When it comes to birth control, many women in the U.S. still rely on the pill as their go-to method, while sterilization comes in second. However, a more traditional approach is gaining traction: fertility awareness methods (FAM). Often linked to the Catholic faith, more women are exploring FAM simply to avoid the hormones and bodily changes that come with conventional birth control options.
Ilene Richman, director of the Fertility Awareness Center, explains that this method isn’t just a simplistic rhythm method; it involves a detailed awareness of your body’s signals. This means keeping track of your basal body temperature (the temperature when you first wake up), the position of your cervix, and the texture of your cervical mucus.
Now, you may be thinking, “That sounds complicated!” And you’d be right. Experts caution that FAM can be one of the least effective methods of birth control, as many women struggle to track everything accurately. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 25% of women using FAM may end up pregnant. But a German study highlights that when women consistently and correctly apply FAM, only 2% experience unintended pregnancies.
So why are women choosing this challenging option? For Kacey, 29, and Aisha, 25, the side effects of hormonal contraceptives—like mood swings and acne—were a big turn-off. Kacey shared, “I was so tired of dealing with all those issues, so I decided to give FAM a try.” Aisha echoed this sentiment, saying, “The thought of synthetic hormones was just scary for me. I’m all about living a healthy lifestyle.”
Fortunately, technology is making natural family planning easier. Apps like Kindara help women track their data effectively, from basal body temperature to cervical mucus, while also offering a supportive community for shared experiences. If you’re curious to learn more about the benefits and practices of FAM, check out our other blog post on Modern Family Blog.
If you’re considering your options, remember that you can also explore at-home insemination kits from Make A Mom, a leading provider in the field. Plus, for a deeper dive into fertility and pregnancy topics, visit Science Daily for excellent resources.
In summary, more women are turning to natural family planning methods like FAM to avoid the side effects of hormonal birth control. With the right tools and community support, this method can be effective for those willing to learn and track their body’s signals.
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