Fertility Awareness Method As A Contraceptive

redappple

I've recently began to think about the long term effect of the hormanal contraceptives (pill, implant, coil, etc) - I've been on Implanon for the last 6 years (and the pill for 4 years before that) and have had practically no periods for 6 years.

I've recently decided to stop taking these types of contraceptives in favour of condoms, to see what my natural menstrual cycle is actually like.

The fertility awareness method is a recognised form of contraceptive (unlike the withdrawl method!). Most people who have been trying to conceive will be more than familiar with tracking their menstrual cycle and measuring their basal temperature (this is what the fertility awareness method is!) - but I'm actually considering using this as a form of contraceptive! So would you consider this method? Have you tried fertility awareness?

It goes without saying that I'm not looking for medical advice - just general opinions and discussion!

Honey-ec

I'm not in a relationship at the moment, but there is no way in hell I would have used that method while I was. There's a reason the rhythm method was the only form of birth control (I wouldn't really class it a contraceptive) not opposed by the Vatican for a long time.

I appreciate that the technology behind it has come a long way in recent years, but I still think it should only be considered by couples who won't be absolutely devastated if they do end up pregnant.

Regarding your concerns about being on hormonal contraception long-term, I actually felt similar a couple of years ago, and went to my doctor (who's also a gynaecologist) to discuss alternatives. I'd been on the Pill for about 12 years at that stage. After much chat, I actually decided to stay on the Pill. His professional opinion, which I respect, is that for a non-smoker with no weight issues and in "rude good health" (his words), staying on the Pill right up to menopause isn't an issue.

So, I'm still on it (15 years now), and still very happy with it. I do appreciate that I'm lucky in that I've never had any issues whatsoever with the Pill, and some people aren't necessarily in the same boat.

Malari

I got pretty much the same advice as you Honey-ec. I plan to stay on the pill as long as necessary as I'm perfectly happy with it and there are no health issues, as far as my GP is concerned.

I don't really have any desire to know what my natural menstrual cycle is like. I was only prescribed the pill in my mid-twenties and my cycle was erratic up to that point. It seems like a lot of work to take temperatures and monitor ovulation, etc when popping a pill every morning is so very easy for me.

Honey-ec

Malari wrote: »

I don't really have any desire to know what my natural menstrual cycle is like.

Nor do I. Pretty much the main reason I stay on the Pill while single is to control my cycle. Holiday coming up? Skip a bleed. Stage show in a couple of weeks time? Skip a bleed. I've no wish to give up the freedom the Pill allows me in that regard.

Dolbert

As HoneyEC said, I'd only do it if pregnancy wouldn't be a disaster for you. Too risky otherwise IMO.

redappple

I personally didn't have any problems with the implant/pill - but the idea of not having a period for 6 years never really sat right with me. I'm much more comfortable with the pill where your guaranteed a bleed at least.

I started the pill as a teenager, when my periods still hadn't 'settled down' - so I suppose part of what I'm trying to find out at the moment is if I actually get monthly periods, or if it's still erratic. I actually am interested in tracking my menstrual cycle, for a few periods at least.

I'm still on the fence r.e. using it as a contraceptive. I'd probably want to track the cycle, while using condoms, for a long time before I would trust it as a method to use without condoms - and I'm not sure what my other half will think as I have to discuss it with him. It wouldn't be the end of the world if I have a baby, but it's by no means the right time.

I'm now waiting for my first natural period, which my GP told me can take up to 6 months after removing the Implanon . . .

ElleEm

I personally wouldn't be into it because I have horrendous "natural" periods, heavy with crippling pain that makes me throw up.
I think you would have to be very organised for this method to be effective, so you know when it is a safe time, and when you will need to use condoms. I know someone who has been using this method for about 9 years, and has had two planned pregnancies in that time. Obviously it won't work for everyone, like all contraception.

Dolbert

redappple wrote: »

I'm still on the fence r.e. using it as a contraceptive. I'd probably want to track the cycle, while using condoms, for a long time before I would trust it as a method to use without condoms - and I'm not sure what my other half will think as I have to discuss it with him. It wouldn't be the end of the world if I have a baby, but it's by no means the right time.

In that case, I'd suggest using it with something else, i.e. condoms or a diaphragm. You can still abstain on your most fertile days then.

redappple

Dolbert wrote: »

In that case, I'd suggest using it with something else, i.e. condoms or a diaphragm. You can still abstain on your most fertile days then.

Diaphragm is a good idea - I hadn't thought of that! I'm using condoms at the moment as they are safest, but it's not my favourite form of contraceptive by a long shot.

fits

Diaphragm + fertility awareness + withdrawal going on here and no accidents yet. When you use more than one method the efficacy rises.

redappple

fits wrote: »

Diaphragm + fertility awareness + withdrawal going on here and no accidents yet. When you use more than one method the efficacy rises.

So do you ever have totally unprotected sex based on fertility awareness alone???

R.e. fertility awareness do you measure temp, or just know your cycle by now? Some of the fertility awareness methods are very TMI. Glad to hear someone is successfully using this method (with the security of diaphragm and withdrawal).

seosamh1980

I do believe I've previously read on boards about a poster who used this method and had 4 children in a relatively small number of years, or at least it was a small number of years for someone "using" contraception! I would never use it as a method alone if I wouldn't be alright with a pregnancy occurring.

redappple

seosamh1980 wrote: »

I do believe I've previously read on boards about a poster who used this method and had 4 children in a relatively small number of years, or at least it was a small number of years for someone "using" contraception! I would never use it as a method alone if I wouldn't be alright with a pregnancy occurring.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

seosamh1980

redappple wrote: »

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Well, like, maybe it was 10 years, but that's still a lot when not trying!

pwurple

seosamh1980 wrote: »

I do believe I've previously read on boards about a poster who used this method and had 4 children in a relatively small number of years, or at least it was a small number of years for someone "using" contraception! I would never use it as a method alone if I wouldn't be alright with a pregnancy occurring.

That sounds more like the fertility UNawareness method.

jam_mac_jam

Its not very effective. If its not the end of the world that you get pregnant then its fine, otherwise its a risk. Once you don't smoke or have high blood preasure you should be fine on the pill. I would'nt give it up for anything.

redappple

pwurple wrote: »

That sounds more like the fertility UNawareness method.

You think you'd have copped after the first 1 or 2 kids that maybe this choice of contraceptive wasn't exactly working for you!!!!!

fits

redappple wrote: »

So do you ever have totally unprotected sex based on fertility awareness alone???).

rarely. day or two before period if at all

R.e. fertility awareness do you measure temp, or just know your cycle by now? Some of the fertility awareness methods are very TMI. Glad to hear someone is successfully using this method (with the security of diaphragm and withdrawal).

I know my cycle very well by now. Never did any temperature reading as I am stringent about using diaphragm from time of period until fertile days are well past. of course there is the possibility that I am not fertile. I don't know as I have never tried for a baby.

I am often shocked at how badly some women understand their bodies though. You should know the signs of fertility at very least. Most farmers know their cows better.

Malari

fits wrote: »

I am often shocked at how badly some women understand their bodies though. You should know the signs of fertility at very least. Most farmers know their cows better.

I don't know, I pay a GP to look after that stuff for me

Seriously, I have no idea what the signs of fertility are. I've often thought would it be better to get tested and remove all fear of an accidental pregnancy if I wasn't fertile.

dearg lady

I decided to stop taking the pill a few years ago, didn't like messing with my natural hormones. I had been on the pill since my teenage years so when my period settled back in I was pleasantly surprised. No awful cramps like I used to get, and much much lighter than it was when I was younger.
From what I've read on natural family planning (checking temp and mucus) it's very effective when used correctly. However you would probably be best to meet with an expert on it, and spend quite a bit of time tracking while still using condoms to ensure you can be confident in it. It's also recommended that you abstain from sex for a few months so you can get to know your bodys natural secretions. I guess it seems like a lot of effort to me, I just find condoms easier!!

sari

Natural family planning and the rhythm method are not the same thing, the rhythm method is not reliable at all.
Natural family planning when used correctly is just as effective as the pill, lots of reserach to back this up.
Google billings method or natural family planning ireland. There is courses you can attend which will teach you how to use nfp effectively.
This is not the easy option and requires discipline and effort but the positives are you remove the artificial hormones and possible side effects and you learn about your body and it's natural cycles

Malari

sari wrote: »

Natural family planning and the rhythm method are not the same thing, the rhythm method is not reliable at all.
Natural family planning when used correctly is just as effective as the pill, lots of reserach to back this up.
Google billings method or natural family planning ireland. There is courses you can attend which will teach you how to use nfp effectively.
This is not the easy option and requires discipline and effort but the positives are you remove the artificial hormones and possible side effects and you learn about your body and it's natural cycles

Speaking as someone who doesn't have negative side-effects of taking the pill, what is the issue with taking hormones? As I've already stated, I've no desire to learn about my body's natural cycles, I don't really see the point?

fits

Malari wrote: »

Speaking as someone who doesn't have negative side-effects of taking the pill, what is the issue with taking hormones? As I've already stated, I've no desire to learn about my body's natural cycles, I don't really see the point?

if the pill works for you, that's great. But it doesn't work for everyone. And I think there are alternatives.

Malari

fits wrote: »

if the pill works for you, that's great. But it doesn't work for everyone. And I think there are alternatives.

I understand that, which is why I pointed it out in my post, but another "positive" that has been stated is "not taking hormones" and I was wondering why that is seen as something you should avoid.

dearg lady

Malari wrote: »

Speaking as someone who doesn't have negative side-effects of taking the pill, what is the issue with taking hormones? As I've already stated, I've no desire to learn about my body's natural cycles, I don't really see the point?

Again, it's very personal. As the years go on I try to avoid more and more things that upset my bodies natural rhythm, so hormones, antibiotics, painkillers. I still take these things occasionally, I just try to keep it to an absolute minimum. But as I say, it's a very personal thing.
And I still know feck all about my cycle, I can't even remember when my period is due these days!!

hedgehog2

Listening to the opinions of my sister and a cousin,they both used the pill for over a decade.
When they and their husbands were ready for kids it took over 4 years for them to conceive each and this is common with some of her friends.
One friend has been trying for 6 years without luck and the ivf has been a dud as well.
The now really regret using it as my ssister was 38 having her first child and has really struggled to have a second child so they have given up.
I had no idea it could effect a person so badly.

sari

Malari wrote: »

Speaking as someone who doesn't have negative side-effects of taking the pill, what is the issue with taking hormones? As I've already stated, I've no desire to learn about my body's natural cycles, I don't really see the point?

Malari wrote: »

Speaking as someone who doesn't have negative side-effects of taking the pill, what is the issue with taking hormones? As I've already stated, I've no desire to learn about my body's natural cycles, I don't really see the point?

My post wasn't aimed at you, it was for the OP who is concerned about taking hormones and looking for information on natural methods. I don't know why you took it personally?Sorry you did but it really wasn't aimed at you.

Many people take the pill and have no side effects, many take it and do have side effects. Many take it and have no problem conceiving after and for many it's the opposite. The pill does have proven, identified side effects and taking artificial hormones can have a negative effect on the body in many ways. If you play with and suppress the hormones which regulate fertility then you cannot expect for this not to have some sort of effect on overall fertility health. This is simply the truth, of course that does not mean that this will happen to every women who takes it but it does happen.

I don't have any problem with people taking the pill if they want, why would I? That's their choice. I also don't care if they want to learn about their bodies or not. Nobody needs to feel like they must justify their contraceptive or medical choices to anyone.

Malari

I'm not taking anything personally?! The OP started the discussion and something was mentioned that I was curious about and know nothing about so I was just asking.

I guess I never thought about my natural cycle really. Maybe the benefits of knowing this are obvious to others but not to me, so that's why I was asking.

sari

Sorry thought you took offensive to my comment and that I had said not having to take hormones was an advantage.
I think knowing about how our reproductive system and menstural cycles work is really important, if you know what your normal like then maybe it's easier to spot when things may be wrong. It's also nice just to know what the heck is going on
If your interested just google the bits I mentioned and see what you think, you can also talk to your doctor

redappple

Malari wrote: »

The OP started the discussion and something was mentioned that I was curious about and know nothing about so I was just asking.

The reason I'm not taking a hormonal contraceptive at the moment is just to work out how regularly I get periods, and if I'm being honest with myself there is a teeny tiny bit of me that worries about the long term effect of the pill on my fertility and my ability to conceive when the time is right. I'm a medical researcher, so I try not to have my opinion swayed by old wives tales and would trust evidence based research much more - but I just have this niggling feeling that maybe 20 years of contraceptives might affect my ability to conceive when that time comes.

So at the moment I just want to see what my natural cycle is like, and I'm going to consider all options of contraceptives for the future, research the efficacies and discuss the options with a GP.

meeeeh

hedgehog2 wrote: »

Listening to the opinions of my sister andright a cousin,they both used the pill for over a decade.
When they and their husbands were ready for kids it took over 4 years for them to conceive each and this is common with some of her friends.
One friend has been trying for 6 years without luck and the ivf has been a dud as well.
The now really regret using it as my ssister was 38 having her first child and has really struggled to have a second child so they have given up.
I had no idea it could effect a person so badly.

I used contraception well over a decade and had absolutely no problem conceiving when of pill. In fact it seems I get pregnant whenever we have sex. I think there are other way more important factors when people have problems getting pregnant. Age, weight issues, stress, infertility... if pill would be so bad there would be a lot less little brats running around.

There are some pills that don't agree with me but I like being on the pill. My periods are regular, less painful and my face doesn't explode in spots. I have problem remembering when I had period and when next one is due so any natural methods would be useless for me.

redappple

sari wrote: »

Sorry thought you took offensive to my comment and that I had said not having to take hormones was an advantage.
I think knowing about how our reproductive system and menstural cycles work is really important, if you know what your normal like then maybe it's easier to spot when things may be wrong. It's also nice just to know what the heck is going on
If your interested just google the bits I mentioned and see what you think, you can also talk to your doctor

Have to admit I haven't a clue of the menstrual cycle at the moment. I vaguely remember covering it in Home Ec or Science a million years ago (probably science!). Before I started taking the pill my periods were all over the place, mainly 3-4 months apart so I'm really excited to get a natural period again and start tracking my menstrual cycle - how dull my life is that a period excites me!!!! :P

sari

Lol but it is kind of exciting to learn, you should look for a course I think they do 1 or 2 days. Accord also do free lesson on nfp, or they used to anyway. I'm not religious at all but the lady who I met with was lovely, nothing about the church and a good starting point for information

Morag

http://www.conceiveonline.com/articles/your-menstrual-cycle-your-fertility

http://www.womens-health.co.uk/menstrual-cycle-explained.html

Will help explain, I would suggest learning as much as you can and going to get fitted for a diaphragm.

Catari Jaguar

I use fertility awareness for the past 6 months and for once in my life I understand my cycle. I wrote down my dates and symptoms for few months and watched videos by Fertility Friend and graphed my cycle. It's a tiny window in which you can get pregnant, sperm can survive about 3 days so 3 days before ovulating and those 2 fertile days is really about it. You can tell with physiological symptoms/ counting days but also when you're ovulating you feel happier/sexier/hornier and you look awesome. I hate condoms and won't use them. I have used MAP once as a just in case, but I doubt I needed it. Am with LTR and at that stage of if pregnancy happens it's grand, if not, yay! :P I wish I had come off Implanon years ago because my moods have stabilised, I feel less hormonal, I have lost weight, I am more in control of myself and I understand my own body and its tells. I just hope my 9 years on contraception hasn't damaged my ability to conceive in the long run.

pwurple

I wouldn't vilify the pill at all. It has been instrumental in shaping womens rights and freedoms as we know them today.

Some pills work better for some people. I tried one when I was 20 which didn't suit me at all... Which is why I stayed off it for a decade, and used other methods. I just didn't renew the prescription and never went back to the GP about it. The one I tried at age 29 suited me much better, but i think I was more confident about discussing what my issues were then with the doctor, so I got something that suited me better. I had actually gone to him because we had been trying to conceive for over a year, and he suggested the pill as I didn't have a regular cycle. I went on it for a few months, and conceived straight afterwards. If anything, the pill helped us conceive.

I have also heard people speak about women with low egg reserve, and how the pill can prolong their fertility, by saving the eggs for later, basically.

Catari Jaguar

I know this is for teens or whatever but it is genuinely helpful info!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kng127pUBmc

I am sure if you approached it from a scientific point of view it works as a method of contraception however I don't think I would like to take the chance.
I don't think we know enough about our own bodies, I though I would be going through the menopause by now but I am not and when I mentioned it to my doctor she said its not uncommon for women in there mid fifties to be still getting period's and that she is surprised how few women seem to know this.

Faith

I've been thinking about coming off the pill for a while, just to see what I'm like mentally and emotionally off it. I've been on it for 9 years, since I was a teenager, so I've no idea what I'd be like off it. To be honest, I can't imagine magically morphing into an incredibly happy person! And I definitely remember having periods that lasted 7 days and crippling cramps before I started on it, so ugh...

It would be horrendous if I got pregnant though, so I'd definitely be using condoms 100% of the time if I came off it, and I'd be really paranoid about pregnancy.

Princess Peach

I started having irregular periods years ago, a few months apart usually. Tests showed up nothing at the time and my doctor said the pill would be an option, so I would know when my period was coming every month.

Was grand on a pill for years, switched to a new contraceptive this year which made me pretty unwell, physically and emotionally. Obviously had to come off that but decided to take a break from hormonal birth control altogether for a while.

One reason is to see what my natural cycle is now. Maybe I was just masking problems by taking the pill to regulate them. Another is to see what my natural moods are like. Been on the pill, as well as medication for depression and anxiety for years. Wanted to see how I am without so much chemical interference.

Been using condoms alright. Might have a look at this method, not sure I trust myself though, and more sure that my boyfriend wouldn't trust me using it

sari

Well you can use nfp and condoms. The majority of your cycle you cannot get pregnant simply because you aren't fertile so once you recognise this time you can have sex without a condom. If you want to have sex during fertile time use a condom if you really don't want to get pregnant then it's best not to have sex during this time condom or not, although that is easier said than done and of course if your in doubt as to being fertile just use a condom

I started taking the pill 32 years ago I had two 5 year brakes form using it and then had had the mirena twice I realise I am not sure how it works exactly as I said, I though by 50 you would be going through the menopause. I tend to think contraceptives have been around a long time and are very reliable if use properly and are safe.

Princess Peach

sari wrote: »

Well you can use nfp and condoms. The majority of your cycle you cannot get pregnant simply because you aren't fertile so once you recognise this time you can have sex without a condom. If you want to have sex during fertile time use a condom if you really don't want to get pregnant then it's best not to have sex during this time condom or not, although that is easier said than done and of course if your in doubt as to being fertile just use a condom

I was very irregular before going on the pill, and have been since coming off hormonal contraceptive 3 months ago, so it might be hard to tell! Will do a bit of research on it though, seems interesting.

Lia_lia

I've been on the pill since I was about 18. Went off it for about 5 months at one stage when I was about 20..put on lots of weight, never had a clue when my periods were coming, moods got worse! So don't think I'll ever be going of it again until I (eventually) decide to have babies

And no, I wouldn't be into fertility awareness. When I'm not on the pill my periods last about 8 days..no thanks! And I have a bit of a fear of pregnancy too.

Ms2011

I came off the pill a couple of years ago after being on it for a few years, like the OP it just gave me an uneasy feeling to think of putting artifical hormones into my body long term though I never knew if my fears were justifiable.
I also found it an advantage when I did start trying for a baby that I could start right away.
Anyway since trying for a baby I became v.interested in tracking my cycles. I always had irregular cycles, I never knew when my period would show up, I now know my cycle only varies up until ovulation after that I can know with certainty when my period will start. I have to say I get a kick out of predicting when my period will show up & then it happens like clockwork ;-)
As a form of birth control though I personally wouldn't trust it completely & always use a condom. Nature has a great way of suprising you just when you think you have it figured out, it's always good to have a back up!

redappple

pwurple wrote: »

I have also heard people speak about women with low egg reserve, and how the pill can prolong their fertility, by saving the eggs for later, basically.

I wondered about this a lot - as I've mentioned I had practically no period for 6 years,. so I was wondering does that means my 6 years of eggs are saved for later or what? But my good old friend Google seems to think that egg just dies before it ever had the chance to ovulate. Absolutely no scientific findings to back it up so would take it with a pinch of salt!

I do know that women trying to conceive who have erratic periods are advised to try the pill for a period of maybe 6 months, as it jump starts their body into having monthly bleeds!

Princess Peach wrote: »

Been using condoms alright. Might have a look at this method, not sure I trust myself though, and more sure that my boyfriend wouldn't trust me using it

I'm the same with the OH! I'm going to spin it by him and watch his face in shock - UNPROTECTED SEX??? :eek:

Can I ask how long before you got your first natural period after coming off the pill? It's been two weeks since I had my implant removed, doc said it might take 6 months

broody_kitten

I've just come off the pill after 6 years, as OH and I gearing up to try for a baby in the next year or so. I felt fine on the pill, and loved the control it gave me. But now that I'm off it, I feel totally different! The most immediate improvement was my libido , but also I'm more creative and productive than I've been in years...It's like the old me is back, and I hadn't even realized she'd gone. It's like everything was somehow suppressed, and I was genuinely surprised at the difference. I'll never go back on the pill again, we'll use NFP/ condoms and when we're done having kids he'll get the snip. Now that my spark is back, I won't let it go again!

fits

^ I felt like that too. Off it almost six years now and never going back.

Gauge

broody_kitten wrote: »

I've just come off the pill after 6 years, as OH and I gearing up to try for a baby in the next year or so. I felt fine on the pill, and loved the control it gave me. But now that I'm off it, I feel totally different! The most immediate improvement was my libido , but also I'm more creative and productive than I've been in years...It's like the old me is back, and I hadn't even realized she'd gone. It's like everything was somehow suppressed, and I was genuinely surprised at the difference. I'll never go back on the pill again, we'll use NFP/ condoms and when we're done having kids he'll get the snip. Now that my spark is back, I won't let it go again!

This is pretty much my current experience. I took a break from the pill after 10+ years. I was on it for acne more than anything else. My libido is the one area where I noticed a BIG difference. It has made me very reluctant to go back on the pill even though there were lots of benefits to it (being able to skip periods is fantastic).

pwurple

redappple wrote: »

I wondered about this a lot - as I've mentioned I had practically no period for 6 years,. so I was wondering does that means my 6 years of eggs are saved for later or what? But my good old friend Google seems to think that egg just dies before it ever had the chance to ovulate. Absolutely no scientific findings to back it up so would take it with a pinch of salt!

Yeah it sounded iffy alright. You don't hear of people going on to have the menopause in their 80's or anything.

For all the good it does (and I highly appreciate at as a medical invention), I actually don't like being on the pill. I'm completely useless at doing the same thing at the same time every day, so wouldn't be confident about it working as a contraceptive for me.

iwantmydinner

broody_kitten wrote: »

I've just come off the pill after 6 years, as OH and I gearing up to try for a baby in the next year or so. I felt fine on the pill, and loved the control it gave me. But now that I'm off it, I feel totally different! The most immediate improvement was my libido , but also I'm more creative and productive than I've been in years...It's like the old me is back, and I hadn't even realized she'd gone. It's like everything was somehow suppressed, and I was genuinely surprised at the difference. I'll never go back on the pill again, we'll use NFP/ condoms and when we're done having kids he'll get the snip. Now that my spark is back, I won't let it go again!

Lots of food for thought here!