As many of you might know, I’ve had six kids in the last nine years. I’m open to having more in the future, but right now, I think my body needs a break from pregnancy and nursing. I’m also working on improving my autoimmune condition and thyroid health.
I’ve previously written about why I don’t use hormonal or artificial birth control and what I prefer instead. In that discussion, I mentioned that hormonal contraceptives are made from synthetic substances that try to mimic natural hormones. They work by altering the body’s natural processes. I’m not comfortable with the idea that these methods could prevent a fertilized egg from implanting, so I choose not to use them.
Plus, these artificial hormones aren’t just bad for us but can also harm the environment, like our water supply. There are studies, such as those referenced by Sam Epstein, MD, showing a link between oral contraceptives and an increased risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer, especially in young women who use them before they have a full-term pregnancy. That’s a significant risk that I’d rather avoid, and so I’ve looked into alternatives to manage my fertility naturally.
Women are only fertile for a brief time during their cycle. Natural family planning (NFP) involves understanding this cycle to either achieve or avoid pregnancy. You can use tools like ovulation calculators and other methods to track fertility based on your individual cycle. Everyone’s body is different, so it’s important to listen to your own and understand your personal fertility pattern.
NFP requires observing signs like Basal Body Temperature (BBT), mucus production, and cervical position to predict ovulation. These observations can be charted for a better understanding. There are classes and apps available to help with this, and there are even devices that connect to these apps to make tracking easier and more accurate.
Most fertility monitors on the market today are designed for achieving pregnancy, and there isn’t much information available for using them to avoid pregnancy or while breastfeeding. I decided to test four fertility monitors over six months to see how well they worked in comparison to each other.
The methods I tested included the Fertile Focus, which uses a microscope to look at changes in saliva that correspond with fertility. It provides about three days’ notice before ovulation. It’s easy to use and portable, plus it’s one of the more affordable methods.
I also tried the iBasal thermometer, which relies on tracking BBT to pinpoint ovulation. This device makes it easier by charting the temperatures for you. While useful, it only confirms ovulation after it happens.
Additionally, I used ovulation sticks to detect a hormone surge just before ovulation. They are accurate but need to be purchased regularly, making them a more expensive option.
After comparing all these methods, I found the Fertile Focus to be a reliable option, although my top device is no longer being made. There are also other devices like the Kegg fertility monitor, which uses cervical mucus to enhance accuracy. Fairhaven Health offers a community of women who use these methods, and you can find support and advice there.
I’m using these methods mainly to avoid pregnancy right now, but the same technology can help others achieve pregnancy by pinpointing ovulation accurately. These tools offer a natural alternative to hormonal contraceptives and help women understand their bodies better, which can be beneficial in identifying potential hormonal issues.
If you’ve ever tried a fertility monitor or natural family planning, feel free to share your experiences!
