Types of Natural Family Planning Methods
There are several methods you can use to predict when you will ovulate.
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Temperature Method — You will take your temperature in the morning every day before you get out of bed.
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Cervical Mucus Method — You will check the changes in your cervical mucus every day for the first part of your cycle until you are sure you have ovulated.
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Calendar Method — You will chart your cycles on a calendar.
It is most effective to combine all three of these methods. Together, they are called the symptothermal method.
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Standard Days Method — You will track your cycle for several months to be sure that your cycle is always between 26 and 32 days long. Never longer or shorter. Then, you will not have unprotected vaginal intercourse on days 8–19.
Couples can learn how to use fertility awareness-based methods by taking a course. Or they can be taught by a specially trained health professional. Both partners should learn the methods together. This way, both will know exactly what needs to be done to make the methods work. This will make them work better. And many couples report that they become more intimate by sharing responsibility for birth control.
