Understanding Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)

Written by Melissa Barall, CFA, Content Writer, FemHealth Insights

Understanding natural cycles and fertility awareness methods (FAM) is crucial for women's health, offering insights into reproductive health and overall well-being. FAM involves tracking menstrual cycles to identify fertile and infertile phases, empowering women with knowledge about their bodies. This knowledge aids in family planning, detecting potential health issues, and fostering a holistic approach to reproductive health.

The Science Behind Fertility Awareness Methods

FAM is based on tracking physical signs of fertility, including basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and menstrual cycle length. These methods are non-invasive and hormone-free, making them a natural and empowering way for women to understand their reproductive health. Studies have shown that FAM can be as effective as hormonal contraceptives when used correctly, with efficacy rates of up to 99%, when employing all of the below, in preventing pregnancy. The method helps focus on the actual fertile days of the month, which is 5-6 days per month.

Components of the Method

• Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Monitoring BBT involves measuring the body's temperature at rest each morning. A slight increase in temperature indicates ovulation. Average temperatures pre-ovulation are 96 to 98 degrees F, and after ovulation can raise up to a degree before dropping again during menstruation.

• Cervical Mucus Monitoring: Changes in cervical mucus consistency and amount throughout the cycle can signal fertile and infertile phases. Before and during ovulation, mucus tends to be the clearest and thinnest before thickening up after ovulation.

• Menstrual Cycle Charting: Keeping track of cycle length helps identify patterns and predict ovulation, due to physical changes in the body and consistent timing.

The Benefits of FAM for Women’s Health

1. Empowerment and Body Literacy: FAM provides women with a deeper understanding of their bodies, promoting body literacy and empowering them to take charge of their reproductive health. This awareness can lead to earlier detection of potential health issues, such as hormonal imbalances or reproductive disorders.

2. Holistic Health Approach: FAM aligns with a holistic health approach, encouraging women to be in tune with their bodies and cycles. This awareness can help identify irregularities or changes in the menstrual cycle that may indicate underlying health issues.

3. Non-Invasive and Natural: Unlike hormonal contraceptives, FAM is non-invasive and has no side effects, making it a natural alternative for family planning and understanding reproductive health.

4. Detection of Health Issues: By tracking their cycles, women can detect irregularities that may indicate health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, leading to early intervention and treatment Considering menstrual cycles are the fifth vital sign, finding abnormalities can indicate hormonal imbalances, gynecological diseases, or infections.

5. Enhanced Fertility Awareness: For those trying to conceive, FAM provides valuable information on the most fertile days of the cycle, increasing the chances of successful conception. Conversely, it also helps those who wish to avoid pregnancy by identifying the days to abstain from unprotected sex.

Current Innovations in Cycle Tracking Technology

Several companies have developed innovative technologies and apps to help women track their cycles and understand their fertility patterns. These tools use a combination of data tracking, artificial intelligence, and user-friendly interfaces to provide accurate and personalized insights.

1. Tempdrop: Tempdrop offers a wearable sensor that tracks basal body temperature throughout the night, providing accurate and continuous data to help predict ovulation. The device is worn on the arm and syncs with a mobile app for easy data interpretation.

2. Clue: Clue is a popular app that tracks menstrual cycles, ovulation, and fertility windows. It uses advanced algorithms to provide personalized predictions and insights, helping women understand their cycles better. The app also offers educational content on reproductive health.

3. Flo: Flo is an AI-powered app that not only tracks menstrual cycles and ovulation but also offers health insights and personalized recommendations based on user data. The app's AI algorithms analyze patterns and provide accurate predictions for fertility windows.

4. Ovia: Ovia Health provides a suite of apps for fertility, pregnancy, and parenting. Ovia Fertility helps women track their cycles and predict ovulation, offering comprehensive data analysis and health insights. The app also includes features for logging symptoms and health data.

5. Natural Cycles: Natural Cycles is the first FDA-cleared birth control app that uses a unique algorithm to predict fertile days based on daily temperature readings and cycle data. The app's algorithm adapts to individual cycle variations and provides highly accurate fertility predictions.

The Future of FAM and Women's Health

As awareness of FAM grows, more women are embracing these methods for family planning and understanding their reproductive health. About 1-3%  of women between ages 18 and 45 currently use this method, although 1 in 5 said they would if they were more educated on it. The future of FAM lies in continued technological innovation and increased accessibility to education and resources. With advancements in wearable technology and artificial intelligence, cycle-tracking tools are becoming more accurate and user-friendly, empowering women with knowledge about their bodies.

Challenges and Considerations

While FAM offers numerous benefits, it's important to acknowledge some challenges. Proper education and consistent tracking are essential for effectiveness, and FAM may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with irregular cycles or health conditions that affect fertility indicators. Additionally, FAM does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it's important to use barrier methods if STI prevention is a concern.

Holistic and Integrated Approach

FAM aligns with a holistic and integrated approach to women's health, encouraging a deeper connection with one's body and natural cycles. It promotes a comprehensive understanding of reproductive health, supporting overall well-being and empowering women to make informed decisions about their health.

As technology and awareness continue to evolve, FAM will likely become an even more integral part of women's health care, offering a natural and effective way to manage fertility and reproductive health.

Conclusion

The fertility awareness method (FAM) provides a valuable and empowering approach to understanding reproductive health and natural cycles. With the rise of innovative cycle-tracking technologies and apps, women now have access to personalized and accurate tools to help them manage their fertility and overall health. Companies like Tempdrop, Clue, Flo, Ovia, and Natural Cycles are leading the way in this space, offering advanced solutions for cycle tracking and fertility awareness. As awareness of FAM grows, more women are embracing these methods for family planning and reproductive health management, paving the way for a future where women are more in tune with their bodies and empowered to make informed decisions about their health.

About the Author:

Melissa Barall, CFA, is a dedicated finance and health professional, with experience in the private and public markets. She began her career on Wall Street in 2018 and has been a health and wellness advocate, angel investor, and superconnector along the way. Her mission is to bridge the gap for women in both investing and health care, and is passionate about mental health, wellness / biohacking, and psychedelics.