The Versatility and Reversibility of Fertility Awareness-Based Methods: An Interview
By: Megan Euerle, DO
Director’s Note: During her fourth year of medical school, Megan Euerle, DO, had the opportunity to interview a fertility awareness-based method (FABM) user as part of the FACTS elective. As a future pediatrician, Euerle expressed her gratitude for the information the elective provided regarding the applications of FABMs, especially in adolescent reproductive health. The conversation shared below highlights the value of educating women in these methods as they provide safe, cost-effective means of monitoring reproductive health and family planning. To navigate the many options available, FACTS offers a shared decision-making tool that clinicians can use to aid patients in selecting an effective FABM. Also, be sure to read Euerle’s research review published in September 2022
Introduction
As a fourth-year medical student, the FACTS elective opened my eyes to the potential health and lifestyle benefits of fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and the opportunities they afford reproductive-aged women. As a future pediatrician, I expect the application of these methods will prove extremely useful within the area of adolescent health. My interview with Madison,* a young woman in her mid-twenties, is the story of one woman’s success with the Marquette Model in meeting her family planning goals, in both avoiding and later achieving pregnancy. She was happy to share the details of her experience with me.
Goals of Family Planning
When Madison and her husband thought about starting a family, she became curious about options to monitor her reproductive health to achieve pregnancy. She first stumbled upon FABMs through online searches and was intrigued by the opportunity to familiarize herself with her cycle. Although she liked the idea of the Marquette Model, a sympto-hormonal method that utilizes both cervical mucus observations and urinary hormone levels to track a woman’s fertile window, she decided to first try charting her cycles based on cervical mucus observations alone to determine if her cycles were regular. During this period, Madison discovered that her cycles were, in fact, irregular. Given the irregularity of her cycles, she ultimately decided to add urinary hormone monitoring to better identify her fertile window.
Madison describes herself as largely self-taught in the Marquette Model, having never sought additional teaching from a physician or FABM educator. This is a testament to the accessibility of such methods for women of all backgrounds and lifestyles. However, it is important to note the advantage of a trained instructor when trying to understand the nuances of each method and improve efficacy. A well-trained FABM educator — whether in-person or online — can be a valuable asset to a couple or woman looking to begin charting.
“It is important to note the advantage of a trained instructor when trying to understand the nuances of each method and improve efficacy.”
As Madison became more familiar with her cycles and the timing of her fertile window, she and her husband decided to implement the method to avoid pregnancy for several months. Once the couple decided to try to conceive, they were able to use the same method to successfully achieve their first pregnancy. Madison’s story emphasizes the versatility of FABMs and the benefit of immediate reversibility. These methods can easily be adapted to fit a couple’s needs as their goals change if they remain committed to the process of charting.
Navigating Challenges
Taking charge of one’s health always comes with its challenges. The FACTS course shed light on the daily commitment required by women and couples employing FABMs to accurately chart their cycles to help them meet their desired family-planning goals. When used correctly, many FABMs have a success rate of more than 95% when avoiding pregnancy. [1] The Marquette Model has a success rate of more than 99% when avoiding pregnancy with perfect use and 86 to 93% with typical use. [1] With such high efficacy rates, more and more women see FABMs as a great option for achieving their family-planning goals, even with the challenges posed by various methods.
Madison and I spoke about the specific challenges she faced in her fertility journey. She explained that hormone monitoring presented a major learning curve once she discovered her cycles were irregular, especially because she was self-taught. However, she emphasized, the learning process was well worth it in the end. Using the Marquette Model enabled her to become more familiar with her own body, as well as the hormone fluctuations of her cycle. Gradually, she gained significant confidence in her ability to “take control of the process” of her own fertility.
“She emphasized the learning process was well worth it in the end. Using the Marquette Model enabled her to become more familiar with her own body, as well as the hormone fluctuations of her cycle.”
Conclusion
Despite the learning curve and commitment required for successful use, Madison highly recommends the use of FABMs as “a great option” for women who desire to become more familiar with their bodies and cycles. In her experience, these methods empower women and couples with real autonomy in the process of navigating reproductive health and family planning.
“As a woman, I truly wish I had been provided with information on these methods as far back as adolescence; FABMs provide safe, low-cost avenues for monitoring one’s reproductive health.”
As a medical student, the education I received from FACTS has provided me with a wide range of options to offer my future patients. As a woman, I truly wish I had been provided with information on these methods as far back as adolescence; FABMs provide safe, low-cost avenues for monitoring one’s reproductive health. After learning of their benefits and efficacy, I have no doubt that FABMs will prove a powerful asset in my future practice as I work with patients to navigate the intricacies of their health and wellness.
*Names have been changed to respect the privacy of the interviewee and her family. All information is shared with permission.
Sources
[1] Duane M, Stanford JB, Porucznik CA, Vigil P. Fertility Awareness-Based Methods for Women’s Health and Family Planning. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022;9:858977. Published 2022 May 24. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.858977
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Megan Euerle
Megan Euerle graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2022. Presently, she is pursuing a pediatrics residency and is interested in providing preventative health care to children and adolescents. She took the FACTS elective to gain a better understanding of FABMs so that she might help her patients explore all healthy options within the realm of reproductive health.
