The term “Fertility Awareness” refers to a system of body observation that enables people who have menstrual cycles (or the capacity to cycle) to understand and manage their fertility.
A person practicing Fertility Awareness observes one or more fertility signs, or biomarkers, which reflect the body’s hormonal status. These include basal body temperature (taken immediately upon awakening), cervical mucus (observed throughout the day), and the position of the cervix. When observed and recorded accurately, the fertility signs indicate which days are potentially fertile, and which are not.
We say that Fertility Awareness is a system of fertility management because, unlike methods of contraception, such as birth control pills or condoms, which can only be used to prevent pregnancy, Fertility Awareness can also be used to achieve pregnancy, and to gain insight into one’s reproductive health, and to be more empowered around one’s sexuality.
If a person who cycles is using Fertility Awareness to avoid pregnancy, that person can either refrain from vaginal intercourse when the fertility signs indicate potential fertility, or one or more barrier methods can be used during that time. Similarly, if pregnancy is desired, the fertility signs indicate when conception is possible, whether through intercourse or insemination.
Fertility Awareness can also be used as a health tool, because the menstrual cycle is a reflection of the body’s reproductive and overall health. In fact, it has been called the “Fifth Vital Sign,” because it can be as important an indicator of health as the four standard vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate).
There are actually many systems of fertility management based on body observation, and they are collectively known as Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs). Some are based on observation of cervical mucus only. Some use both temperature and cervical mucus, and are called sympto-thermal methods. Some are taught in a religious context, or have religious values associated with them. Others are taught in a secular, or non-religious context. I teach secular, sympto-thermal fertility awareness.