The symptomatic method to recognize the fertile period

When you go to compile the basal temperature graphs that we make available on this site, more precisely you apply the symptothermal method.

The symptothermal method is based on:

• on the observations a woman makes of her cervical mucus,
• on the measurement of basal body temperature
• on the detection of other biological signs such as changes of the cervix

By recording all the data on the table, the woman is able to identify the fertile period and the non-fertile periods of her menstrual cycle.

Obviously, in order to learn this method well, it would be very important to take personal lessons with a trained instructor so that it can also be used to effectively avoid pregnancy.

“Sinto” refers to the symptom of cervical mucus. Cervical mucus changes under the influence of estrogens which are produced by the woman’s body under hormonal influence.

“Thermal” refers to the basal temperature that rises after a woman ovulates (see Ovulation = when the ovary releases an egg cell).

Research shows that both are reliable signs of fertility. In this way, the couple who want to postpone or try to get pregnant can understand when to concentrate the relationship.

How does the symptothermal method work?

With this method, women learn about cervical mucus and record its characteristics on a daily basis.

Cervical mucus is produced in the woman’s cervix which is the lower part of the uterus that divides it from the vagina.

At the end of menstruation, if a woman does not feel a wet sensation and does not see cervical mucus in the vaginal area, she is probably infertile.

The appearance of cervical mucus marks the beginning of the fertile period and the mucus becomes clear, stretchy and slippery as ovulation approaches. After ovulation, the mucus becomes thick, dries up and/or disappears altogether, indicating the end of the woman’s fertile period.

Basal body temperature is the temperature upon waking. The low basal temperature in the first part of the cycle, and rises immediately after ovulation under the influence of progesterone, one of the female reproductive hormones.

The basal temperature remains high for the rest of the cycle. Therefore, if a woman takes her temperature every day, she can identify when ovulation has occurred and thus when the fertile part of her cycle has ended.

Learning the symptothermal method allows you to record these signals every day. Based on the rules you learn, couples can use the graph to identify fertile and non-fertile days. This way they can decide whether to have or avoid sex depending on their family planning goals.

Several methods are used together (temperature and cervical mucus and not individually) precisely to help couples confidently determine their fertility on a given day of the cycle.

How effective is the symptothermal method to avoid pregnancy?

If a couple uses the symptothermal method perfectly  , the effectiveness in avoiding pregnancy is 99.4-99.6% (98-99% effective in normal use).

This means that with normal use of the method, less than 2 pregnancies per 100 women occur in one year.

This efficacy is comparable to that of contraceptives such as the IUD and better than the pill or condom.

To use the symptothermal method correctly couples need to learn from qualified instructors to be sure to follow all instructions.

Can the Symptothermal Help Method Help Couples Get Pregnant?

Yes! Symptothermal method helps couples to get pregnant can identify when the woman is fertile. In this way, having intercourse on the most fertile days increases their chances of getting pregnant

A study conducted on 342 couples showed that 81% of couples achieved pregnancy within 6 months with the help of the symptothermal method. Without using this method, 85% got pregnant within 12 months, so double the time.

What are the main benefits of the symptothermal method?

• Symptothermal method is easy to learn and has a high efficacy to get or avoid pregnancy.
• No devices or drugs are used that can harm the couple’s body or fertility.
• It’s a somewhat organic and inexpensive method.
• It teaches the couple to better understand how their bodies work
• It is a reversible method in the sense that the couple can change their goals at any time and as many times as they want.
• Couples who switch to a natural method of family planning improve their relationships, feel more respected by their partners and are in control of their fertility

Can women who have irregular cycles, who have stopped taking the pill or are breastfeeding use the symptothermal method?

Yes! It is a great tool for women in all special playing situations.

A woman using this method will be able to understand the uniqueness of her menstrual cycle. Even though her cycle is different each time, she will be able to figure out what is going on in her body. If you are having difficulty you can contact a teacher for further information and instruction.
Where can I find more information on symptothermal methods? For classes and instructors:.