What is "Natural Birth Control" ??
A Beginners Guide to Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)
When it comes to birth control, you deserve options. Options that feel aligned with your values, your body, and your lifestyle.
Hormonal methods aren’t the only path—Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) offer a natural, evidence-based way to prevent (or achieve) pregnancy by understanding your cycle.
Let’s break down what this method is, who it’s best for, and what to consider before choosing it.
What Is the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM)?
FAM is a form of non-hormonal birth control that relies on identifying your fertile window during the menstrual cycle. Instead of altering your hormones, you observe and chart your body’s natural fertility signs, such as:
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Cervical fluid (mucus) changes
Cervical position (optional but useful)
Cycle timing (tracking past patterns)
When practiced consistently and correctly, FAM can help you:
Avoid pregnancy
Understand your body more deeply
Detect hormonal imbalances
Support future conception, if desired
Who Is It Best For?
FAM may be a good fit if you:
Want a non-hormonal method of birth control
Are in a committed relationship or comfortable with barrier methods during fertile days
Are willing to learn and track consistently (or use an app/paper chart)
Value cycle literacy and want to connect more deeply with your body
It’s not recommended if:
Your cycles are currently very irregular or postpartum
You don’t have the time or bandwidth to chart daily
You’re uncomfortable with using backup methods (like condoms or abstaining) during your fertile window
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔️ Hormone-free, no synthetic side effects
✔️ Builds self-trust and body awareness
✔️ Can be used to avoid or achieve pregnancy
✔️ Cost-effective long-term
✔️ Empowers you with body literacy
Cons:
➖ Requires daily tracking and consistency
➖ Higher learning curve at first
➖ Less effective if practiced inconsistently
➖ No STI protection
➖ May require lifestyle adjustments (i.e., abstaining or using barrier methods)
💡With perfect use, FAM can be up to 98-99% effective. With typical use, the rate drops closer to 76-88%.
When to Speak with Your Medical Provider
It’s always a good idea to loop in a medical provider who respects your choice to explore natural options.
Consider reaching out if:
You’re transitioning off hormonal birth control and want guidance
You experience irregular cycles, intense PMS, or mid-cycle spotting
You want help choosing a method that fits your lifestyle
You’re unsure whether your tracking patterns are accurate
If your current provider isn’t open to this conversation—it may be time to find one who is. You deserve support that aligns with your goals.
Final Thoughts
Fertility Awareness isn’t just about avoiding pregnancy—it’s a doorway into understanding your body on a whole new level.
Whether you're curious about non-hormonal birth control or ready to take the leap into cycle syncing, FAM can be a powerful tool for informed, embodied decision-making.
And remember: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Ready to Explore Fertility Awareness With Support?
If you're curious about using natural methods—but unsure where to start—you're not alone. Inside my Serene Cycle Method, I help women like you understand their cycle, build body literacy, and feel empowered to choose the birth control method that truly aligns with their life.
Through personalized coaching, evidence-based guidance, and intuitive support, we create a plan that’s both grounded and gentle—designed just for you.
Ready to learn more?
Explore my full coaching program, Cycle Ease, or Book a free connection call.
Let’s walk this path together—with clarity, compassion, and trust in your body.
Until Next Time,
-Rachel