What are the Different Types of Fertility Awareness Based Methods?

Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs) are natural family planning methods that help to identify a woman’s fertile and infertile phases based on the observation of different physiological markers, also referred to as ‘biomarkers’. 

FABMs are based on the understanding that a woman’s fertility is only a small window of her entire menstrual cycle and in response to hormonal fluctuations, there are physical symptoms that can be observed and logged in an app like Premom. 

Through these observations, women can identify their fertile and infertile days and use this information to avoid* or achieve pregnancy.

There are several different types of FABMs, each of which involves tracking different physiological markers. 

Common types of FABMs

• Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Method: This method involves tracking a woman’s basal body temperature, which is the body’s temperature at rest, to identify when ovulation occurs.
• Cervical Mucus Method: This method involves tracking changes in the cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle to identify when ovulation occurs.
  • Billings Ovulation Method
  • Creighton model
  • Two-day method
• Sympto-Thermal Method: This method involves tracking a combination of physiological markers, including basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and other symptoms such as breast tenderness or changes in libido to identify when ovulation occurs.
• Sympto-Hormonal Method: This is based on the observation of basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and changes in the openness, texture, and position of the cervix throughout the cycle. 
• Standard Days Method: Women who have regular 26-32 day cycles can use this method to track the length of the menstrual cycle to identify their fertile and infertile days. Women who use this method avoid unprotected sex on days 8 through 19 of their cycle, when they are most likely to be fertile.
• FEMM: This method allows women to identify their fertile and infertile days with a high degree of accuracy by observing physical changes caused by the hormones Estrogen, Progesterone, Luteinizing hormone as well as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). 

The Creighton Model

The Creighton Model is a natural family planning method that uses the observation and charting of cervical mucus to identify a woman’s fertile and infertile phases throughout her menstrual cycle. 

Cervical mucus gives a great deal of insight into when women are fertile and not fertile. When entering the high time of fertility, called the fertile window, fertile cervical mucus is slippery, stretchy and wet like raw egg whites.

After ovulation occurs, the cervical mucus becomes thick and tacky due to the hormone progesterone which keeps sperm from entering the uterus. The cervical fluid will often go away altogether while in the infertile period.

How the Creighton Model works

1. Education: The Creighton Model starts with education, which involves learning about the female reproductive system, the changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, and how to observe and chart cervical mucus.
2. Cervical mucus observation: The Creighton Model involves observing and charting cervical mucus every day. Cervical mucus is a discharge that is produced by the cervix in response to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. By observing the amount, consistency, and texture of cervical mucus, women can identify their fertile and infertile days. All of this information can be recorded in the Premom app.
3. Charting: Once the data is collected, it is recorded in a chart to help identify patterns and predict ovulation. The chart can also be used to help women identify any abnormalities in their cervical mucus, which can indicate underlying health issues that may be affecting fertility.
4. Medical evaluation: The Creighton Model also can include medical evaluation to identify and address any underlying health issues that may be affecting fertility.
5. Ongoing support: The Creighton Model also provides ongoing support to help women better understand their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. This may involve regular consultations with a trained instructor or healthcare provider who can offer guidance and support throughout the process.

The Creighton Model works by providing women with a comprehensive understanding of their fertility and a method for identifying their fertile and infertile days based on the observation of cervical mucus. 

FEMM Method

The FEMM method (Fertility Education and Medical Management) has emerged in recent years and is a comprehensive approach to fertility management that combines natural family planning with medical diagnosis and treatment.

How the FEMM technique works

1. Cycle tracking: The FEMM approach starts with cycle tracking, which involves observing and recording certain signs and symptoms that are associated with the menstrual cycle. This includes monitoring basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and other physical and emotional symptoms.
2. Charting: Once the data is collected, it is recorded in a chart to help identify patterns and predict ovulation. This information can be used to help women identify their fertile and infertile days with a high degree of accuracy.
3. Medical management: In addition to natural family planning, FEMM also includes medical management to address any underlying health issues that may be affecting fertility. This may involve diagnostic testing – such as blood tests and ultrasounds – to identify hormonal imbalances or other issues that may be affecting fertility. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, or other interventions depending on the underlying condition.
4. Counseling and support: FEMM also provides counseling and support to help women better understand their fertility and make informed decisions about their reproductive health. This may involve education on the risks and benefits of different contraceptive methods, as well as guidance on how to manage fertility-related health conditions.

By combining natural family planning with medical diagnosis and treatment, FEMM offers a holistic and personalized approach to fertility management that can help women achieve their fertility goals while maintaining their overall health and well-being.

Which Fertility Awareness Based Method Should You Choose?

While there are many different methods to track fertility, there is no right or wrong method for you! The symptoms you prefer to log will determine which form of fertility awareness method you will use.

A variety of methods can be used within the Premom app and all possible symptoms and observations can be recorded directly in the ‘daily logs’ section and viewed in the ‘charts’ view. 

The goal of all methods is to observe different bodily signs that indicate fertile times and infertile times so you can plan intercourse to get pregnant.

*If trying to avoid pregnancy, seek out direct supervision from a licensed fertility awareness specialist and utilize physical barrier methods or abstinence before, during and after suspected fertility. Premom is designed to help women get pregnant at present.