Sympto-Thermal Method (STM)<\/a>. FAM\/STM divides the menstrual cycle into three separate parts- infertile, fertile and infertile, because we are only fertile for a limited number of days.\u00a0 The method involves daily monitoring of one\u2019s fertility signs, which in turn enables anyone to identify the fertile and infertile days of their cycle. <\/span><\/p>\nFAM is an observational method, not a calculation method,\u00a0 like the ineffective rhythm\/calendar method. <\/span>\u00a0<\/b>Our reproductive hormones control when and how these signs shift, so a person can know on a daily basis if and when they are fertile.\u00a0 For contraception, some schools of STMs encourage abstinence during the fertile days. FAM enables free choice.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nSince FAM is not a stand-alone method, many couples choose to use two back-up methods<\/span> (e.g. condoms and spermicide, or diaphragms with a natural gel) during the fertile days. Once ovulation is over, no additional methods are necessary and a couple can enjoy an average of 10-12 days of sexual freedom with a very high rate of effectiveness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nFertility Apps and Devices\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
Most menstrual cycle apps are \u201cperiod trackers\u201d which allow for charting various aspects of the cycle.\u00a0 Some apps and devices are marketed as \u201cfertility predictors.\u201d\u00a0 Others are categorized as FABM\u2019s- fertility awareness-based methods, although they are not actually full methods of contraception.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nSome apps and devices that predict fertile and infertile days are actually \u201chi-tech\u201d versions of the antiquated <\/span>Rhythm Method <\/span>of fertility planning\u00a0 because they use algorithms or mathematical calculations (based on past cycle lengths) to <\/span>predict<\/span> present cycle length and fertile and infertile days.\u00a0 In order to achieve high efficacy, these methods can require many days of abstinence<\/span> or allow sexual intimacy with the use of other back-up methods e.g. condoms, barriers, and spermicides.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nEffectiveness Of FAM<\/h2>\n
While the <\/span>theoretical<\/span> effectiveness of FAM, like most methods of contraception, is 98-99% (perfect use), the more important rate is actual\/<\/span>typical<\/span> effectiveness, which is another way of\u00a0 referring to \u201cimperfect use\u201d.\u00a0 Typical user effectiveness is always lower than the theoretical rate because it tells us how \u201cforgiving\u201d or \u201cunforgiving\u201d a method is under \u201creal-life\u201d conditions,\u00a0 i.e. not every couple uses a method correctly and consistently, as prescribed.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\nFAM is very effective among serious, motivated and conscientious users, and it can be very unforgiving among imperfect users.\u00a0 Statistically-speaking, typical users may experience a failure rate as high as 10-20% during the first year of use (meaning 10-20 out of 100 users may have an accidental pregnancy). <\/span><\/p>\nAmong conscientious and motivated users\/couples, failure rates are very low and effectiveness can reach over 95%.\u00a0 This largely depends on how the method was learned (by a book, a friend or a certified teacher) and what couples choose to do during their fertile days.\u00a0 If couples abstain during fertile days and only have intercourse after ovulation, user effectiveness approaches 100%. <\/span><\/p>\nThe biggest predictors of higher vs lower effectiveness of FAM are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- The ability to accurately determine the fertile window of the cycle.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The number of backup contraceptive methods that a couple uses <\/span>during the fertile days.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The degree of skill and experience that users have with those back-up methods. It is important to remember that because FAM divides the cycle into three parts, the risk of an unplanned pregnancy differs in each part.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n