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	contraception : natural methods Fertility Awareness Method Basal Body Temperature Charting

more natural methods physical devices medication surgical emergency	Fertility Awareness is a means of understanding your reproductive system by observing and writing down fertility signs. These signs determine whether or not you can become pregnant on a given day. You are actually fertile during only about one-fourth of your menstrual cycle. It is a great way to learn more about your body. What is the Basal Body Temperature Method? Worldwide, the basal body temperature method (calendar rhythm method) is the oldest and most widely practiced of the fertility awareness methods. Every woman is different and your temperature may vary from the example below, but most women ovulate (release an egg from the ovary) at about day 14 of their menstrual cycle, plus or minus 2 days. The egg is viable for about 1 day, and sperm can live for 2-3 days. How do I chart my basal body temperature? Make a chart like the one pictured below, but without the example line. Keep a daily calendar record of your temperature using a regular thermometer under the tongue for 3 minutes. Take your temperature after you wake up in the morning but before you get out of bed. On the same record, chart your menstrual cycle, beginning with day 1 as the first day of your period. If possible, chart your temperature pattern for a few months before relying on it. When can I have sex using this method? If you don't want to get pregnant, it is safe to have sex after your temperature rises above your normal temperature for 3 days in a row. This indicates that ovulation has occurred and the egg has already passed. When am I most fertile? If you want to get pregnant, your most fertile days are those just before your temperature begins to rise during ovulation. It's difficult to predict this time, so practice the temperature method until you know your pattern. Advantages: The basal body charting method is free. This method does not involve taking pills. No foreign object is put into your body. There are no side effects. You and your partner rely on each other for mutual support and commitment to make this method work. If used correctly every time, the failure rate of this method is 1%-9%. Disadvantages: Fertility Awareness Methods do not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections. This method is not a good choice if: your periods don't come at a regular time each month, your temperature pattern is different each month, you just stopped taking birth control pills, you just started having periods, you are close to menopause, you can't keep a calendar chart, or you don't like going without sex for at least 2 weeks. Where can I learn more about basal body temperature charting and other Fertility Awareness Methods? Some clinicians and family planning clinics can help you. Two good books include: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control and Pregnancy Achievement by Toni Weschler, or Fertility Awareness Handbook by Barbara Kass-Anese. What if I'm using the Fertility Awareness Method and I have sex at an unsafe time? For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER unprotected sex, you can have an IUD put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.	natural methods abstinence fertility awareness -symptothermal -temperature charting breastfeeding outercourse coitus interuptus

	Last Update: 09/10/2004