A woman learns the Symptothermal Method of Fertility Awareness Method

So you’ve been thinking about starting to track your cycle, you’ve been researching the world of “Fertility Awareness Based Methods” of contraception and it’s looking like a great fit with your lifestyle – and now? You’re ready to dive in!

But maybe you are feeling a little lost on where to start?

Below you will find four easy, simple steps that will act as a springboard into a new world of body literacy.

While I would always recommend to work with an instructor to ensure you reach that 99.6% effectiveness rate, the realist in me knows that the cost of an instructor is out of the range for some people. The below four tips will be especially helpful if you cannot afford the services of an instructor, and are heading down the self-taught route. If you are interested in finding an instructor, you can find one here!

IMPORTANT: If you are self teaching – you must abstain or use barrier protection (such as condoms/ a diaphragm/ a cervical cap) for the FIRST THREE menstrual cycles while you are learning the Symptothermal Method.

Although the effectiveness of self-teaching the Symptothermal Method is unknown, it remains a valid option – for the right person! Unfortunately, self-teaching is not the right choice for everyone. Some students may find their way easily with self-teaching, while others may find themselves at risk of unintended pregnancy.

If you’re considering trying to self-teach the Symptothermal Method, I recommend first asking yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I someone who enjoys reading informationally-dense textbooks?

2.) Am I a “book learner”? A book learner is someone who easily absorbs new information via reading (as opposed to watching videos, listening to podcasts, or learning in person).

3.) Am I a self-starter who can hold myself accountable to learning, practising and establishing new habits over time, without supervision or mentorship?

4.) Am I naturally interested in learning about human biology and discovering how my body works?

5.) Am I able to identify when a concept is beyond my grasp (and then seek out clarification and support from an expert to help me understand)?

If the answer to any of the above is “no”, then self-teaching the Symptothermal Method may not be the best option for you.

If that is the case, I encourage you to visit the “Find An Instructor” page and browse through the instructor directory to find a professional to support you on your learning journey.

Step Number One

1.) Purchase and read a method manual.

There are a range of different method manuals available, depending on what type of Fertility Awareness-Based Method you wish to self-teach.

If you are wanting to self-teach a Symptothermal Method, here are some options you can choose from:

Natural Contraception and Conception Course Handbook.
Includes both celsius and fahrenheit rules.
This is the handbook that my clients receive when they join group or individual coaching with me.
This handbook contains everything you need to know to self-teach the highly effective Symptothermal Double-Check Method for natural birth control.
The handbook also includes detailed information on the effectiveness of methods such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps and emergency contraceptives.
This is a 400 page colour-printed handbook packed with comprehensive diagrams, example charts and real-life photographs of cervical mucus.

Sensiplan Natural & Safe: The Handbook, and Sensiplan Natural & Safe: The Workbook.
Includes celsius rules only.
Both books are required and the Reply OBGYN store has a package option to purchase both at the same time.
The Sensiplan Method is a celsius Symptothermal Double-Check Method and is one of the most extensively studied.
It provides basic, clear and concise rules and information and is a great option for self-teaching.

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler.
Includes fahrenheit rules only.
The method outlined in Toni’s book is a fahrenheit Symptothermal Single-Check Method (read more on the Types of FABMs page).
Symptothermal Single-Check Methods are slightly less effective than Symptothermal Double-Check Methods, but are still great options for those wishing to avoid pregnancy.
While TCOYF is a fantastic resource, it is a very large book with the method rules spread throughout the book, which can make it difficult for new learners to ensure they aren’t missing any important rules! Additionally, different sections of the book can even contradict one another, which can be confusing for new learners.

Any of these three method manual options are fantastic options for self-teachers. They all provide different pros and cons depending on the readers individual needs.

Regardless, keep in mind that the effectiveness of self-teaching the Symptothermal Method remains unknown. You should be comfortable with this risk if you decide to self-teach a Symptothermal Method.

Natural Contraception & Conception

Natural and Safe: The Handbook by Sensiplan

Natural and Safe: The Workbook by Sensiplan

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

If these method manuals are out of your financial range, please visit this article on my website where you can find links to freely available method manuals online: On A Budget: How To Chart With $20

Step Number Two

2.) Download an app or set up a paper chart to begin tracking your cycle. 

During the first three cycles of learning I highly recommend using a paper chart. Paper charting allows you to record detailed observations about your cervical mucus in your own words, instead of fitting your observations into predefined categories such as “sticky, creamy, eggwhite, watery”.

In addition, the act of plotting your temperatures on a paper graph, and writing your cervical mucus observations down each day makes the concepts more real and easily understood. 

App charting is also a great option; however, keep in mind that you must treat your app like a “digital paper chart”. It should be somewhere that you store your information, but do not rely on the app predictions to tell you when you are fertile (this is a recipe for disaster).

Instead, learn the rules of your chosen Symptothermal Method and interpret your charts yourself (whether they are stored on paper or in an app).

Visit the CHARTING TOOLS page to browse my recommended apps, paper charts and journals. 

Whether you prefer to chart your cervical mucus and basal body temperature on paper or in an app … there’s an option for you.

Always remember that apps are for inputting and observing your own data. You should use your app as though it is simply a digital paper chart. Do not rely on app predictions – it’s best to turn predictions off in your app, if possible. Read why HERE.

Step Number Three

3.) Buy a Basal Body Temperature Thermometer. You don’t need anything fancy. Just make sure it is definitely a Basal Thermometer and not a standard fever thermometer. It must measure to two decimal places. A cheap $20 one from the pharmacy will work just fine.

Visit the Recommended BBT Thermometers page to find direct links to my personal recommendations for reliable BBT thermometers at every price range.

Step Number Four

4.) Peer Support: Peer support is crucial to your success. Don’t underestimate it! When you’re learning, it is incredibly valuable to be able to chat with other people who are on a similar journey.

I recommend joining the Facebook group “FAM Support Group (Fertility Awareness Method)“. This is a fantastic Facebook group with a high number of qualified instructors always ready to point you in the right direction. 

This Facebook group advocates for perfect-use charting and the admins are very careful to always promote a respectful environment with a strong focus on accurate charting.

While not a substitute for working with an instructor, peer support can help you to feel part of a community as you learn.

Peer Support for learning a FABM Fertility Awareness Based Method
Being able to share your FABM learning journey with others will play a key role in how successful you are.

So there you have it. The four easy steps that I recommend you take if you would like to get started with the Symptothermal Method of Fertility Awareness. What are you waiting for?!

Jess x