As mentioned in my previous post, FAM is an important part of aiding or preventing conception without the use of hormonal birth control.
What IS the Fertility Awareness Method?
There are 3 parts to the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM). Basal body temperature, cervical mucous/fluid and cervical position. By using these three body signs, you can predict ovulation and determine whether you have in fact ovulated giving us a better understanding of our bodies. This can help to aid conception, or prevent prevent pregnancy (if you’re not wanting to conceive).
Basal Body Temperature.
After you ovulate you get a surge in progesterone as progesterone is needed to thicken the lining of the uterus to prepare for conception (among other jobs)- this results in a slight increase in basal body temperature for the few days following ovulation. Taking your temperature daily and tracking your cycle for a rise will help to determine whether you have ovulated.
This method requires you to take your temperature first thing in the morning when you wake up (before getting out of bed) at the same time everyday. After getting up and walking around your temperature generally increases so this will skew the results.
The best way to keep track of your temperature is to track it with a chart (as pictured) or with an app such as ‘Flo’ or ‘Kindara’. You can also use a medically certified device such as the Daysy Fertility Monitor which involves taking your temperature daily and it uses a computer algorithm to predict your fertile days. Have you ever tracked your cycle before?
Cervical mucous/fluid
Along with checking your temperature daily, you can also check your cervical fluid as this sign occurs in the days before you ovulate.
The function of cervical fluid, or ‘fertile mucous’ is to assist sperm travelling to the egg ready for conception.
Cervical mucous is a unique type of discharge that is slippery, stretchy and clear, like the consistency of raw egg white. You will generally notice it at the opening of the vagina or it may be on the toilet paper after you wipe.
This type of mucous generally occurs in the days before ovulation, however it can also occur in states of high oestrogen compared to progesterone.
This can be confusing because you don’t ovulate more than once in a cycle, however you may see this mucous after ovulation again if you don’t have enough progesterone, or if you have high oestrogen you may see it at the beginning of your cycle.
Cervical Position
The position of the cervix is the final part of the puzzle in the fertility awareness method picture.
The cervix is essentially the lower part of your uterus and acts as the opening to the uterus. It generally sits about 1 finger length inside the vagina, which is considered ‘low’. It also has a hard texture, like the tip of your nose and is quite smooth to touch.
A few days before you ovulate the position of your cervix changes to be ‘higher’ – further up in the vagina away from the opening. It also changes from being a hard texture to being softer and less firm to the touch. The position and softening of the cervix makes it easier for sperm to find their way into the uterus and in turn easier for conception to occur.
Combined with the other fertility awareness methods – basal body temperature tracking and cervical fluid/mucous we get to understand our bodies better and recognise when we are ovulating and therefore ‘fertile’ or if you arent wanting to concieve – its time to use protection.
If you’re interested in learning more about FAM or need further help with conception, please feel free to book a discovery call or appointment with me online through simple clinic.
Taryn
Connate Naturopathy 
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