period (typically 12-16 days later). If the temperature does not drop back down after 18 days the woman is most likely pregnant.

The other fertility sign is cervical fluid, which must be checked and charted on a daily basis. Cervical fluid changes throughout a woman's cycle and must be a certain consistency in order for sperm to survive. During a typical cycle cervical fluid can go from nonexistent to sticky, creamy and finally stretchy. Stretchy cervical fluid is most conducive to sperm.

By following these two signs, along with other additional indicators, women can successfully achieve or prevent pregnancy. FAM; however, is not recommended for everyone. Weschler points out that the method is best for monogamous couples who have the maturity and discipline to follow the method correctly—because, like any method, it is very unforgiving if it fails. In addition FAM does not offer any protection from STDs.

In the mix of the pill, the patch, condoms, IUDs, hormonal injections, etc., FAM is one other birth control option for women. With so many options available women should do their own research and choose the birth control method that best suits their needs.

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