If you're considering the fertility awareness method, give yourself time to learn it. healthdirect says it can take between 3 and 6 cycles to learn to correctly identify your fertile days, and the method needs daily attention to changes in your body.
It isn't for everyone, either. healthdirect advises against it if you've just stopped a hormonal method such as the pill, have irregular periods, are approaching menopause, or your partner doesn't agree to use it. Here's what to know before you start.
Quick answer: The fertility awareness method, also called natural family planning, means tracking signs such as cervical mucus, body temperature and cycle dates to identify your fertile days, then avoiding unprotected sex on them. The Better Health Channel says these methods are overall not as effective as other contraception, and they give no protection from STIs.
What are the main fertility awareness methods?
healthdirect describes several approaches, and says combining them makes preventing pregnancy more likely to work:
- Cervical mucus (Billings) method: you use changes in your cervical mucus to identify when you're ovulating. healthdirect says it isn't suitable if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or inflammation of the cervix or vagina.
- Temperature method: body temperature rises slightly after ovulation, so you measure it at the same time and in the same place each morning. The fertile window ends once it has risen for 3 days in a row, though healthdirect calls this method not very accurate.
- Calendar or rhythm method: you estimate fertile days from past cycles. It can be easier than tracking body signs but can be quite unreliable, and it doesn't suit irregular periods.
- Symptothermal method: you combine 2 or more signs, such as temperature and mucus, to calculate your fertile days.
Is natural family planning reliable?
Less so than other contraception, overall. The Better Health Channel says natural family planning methods are overall not as effective as other forms of contraception, and that effectiveness varies depending on which method or combination of methods you use. healthdirect agrees the method is reliable if used correctly, but notes you're more likely to become pregnant using fertility awareness than other methods of contraception.
What can make fertility signs harder to read?
Everyday life can blur the signals. healthdirect notes that illness and vaginal infections can affect both mucus and temperature. The Better Health Channel says natural methods aren't recommended if you:
- have a fever or a vaginal infection;
- have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
- regularly travel through different time zones;
- are under stress.
healthdirect also lists long periods of abstinence each month among the downsides. For background on how your hormones shape each phase, see our guide to understanding your menstrual cycle.
Where can I learn fertility awareness in Australia?
Your GP or a reproductive health nurse is a good first stop for talking through contraception options, the Better Health Channel suggests, and pharmacists, women's health clinics and sexual health services can help too. healthdirect links to Family Planning NSW and Sexual Health Victoria, and its free helpline on 1800 022 222 lets you talk to a nurse or doctor. In Victoria, 1800 My Options (1800 696 784) offers sexual and reproductive health information by phone.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your GP before relying on fertility awareness if:
- you've just stopped the pill or another hormonal method;
- your periods are irregular;
- you're approaching menopause;
- you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or inflammation of the cervix or vagina;
- you have a vaginal infection or PCOS.
Frequently asked questions
Will fertility awareness protect me from STIs?
No. healthdirect says fertility awareness does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, and its contraception guide adds that condoms are the only contraceptive method shown to prevent STIs. If you have a new partner or you're unsure about STI status, use condoms every time, including on days you've charted as infertile.
Can I use a fertility app?
The Better Health Channel lists fertility apps alongside the rhythm, Billings, temperature and symptothermal methods as natural options. It doesn't rate individual apps, and it stresses that how well natural family planning works depends on the method or combination used. Ask your GP or a family planning clinic how an app fits your plans.
What are the benefits of natural family planning?
healthdirect lists several. It's natural, has no known side effects and costs nothing. You may get to know your body and your cycle better, and it can suit people who can't or don't want to use other methods for religious, cultural or health reasons. The trade-offs are daily tracking and lower effectiveness.
Tracking your cycle starts with noting when each period begins, and the Lunette period cup is a reusable way to manage those days: a menstrual cup made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone, free from BPA, PFAS, rubber and latex. To choose between Size 1 and Size 2, read our period cup size guide.
This is general health information rather than medical advice, so see your GP or a family planning clinic to choose contraception that suits you.
