Fertility Tracking: Methods & Tools to Help Conception
Also known as “natural family planning”, fertility tracking is a natural and hormone-free method of contraception and fertility aid. By recording different ‘fertility signals’, a woman can identify days when she is fertile and likely to become pregnant.
‘Fertility signals’ that can be measured are the cycle length, body temperature changes and cervical mucus. This fertility aid informs us when conception is likely to take place.
What can you find here
Types of fertility tracking devices available
Fertility tracking by measuring cycle length and cervical mucus requires no additional devices or kits. However, many smartphone apps provide guidance and make the process much easier. Fertility tracking through measuring body temperature will require using a digital thermometer. Temperature should be taken every morning before getting out of bed or after rest for 3 hours. This is known as the basal body temperature. Various kits and subscription services are available for this technique, but you can use a fertility tracking chart template online at family planning websites.
Ovulation kits are available and measure hormone levels in the urine to predict if a woman is in her fertile period.
Is it accurate and reliable?
Natural family planning, also called fertility awareness-based contraception, varies in effectiveness depending on the method used and how consistently it is followed. According to the CDC, approximately 2 to 23 out of 100 women using these methods will become pregnant during the first year with typical use.
These methods require commitment because fertility signs, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and menstrual cycle patterns, must be monitored regularly. It may take several menstrual cycles to learn how to interpret these signs accurately. Stress, illness and other lifestyle factors can affect a woman’s cycle and make fertility tracking more difficult.
Combining different fertility signs may improve accuracy. To reduce the risk of pregnancy, avoid sex or use a barrier method, such as condoms, during fertile days. Fertility awareness methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages:
- No hormones or invasive devices needed: safe for women who cannot take hormones for any reason
- No side effects
- Acceptable to most faiths and religions
- Helps a woman to understand her cycle and recognize typical characteristics vs. abnormalities
Disadvantages:
- Effectiveness can range and fluctuate depending on user error and other factors such as illness and stress
- Requires daily monitoring of ‘fertility signals’
- High fertile days will require abstinence or other forms of contraception
Related topics
What can you find here