FAQ
(Q). Can the Ovulation Method be used by women who are breast-feeding or women who have irregular cycles?(A). Yes, the Ovulation Method can be successfully used by women in all reproductive circumstances, including those who are breast-feeding, discontinuing artificial contraceptives, or premenopausal. The Ovulation Method does not depend on regularity of cycles since each woman learns to interpret a naturally-occurring sign of fertility whenever it appears in her cycle. Women with average, short or long cycles are able to interpret this sign in order to determine the fertile and infertile phases of the cycle. The Ovulation Method can be used to either achieve or avoid pregnancy.
(Q). Is the Ovulation Method the same as the Temperature Method or the Rhythm Method?
(A). Absolutely not. The old Calendar Rhythm Method was only effective for women whose cycles were extremely regular. Based on the average length of previous cycles, this method did not allow for variations that are experienced by most women over the course of a year. For this reason, many unplanned pregnancies occurred.
The Temperature Method uses calculations of a woman's Basal Body Temperature to determine when ovulation has taken place. Because it is difficult to use in determining infertile days prior to ovulation, it can unnecessarily limit marital relations for some couples in the early part of the cycle if pregnancy is to be avoided, and cannot, by itself, alert couples to the days of potential fertility if their goal is to achieve pregnancy. In addition, women with infants or toddlers may find it troublesome to comply with guidelines for measuring the Basal Body Temperature.
Numerous laboratory and clinical trials have determined that the cervical mucus secretion on which the Ovulation Method is based, correlates with the fertile days more closely than any other marker of fertility, including complicated hormonal assays. For this reason, and for its simplicity--a woman need only observe for this secretion during the course of her normal daily activities--the Ovulation Method is the easiest natural method to learn and practice, as well as the most reliable.
(Q). Is internal examination of the cervix part of the Ovulation Method?
(A). No. Internal examination is not necessary and is discouraged. The cervical mucus can be checked when the vaginal opening is wiped with a tissue. When internal examinations are done there is the possibility that harmful microorganisms could be introduced into the vagina.
(Q). How long does it usually take for a woman to learn the Ovulation Method?
(A). Most women can be taught to use the Ovulation Method in about one hour. Once they actually begin charting, the majority of women report that they are confident of their ability to distinguish between the fertile and infertile days after one cycle of charting.
(Q). Is it possible for pregnancy to result from sexual relations during the menstrual period?
(A). While most women experience a few infertile days between the end of menstruation and the beginning of the fertile phase, it is possible, in a short cycle, for mucus production to begin before the bleeding has ceased. Because the blood may mask the appearance of mucus, it is recommended that the couple abstain from sexual relations during menstruation if pregnancy is to be avoided.
(Q). How long do the egg and the sperm live?
(A). Once the egg has been released from the ovary, it remains viable for approximately 24 hours. Once the egg disintegrates, conception is no longer possible. In a hostile environment, sperm die within hours. However, in the presence of fertile cervical mucus, sperm can survive for 3 to 5 days, making it possible for conception to result from an act of intercourse early in the fertile phase.
(Q). Will the use of artificial contraceptives cause me to have difficulties conceiving?
(A). Many women experience residual infertility for several months following discontinuation of artificial contraceptives. It is generally recommended that couples wait about six months following discontinuation of artificial contraceptives, or until they have experiences three normal cycles, before attempting to conceive.
(Q). Can barrier methods, such as condoms, be used during the fertile phase to eliminate the need for abstinence?
(A). The use of barrier methods during the fertile phase (called bafting) is strongly discouraged and is never acceptable as part of the Ovulation Method. Barriers can fail and failure during the fertile phase will very likely result in pregnancy. When this happens it is not the Ovulation Method that fails--the Ovulation Method did correctly recognize the fertile phase. When this happens, it is the barrier method that failed.
(Q). Can the Ovulation Method be used to predict when ovulation will occur?
(A). Because cycle length can very from month to month, there is no way to know in advance when ovulation will occur. However, by careful monitoring of each cycle, a woman can learn to interpret her individual pattern, and thus know whether she is fertile or infertile at any given time in her cycle.
(Q). How can I find an Ovulation Method teacher in my area? I would like to have someone review my chart with me to confirm that I am charting correctly?
(A). Family of the Americas has trained Ovulation Method instructors in the United States and many foreign countries. A list of instructors is automatically included with each order of materials from Family of the Americas, or you can request a copy of the teacher referral list. Many of our instructors are able to provide individualized follow-up by phone if you are unable to meet in-person and are using a Family of the Americas charting kit.