Question 1

What are Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs)?

Accepted Answer

FABMs involve identifying the fertile days of the menstrual cycle, by observing simple natural fertility signs such as cervical secretions, body temperature and cycle days.  When a woman understands the clear signs of her fertile days, she can modify her behavior to postpone or achieve pregnancy. Additionally, if she senses something is off with her cycle, she can consult with a provider trained to help.

Question 2

Are Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs) effective?

Accepted Answer

The answer is YES!  FABMs are effective in helping couples achieve or postpone pregnancy and also to monitor reproductive health. When taking a class, a qualified instructor helps you chart the key physical signs of your cycle to indicate daily whether you’re fertile or not.
When learned and practiced correctly, FABMs are up to 99% effective. You can read more regarding effectiveness by clicking these links:
National Center for Biotechnology Information article(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19264938/)
CDC article(https://naturalwomanhood.org/cdc-changes-effectiveness-rating-on-fertility-awareness-methods-2019/)
FACTS and Natural Womanhood medical update(https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FABM-Overview.pdf)

Question 3

What are the side effects of Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs)?

Accepted Answer

There are no adverse side effects of any Fertility Awareness Based Methods. The World Health Organization recognizes that FABMs have no side effects, unlike the pill, patch or shot - chemical hormonal birth control causes increase risk of breast cancer,(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4135458/) blood clots, depression (https://khn.org/news/large-danish-study-links-contraceptive-use-to-risk-of-depression/)and weight gain.

Question 4

What are the benefits of Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs)?

Accepted Answer

Women that use FABMs feel connected to their bodies.  They are able to pinpoint ovulation in order to postpone or achieve pregnancy and are prepared for the beginning of menstruation.  They also report higher libido, better moods, healthier immune systems, and better overall health.
Couples that use FABMs have a 95% success rate in marriage.  They report better communication and more satisfying sex (and more sex!).

Question 5

Why do I need to learn to chart?

Accepted Answer

Charting is necessary to understand the phases of your healthy cycle and overall health and it can take place in a variety of forms. Some women use an app, while others prefer a paper chart. Some women use their calendar or even a notebook.  Whatever works for the individual woman will be effective. The point is that a woman should record their observations in some way for optimum understanding of her overall health.

Question 6

How long does it take to chart each day?

Accepted Answer

It takes about 30 seconds per day to chart your observations.  Throughout the day, the woman is cognizant of the signs of her body.  At the end of the day, she will record the most fertile sign she observed.

Question 7

Can I use an app to chart?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Definitely. There are many apps out there – the ones that are most helpful allow a woman to enter information that is personal and individualized.(https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/rating-of-fertility-apps-avoiding/) The ones that we like are FEMM, NFP Charting, and Kindara.  Apps also have notifications that will remind you to record observations.

Question 8

What is a healthy, normal cycle?"

Accepted Answer

A healthy, normal cycle can range from 17-35 days in length. It consists of recognizing the changing pattern of cervical mucous, which indicates the fluctuation of hormones and fertility.  Each cycle has the peak symptom of ovulation, followed by a healthy luteal phase.

Question 9

When does a woman’s cycle begin?  What happens first?

Accepted Answer

A woman’s cycle begins with the first day of her menstrual bleed.

Question 10

How long does it take an average woman to learn her own cycle?

Accepted Answer

Some women learn quickly, within a cycle or two. Women with more complex signs may take more time. The instructor will guide her through any difficulties in charting or understanding of the signs or method.

Question 11

Does Modern Fertility Care align with my faith and values?

Accepted Answer

For so many women and married couples, Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs) practiced to postpone or achieve pregnancy, not only satisfy a growing need for natural and organic reproductive health, they also align with what Catholicism has always understood about the dignity of the human person and the beauty of marriage.  Click here to learn more about how FABMs relates to faith and values.(javascript:void(0))

Question 12

May I schedule a speaker to talk to my group about fertility awareness?

Accepted Answer

The answer is Yes!!  Click here to find out more. (mailto:dolores@renewtheido.org?subject=I would like to schedule a speaker)

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