When it comes to birth control, there’s no shortage of options. But many of them rely on hormones, synthetic materials, or a device inserted somewhere in your body to provide protection against pregnancy.
These methods are highly effective, but for women who prefer a more natural approach, ovulation and fertility monitoring, often referred to as the rhythm method or the fertility awareness method (FAM), offers an effective alternative — and provides unique insights into your health.
Daniel S. Kushner, MD, is committed to giving you information about all your options so you can make an informed choice about what works for you. To help you better understand the benefits of this all-natural family planning method, our team has curated this guide outlining the details and benefits of ovulation and fertility monitoring.
The natural rhythms of your body play a role in birth control and family planning. Tracking your natural reproductive cycle helps predict fertile and infertile days.
This approach is based on observing changes in your body, such as your basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and menstrual cycle patterns. You can also use tools like ovulation test kits and calculators.
By understanding these signs and interpreting information from ovulation tools, you determine the best times for conception or avoidance of pregnancy. Dr. Kushner can help you understand the different approaches and which is right for you.
These methods are a good fit for any woman who prefers a natural approach to family planning and has a regular menstrual cycle with a willingness to commit time and effort to learning and tracking their cycle.
They’re less effective for women with irregular cycles or who find daily tracking challenging. In addition, this method isn’t enough if you need protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Compared with other methods of birth control, natural rhythm methods or fertility awareness offer several advantages.
For women who aren’t ready to have a baby, these methods encourage an all-natural, holistic approach to reproductive health. You don’t need to get a prescription or schedule appointments with a provider to get started.
Instead, you rely on your body’s signals to avoid your fertile days. If you follow the method, you can expect effective protection against unwanted pregnancies.
And by paying close attention to your body, you become aware of your fertile days and other aspects of your sexual health without the side effects that hormonal birth controls bring, synthetic materials that can irritate your sensitive skin, or the invasive nature of implants and other devices.
One of the biggest benefits natural rhythm methods offer is an opportunity to understand your body better. For example, tracking daily changes helps you notice patterns and changes. This awareness can help you understand your menstrual health, identify any irregularities or problems sooner, and even track your general well-being.
With the knowledge you gain from natural rhythm methods, you’re better able to make informed decisions about your reproductive and overall health. In addition, you’re better equipped to give valuable health information to your providers.
When you’re ready to conceive, understanding your ovulation is key. Because this method helps you identify the most fertile days in your cycle with more precision, you can time intercourse accordingly, increasing the likelihood of conception.
Ovulation and fertility monitoring are one part of a larger health picture. For this reason, it’s important to discuss this approach with your OB/GYN.
Dr. Kushner offers personalized birth control guidance based on your health profile, helping you choose the approach that's best for you. And if issues arise using these natural methods, Dr. Kushner can help you troubleshoot the problems or recommend helpful tools.
To learn more about ovulation and fertility monitoring, schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Kushner at the office near you: in Queens or White Plains, New York.
