FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Studies have shown the Symptothermal Method to be highly effective in avoiding unplanned pregnancies. For the 168 Canadian couples who participated in the Fairfield Study, among those who used the method correctly and consistently, the study showed an effectiveness rating of 0.5 unplanned pregnancies in 100 women. These rates match the effectiveness rates published for hormonal contraception.
When a pregnancy is desired, the knowledge of the signs of fertility provides basic information about the woman’s reproductive cycle. This enables a couple to identify when ovulation is approaching and plan the timing of intercourse in order to conceive.
The Symptothermal Method does not protect against sexually transmitted disease.
The Calendar Rhythm Method was the only natural method known between the 1930’s and 1950’s. With the Calendar Rhythm Method, an attempt was made to establish the infertile phase based on previous cycles. Irregular cycles introduce an element of uncertainty into the calculation. Ovulation and fertility can vary without the couple being aware of it. This can lead to unexpected pregnancy.
The Symptothermal Method is a modern, effective, and natural method. It works equally well for women with regular or irregular cycles because it is based on the observation of day-to-day changes of fertility symptoms. The Symptothermal Method focuses on confirming fertile and infertile times within the cycle by charting changes in mucus and basal body temperature, as well as observing other fertility signs.
Natural Family Planning is as effective as it is because the couple does not have intercourse during the fertile days.
Opting to use barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, diaphragms, spermicides or withdrawal during the fertile time, reduces the effectiveness rate to the effectiveness of the particular barrier method used.
Using such methods is not compatible with Natural Family Planning. There is no method more effective than abstinence during the fertile time.
To avoid pregnancy, couples need to abstain from sexual intercourse during the fertile phase of the woman’s cycle. This is a fundamental aspect of all natural methods. However, studies comparing rates of intercourse between those practising natural methods and those using artificial methods have found little difference. Also couples using natural methods report significantly higher levels of satisfaction. Most loving couples, however, are surprised to find that voluntary postponement of intercourse can promote greater communication, mutual respect and cooperation, sexual fulfillment, and a stronger overall relationship.
Many woman who have used hormonal contraceptives decide to switch to a natural method. Since the contraceptive pill acts upon the normal hormonal system, when a woman discontinues the pill, her body sometimes takes a while to return to normal, particularly if the cycles were irregular before taking the pill.
By using the Symptothermal Method, a couple can observe the return to fertility after discontinuing the pill. An experienced Serena Teacher-couple can guide you through the process of adopting the Symptothermal Method.
Locate a Teaching Session
Yes. Through the Symptothermal Method, it may be possible to discover the reason for your lack of success. The method will reveal if the woman is ovulating or not. It will also help identify other health concerns that could be affecting your chances of conceiving.
By identifying the fertile days of the menstrual cycle, you will be aware of when you are most fertile, which lets you maximize your chances of conceiving. Past studies indicate that couples were, on average, more successful in achieving pregnancy sooner when they were taught how to identify the fertile window.
Yes. After childbirth, the use of the Symptothermal Method provides a way to detect the return of fertility. Following the method is easier for a woman who is already experienced in observing her fertility signs. Regular follow-ups are recommended when using the Symptothermal Method postpartum. With the expertise and guidance of a Serena teacher-couple, the Symptothermal Method of family planning can continue to be effective. Please contact Serena for assistance.
The Lactational Amenorrhoea Method (LAM) is another form of Natural Family Planning that may be used in the first 6 months postpartum, if there has been no bleeding, and the baby is exclusively breastfed. Each of these criteria includes certain exceptions that require precise explanations. If a woman is intensively nursing her baby on demand for a prolonged time, amenorrhoea (the absence of menstruation) can, on average, last ten months on average.
For maximum effectiveness, it is important to consult a Serena teacher couple during the breastfeeding period. The teacher-couple will provide detailed instruction in LAM and in the use of the breastfeeding chart to detect signs of returning fertility.
Locate a Teaching Session or visit our After Childbirth page for more information.
It all depends on your expectations, your motivation to learn, and your cycles. Most couples learn to observe, record and interpret the signs of fertility very quickly. An initial effort is needed to learn how to observe and chart various fertility signs. With time, bodily changes become obvious and less effort is necessary. After 3 cycles using the method, most couples become self-reliant in using the Symptothermal Method.
Serena stresses the importance of being taught by a certified teacher-couple to assure comprehensive and quality instruction.
A woman is said to have irregular cycles when the difference between her shortest and longest cycle (during one year) is more than 6 days. How long it takes for a woman’s body to prepare for ovulation varies, and it is the variation of this pre-ovulatory phase that determines the cycle length. Ovulation occurs sooner (creating a short cycle) or later (creating a long cycle) depending on stress, nutrition, health, and other factors.
Since the Symptothermal Method does not rely on cycle length, but rather on observations and interpretations of the body’s fertility signs, a woman who experiences irregular cycles can still use the Symptothermal Method. Sooner or later, fertility signs will appear and indicate that ovulation may soon occur.
The Symptothermal Method helps the couple to understand each and every cycle as it unfolds. As a result, a couple can follow the method quite effectively even if the woman’s cycles are irregular.
Natural methods of family planning, also called Fertility Awareness-based Methods, may be just what some women are looking for, but most physicians do not learn about them during medical school or residency training. Some dismiss Natural Family Planning as the “Rhythm or Calendar Method” and consider it ineffective. They are unaware of modern methods of Natural Family Planning and the effectiveness studies that have been done on them. Serena is working to help educate medical professionals about the benefits of Natural Family Planning.
Occasionally, two or more ovulations may occur during the same cycle. This is how we get fraternal twins (triplets, etc.). Each cycle, all possible ovulations will always occur within a few hours of each other. They are triggered by a single short peak of Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
This means that although multiple ovulations are possible, each cycle there is only one 24-hour window during which a sperm and egg could meet. This fact along with our knowledge of the maximum lifetime of sperm, and related information, helps couples identify when they may be fertile each cycle.
“In Tune With Your Fertility” by Dr. Suzanne Parenteau is a great overview of the Symptothermal Method. The book covers using the Symptothermal Method while breastfeeding, during perimenopause and to avoid or achieve conception. It also includes an overview of reproductive physiology and much more. While an invaluable resource written by Serena Canada’s Medical Advisor, it does not replace the couple-to-couple teaching provided by Serena.
Locate a Teaching Session
Every woman’s situation is unique. Our teacher-couples are especially trained in fertility awareness and provide instruction on how to effectively practice the Symptothermal Method. Serena can offer you personalized guidance and ongoing support.
Contact Your Local Coordinator for more information.
When a couple is learning the Symptothermal Method, recording the basal body temperature daily is important. It is best to take the temperature every day from the fifth day of the cycle to the end of the cycle. This will help you learn to identify the lower temperature level, the type of shift, and the upper temperature level.
After several months of charting experience, the woman can decide, with the help of a Serena teacher-couple, to stop taking her temperature once the definite infertility of the post-ovulatory phase has been confirmed, until the fifth day of the following cycle. After one year, if short cycles are unusual, and if pre-ovulatory symptoms are regularly observed, a woman with good self-knowledge will only require about ten days of recorded temperatures per cycle in order to verify the changes in the two temperature levels. However, other signs must continue to be recorded daily.
A teacher-couple will meet with you, individually or in a group, to teach and guide you in learning the rules of the method. Teachings typically last two to three hours and may be completed over multiple sessions, depending on the circumstances and availability of the couple.
Locate a Teaching Session or Contact Your Local Coordinator for more information.
Depending on circumstances, we will meet with an individual. We emphasise meeting as a couple because, in Serena’s sixty-five years of teaching experience, teaching couple to couple provides the best outcome. Both members of the teacher-couple bring their life experience, viewpoint and skills to the teaching session. Both members of the couple receiving instruction can ask questions and will start this new enterprise with a shared experience.
Your teacher-couple remains available for additional consultations as needed. There is no charge for further education – only for materials as required. Contact your teacher-couple to ask them to repeat or to add to information. Also ask them to help you interpret your symptothermal chart if questions arise. Consulting with a certified teacher-couple is encouraged when difficult situations or life changes arise.
These follow-ups are an essential step toward successful use and confidence in the method.