A Billings Ovulation Method Success Story

Editor’s Note: This interview with a user of the Billings Ovulation Method emphasizes the need to educate physicians in training about fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) of family planning. Studies show that women are increasingly interested in more natural alternatives for family planning and reliable ways to track their fertility and health. As is evident in this interview conducted by Rachel McCann while on the FACTS elective, learning to chart the female cycle fulfills all these goals and much more!

Choosing FABMs

Marissa* and her husband are one of the many couples around the world who rely on fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) for their family planning. This couple gravitated toward fertility awareness methods for a variety of reasons. Beyond their moral objections to other forms of contraception, they were eager to know more about Marissa’s fertility as well as the science behind conception. Marissa learned about the Billings Ovulation Method a few months before she was to be married. Under the guidance of a trained Billings instructor, she was able to learn how to chart her cycles and understand her biology so that she was ready to use the method for family planning when the time came.

After one month of charting to avoid pregnancy, the couple conceived within the first cycle of trying to achieve pregnancy! Marissa and her husband were blessed with a healthy pregnancy and now have a happy 10-month-old boy.

Overcoming Obstacles

During the first few months of charting, Marissa was shocked at the simplicity of the method. In fact, she states that is the biggest advantage to practicing Billings, but it wasn’t always easy. She remembers frequently thinking that it had to be more complicated than it truly is, and needing to remind herself of that during her first few months of charting. Once she got the hang of it, Marissa had no issues practicing the method.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t the only person who had doubts about the method’s simplicity in the beginning. Marissa recounts many negative instances with both her physician and midwife, who did not seem to understand FABMs. She received misinformation several times throughout her pregnancy and postpartum period, which was frustrating and made the couple feel unheard.

Gifts of Fertility Awareness

Though she felt some push-back from her medical team, tracking her fertility had wonderful advantages for Marissa and her relationship with herself and her husband.* Beyond the conception of her beloved son, Marissa also felt that charting facilitated a deeper understanding of her body and the normal hormone changes that happen for women throughout their cycles.

At one point, she felt she may suffer from a mood disorder due to her unpredictable shifts in temperament. However, after working with Billings and using her chart as a visual representation of her hormonal changes, Marissa started to understand and accept her physiology. This not only allowed her to manage her mood but also made her feel more at peace with herself. Simply having the knowledge of her cycle helped her understand her body in new ways. This knowledge also allowed the couple to grow together through their respect for each other. Learning about and being aware of Marissa’s fertility grounded the couple in the dignity and significance of their bond as a married couple. It made them feel a sense of respect for the creation of life and their duty as parents.

Today, Marissa and her husband continue to use the Billings Ovulation Method in the postpartum period and plan to use the method to try to achieve pregnancy in the future. They are so grateful to have found FABMs as a way to grow their relationship, their understanding of life, and their family.

Final Thoughts

Marissa’s story is a success story, but it also points out the stigma many practitioners still hold regarding FABMs fueled by misinformation and a lack of knowledge. As a medical student who dreams of helping women understand their fertility, I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn about these methods and hopefully be part of the change to be more informed and accepting regarding such methods. Without the FACTS elective, I would not have even known about FABMs, since this information is not a part of the curriculum in most medical schools. With the knowledge I’ve gained, I hope to work to end the stigma and provide comprehensive and evidence-based care to women like Marissa.

Editor’s note: The experiences of Marissa and her husband are not unique. In a 2017 study by Unseld et al, 95% of women and 55% of men said “using NFP has helped them to know their body better.” Additionally, 74% of men and 65% of women stated NFP helped improve their relationship.i Previous studies, such as a descriptive survey by Vande Vusse et al, found that couples’ use of natural family planning resulted in stronger bonds, better communication, and improved knowledge on sexual issues. Given the many documented benefits of NFP/FABMs for women and couples, it is vital for the medical community to educate medical professionals with accurate information about these methods, expand research about their applications, and support patients who choose to use FABMs.

*All names have been changed to respect the privacy of the interviewees, and all information is shared with permission.

References

[1] Unseld M, Rötzer E, Weigl R, Masel EK, Manhart MD. Use of Natural Family Planning (NFP) and Its Effect on Couple Relationships and Sexual Satisfaction: A Multi-Country Survey of NFP Users from US and Europe. Front Public Health. 2017;5:42. Published 2017 Mar 13. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2017.00042.

[2] Vande Vusse L, Hanson L, Fehring RJ, Newman A, Fox J. Couples’ views of the effects of natural family planning on marital dynamics. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2003;35(2):171-176. doi:10.1111/j.1547-5069.2003.00171.x.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel McCann

Rachel McCann is a fourth-year osteopathic medical student at Rocky Vista University in Southern Utah. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in her home state of Ohio. During medical school, she has served as class president, mentored pre-medical students, tutored medical students, and participated in the Global Medicine Track, facilitating several trips abroad with medical outreach programs. Rachel is pursuing a career as an Ob/Gyn physician and is currently contributing to research on hyperemesis gravidarum. She looks forward to working towards the advancement of women through advocacy, empowerment, and education throughout her career. Outside of professional and academic life, Rachel enjoys lifting weights, several outdoor sports, and DIY projects.

Interested in expanding your knowledge of restorative reproductive medicine?

The International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine (IIRRM), a FACTS conference sponsor, is hosting the first 24-hour global summit for Restorative Reproductive Medicine! Watch and interact with experts from around the world presenting on a wide array of topics and research in restorative women’s health.

Conference dates are fast approaching! Register for Feb 18-19 (North America/South America) and Feb 19-20 (Australia & Europe).

All presentations will be recorded, with 14.5 CME available up to 3 months after the live event, and access is included with Summit registration. For more information, view the 24 hour-event schedules and conference webpage at: https://iirrm.org/globalsummit