W H A T   I S   F E R T I L I T Y   A W A R E N E S S ?

Like the earth's surface, a woman of childbearing age moves through cycles of heating and cooling, which in turn create moistening and drying, which in turn provide a fertile environment for life to evolve. Rocks, glaciers, plants and animals (including humans) all evolve in concert with these processes.

Just as a meterologist can observe and measure these cycles in the earth's surface to determine weather patterns, a woman can observe her daily waking temperature, cervical fluid and cervix changes to gauge her gynecological health, and to determine when she can and can't conceive. Charting these signals is called Fertility Awareness (FA).

Charting requires about two to three minutes of daily attention. A woman can use her charts to determine whether or not she's ovulating, if she has progesterone deficiency or a possible thyroid imbalance, if she's pregnant, if she's miscarrying, and more. Used to prevent pregnancy, the method is virtually as effective as The Pill, if its rules are followed. And it's helped countless couples to conceive.

Please note: Fertility Awareness is not the (ineffective) Rhythm Method, which is based on a woman's past cycles. FA determines fertility by daily charting fertility signals in her current cycle. The method is used internationally, and may also be called Natural Family Planning, the Sympto-Thermal Method, The Ovulation Method, or The Billings Method.

The best way to learn Fertility Awareness is to take a class with a qualified teacher. I can also recommend reading a comprehensive book like Toni Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility, charting for a few weeks, then writing down your questions and discussing them by phone with a teacher (if no classes are offered in your area). The beauty and efficacy of this method comes from people sharing the information with each other.

While I am delighted to offer some information about Fertility Awareness on this website, please be clear that it does not substitute for a class or a comprehensive book. Furthermore, the materials presented here are entirely educational; they do not take the place of qualified medical advice and/or treatment. Any application of the recommendations outlined on this website is conducted at the visitor's own risk. Please contact your doctor, a Fertility Awareness teacher, or both, whenever appropriate.

While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate and updated information, the author of this site cannot be responsible for any error, omission, or dated material.