I'm currently reading this book about the Fertility Awareness Method because I'm considering trying that as a form of birth control instead of the pill. I'm very discouraged by the pill I'm on and pretty fed with having no sex drive and feeling bloated all the time. I'm really interested in learning about real experiences from you mamas...so...please share!
I haven't got any experience to share with you, I am using fam but for the opposite reason! Which book have you got?
I use VCF. They're OTC clear dissolving sheets (a little bigger than a stamp) you place in your vagina 15 minutes before sex, and they last up to three hours. Some study said they're 97% effective, and using them since Sept., I haven't gotten pregnant yet! I will not get on the pill or anything hormonal. Anyway, that's just another option...
Sounds like that's a spermicide, yes? Me and most spermicides don't get along so great, they tend to inspire yeast infections in me :S not so good. Dunno how it'd affect DA though.
I've only used spermacide once or twice and it gave me a yeast infection once and a bladder infection the other time...
I read Taking Charge of Your Fertility and currently use FAM. I feel so much more connected to my body, it's signals...and I am confident that I can keep from having a pregnancy.
I used FAM to get pregnant. You still have to use a barrier method during your fertile peak (during, and a week before ovulation) if you are trying to avoid pregnancy. But it did work great for me, but not when I had highly irregular cycles and was not ovulating due to long term side effects of hormonal medications. VCF are supposed to be used with a diaphragm or condom. They are less than 90% effective. And yes, they are spermicide, which can be very irritating to sensitive tissues. I personally got pregnant using VCF with a diaphragm. The film by itself is not an effective method of birth control at all. Doesn't the package warn against using it alone?
ya'll are talking about sympto-thermal, the know your cervix and good luck trying to find that ol' fashioned basal thermometer, eh? Yes! I feel this is THE way (jmho) I really enjoyed and was empowered to practice this method. Did it for years, with the knowledge that I had to be EVER VIGILANT with regards to being clear about where I was in my cycle. And use that barrier method at that fertile period just like MamaBoogie said. I've known Sisters that have gotten pregnant because they laxed and slipped up just one day. I remember when my *hippy-mama-mentors* (I grew up in a hippie community) laughed at me when I talked about it, they said it was good method if you didn't mind getting pregnant. However I never got pregnant using this method (well I actually decided to stop charting and "in a way" this was letting nature take it's course, I know my exact conception date and ovulation date and my dear boy was born with the perfect gestational age, size and weight)...and I was 34 when I got pregnant, and this was the birth control method that I used primarily in my life until I did CHOOSE to get pregnant. and whatever method (I used to loved the sponge, but they will most likely never bring that back, and have used various methods...) but the sympto-thermal is always there (I don't use hormones.) wherever you are because it's all about your special parts! When I was in nursing school and we covered birth control methods, I was internally disappointed that the nursing practice doesn't encourage this method (well in this country anyway), nor does planned parenthood ( I loved working in there while in n. school... did you know that they do well women health exams beyond the you know what? Like cholesterol screenings and osteoporosis screenings...) I advocate this method for the Sisters out there who are really in-tune with their bodies, or are wanting to commit to that bond to their cycle. It is magic. Regarding that basal thermometer, there is a nation-wide movement to eradicate mercury thermometers, and this includes the basal thermometer. In a way I like the idea of getting rid of the mercury, but "the corporations" aren't coming out with a product that is an alternative/replacement (am I wrong?) like a digital basal thermometer. I always was a little weirded out that I was sticking a glass thermometer with mercury "up there" eh! Shudder... I few times I've accidently flung the thermometer across the room as I was shaking it down... glass and mercury... UGH! When I have had to get a new one, I've had the best luck finding them in those ol'timey pharmacies...not the "big block stores" but it may be different where you are! Good Luck and Enjoy the Journey!!
You can get digital basal thermometers at any pharmacy. I think I got mine at Kmart, and it claims to accurately measure down to 1/100th of a degree.
that's amazing because I've never seen one. and I had to buy a glass one... but that was about 4-5 years ago and I still have it.
I think I got my digital basal thermometer six or seven years ago (my oldest kid is almost six now, and it took nine months to conceive her). I might have bought it when ttc little sis instead, but she's three years old already. if you take your temp first thing in the morning, before you get up, before you say anything or drink anything or do anything else, you can temp orally...
