{"id":1984,"date":"2020-12-30T13:23:19","date_gmt":"2020-12-30T10:23:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/poriutivit.com\/staging2\/?p=1984"},"modified":"2021-04-04T10:26:14","modified_gmt":"2021-04-04T07:26:14","slug":"non-hormonal-contraceptives-to-use-with-fam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/poriutivit.com\/staging2\/en\/preventing-pregnancy\/non-hormonal-contraceptives-to-use-with-fam\/","title":{"rendered":"Non-Hormonal Contraceptives To Use With FAM"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>FAM is a tool for identifying the fertile and infertile days of the menstrual cycle. While FAM reduces dependence on other contraceptive methods, it does not eliminate or exclude the use of additional methods if and when a couple wants to have sex during the fertile and pre-fertile days of the cycle.\n

While FAM has the potential to reach a nearly 100% effectiveness rate (post-ovulation), actual user effectiveness is not a guaranteed statistic; it is determined by the user\u2019s understanding of how the method works, the quality of her fertility charts, and the degree to which the client implements the method rules correctly and consistently (see article about effectiveness<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Some research studies show that user effectiveness of Sympto-Thermal Methods (STMs), like FAM, can reach 98%, but these studies assume that a couple is choosing to abstain from intercourse until the post-ovulation time is confirmed. In other words, there is no calculated risk-taking for nearly half-to-two-thirds of the cycle. This means that while user effectiveness is high, so is the price of limited freedom to engage in intercourse during a significant number of days of the cycle.<\/p>\n

Many FAM instructors, though not all, believe that each couple has the freedom to make an informed choice about what they want to do during the pre-fertile and fertile days of the cycle. For couples who choose more leniency, they will learn about the different options for maximizing contraceptive safety, adopt the goal of preventing\/postponing pregnancy with the utmost responsibility, and find the method \u201cmix\u201d that works best for them. Safe sex during pre-fertile and fertile days means that a couple knows how to use other methods correctly, including two simultaneous methods during the fertile days. It also means that when using these other methods, the statistical effectiveness of 98% no longer applies, rather the statistical efficacy of these other methods.<\/p>\n

User effectiveness will also be influenced by the type and number of back-up methods that a couple uses during the fertile and pre-fertile days.<\/p>\n

No method of contraception is 100% (except for abstinence) and FAM is not a \u201cstand-alone\u201d method. This means that couples who want to maximize their days of \u201csexual freedom\u201d during the cycle, understand that:<\/p>\n

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  1. The use of two, simultaneous methods is necessary during the fertile days (e.g. diaphragm and gel, condom and spermicide, withdrawal and spermicide).<\/li>\n
  2. During the learning period (4-6 months or cycles of charting), the use of one method is necessary during the pre-fertile days of the cycle.<\/li>\n
  3. Couples who choose to rely solely on a condom during fertile days are at risk for an unplanned pregnancy. If a condom breaks or \u201cmalfunctions,\u201d this risk approaches 100%!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Contraceptive methods to use with FAM<\/h2>\n

    The methods linked below can be used during the fertile and pre-fertile days. They can be effective when used correctly and consistently, as prescribed. It is worth noting that actual user effectiveness for these methods varies between 75-95%. This leaves a hefty, 20% margin of difference, so it is important to understand the following:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. There is no absolute number\/statistic which protects an individual user from experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.<\/li>\n
    2. What determines personal statistical effectiveness is not something inherent in the method itself but rather the actual characteristics of the person\/couple using the method, i.e.\n