How to use the Sympto-thermal Method to avoid pregnancy

The Sympto-thermal Method is the Fertility Awareness based method that Natural Fertility NZ Educators teach. The method incorporates cervical mucus, vaginal sensation, and basal body temperature. We also teach how to check your cervix (especially helpful if you are not noticing much cervical mucus) – but this is an optional check. The Sympto-thermal Method as taught by NFNZ also uses some key indicators to ‘double check’ – this provides an extra layer of assurance when using the method to avoid pregnancy.

Is the Sympto-thermal Method Reliable?

The Sympto-thermal Method is supported by international research and proven to be at least 98% effective by the World Health Organisation, as long as it is taught by an Accredited Fertility Educator, and practised consistently and correctly. The latest research from Germany shows an improved efficacy of 99.4% (Petra Frank-Hermann 2007).

In 2020, the Ministry of Health (now Health NZ), published their New Zealand Aotearoa’s guidance on contraception, which was an in-depth review on the current contraceptive options available and in use in New Zealand, along with recommendations. The main takeaways for the Sympto-thermal Method (STM) were:

The STM is much more effective at preventing a pregnancy than other forms of Fertility Awareness. With correct and consistent use, there is less than 1 pregnancy for every 100 individuals using the method over the course of a year. Combining fertility signs (like cervical mucus, sensation, and basal body temperature) is much more effective than relying on only one sign of fertility. It is important to learn how to use the STM from a trained Fertility Educator for the best effectiveness rate

Can I use the Sympto-thermal Method with irregular cycles?

You can still learn and use the Sympto-thermal Method if you have irregular cycles, whether that is due to a hormonal imbalance, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), or during Peri-menopause.

By learning to recognise and record your signs of fertility, you will be able to:

Identify ovulation with confidence
Work out how long each phase of your cycle is
Know when to expect your next period – rather than being taken by surprise

And if working with a health practitioner, this information might help to identify the hormonal imbalance.

What if I am still on hormonal contraception?

Hormonal contraception works in various ways to interfere with ovulation, and cervical mucus production – so while it is still in your system, you will not be able to rely on your signs of fertility.
Before stopping your pill, you can still start the process, reach out to your local Educator and they can advise you on next steps, and might be able to time your first appointment to suit.

If you are on long acting forms, like the Depo-provera, it can sometimes take a little longer for fertility return, however if you learn how to recognise and record your fertility, you will be able to watch your fertility return on your fertility chart.

What is the process to learn the Sympto-thermal Method?

Once you have decided to learn the method, choose your educator and make an appointment.

At the first appointment, you will learn how to recognise and record your signs of fertility on a paper chart.
Your second appointment is about learning to interpret what you have recorded on your chart
The third appointment is about making sure you understand how to interpret your chart.

Over the course of 3 appointments you will also learn about male and female anatomy and combined fertility, how to check your cervix, and also answering any questions you may have. Once you have a good understanding of your own signs of fertility, you can start using the Read Your Body App.

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How to use the Sympto-thermal Method to avoid pregnancy