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The Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) of natural family planning can help you manage your fertility without drugs or devices. To practice the STM you need to learn to identify the naturally occurring fertile phase of a woman's menstrual cycle and to apply this information so as to achieve your pregnancy goals.
How does STM of Natural Family Planning work?
Couples make STM of natural family planning work by becoming aware of their individual and combined fertility.
A woman is fertile for only a few days in each menstrual cycle. A man is presumed fertile all the time.
Couples wanting to achieve a pregnancy should have intercourse on the days of their combined fertility.
Couples wanting to avoid a pregnancy should refrain from intercourse at this time.
How is fertility recognised?
Fertility is recognised by learning to identify the following signs and symptoms:
Cervical Mucus: As a woman approaches ovulation the cervix secretes a mucus which changes in appearance and texture. Many women do not realise the significance of the cervical mucus until it is explained to them. Sperm survival is very dependent on the cervical mucus as it enables sperm to live for up to 5 days so that fertilization of the ovum can occur.
Basal Body Temperature: From menstruation to ovulation a woman's Basal Body Temperature is at a low level. After ovulation the temperature rises to a higher level. The rise in temperature indicates that ovulation has occurred.
Other symptoms and signs: The cervix is higher, softer and open around ovulation, whereas at other times it is lower, firmer and closed. Some women experience symptoms of pain in the lower abdomen or back and spotting around their ovulation time. These symptoms do not by themselves accurately predict the time of ovulation.
Is the STM Natural Family Planning Method effective?
Research has shown that natural family planning is highly effective 98% - 99% when all signs and symptoms of fertility are considered and has been taught to motivated couples by a professionaly accredited educator.
Who can use STM of Natural Family Planning?
The STM can be used by couples at all stages of the woman's fertile life. It is suitable for:
· Women with short, long or average cycles
· Engaged couples
· Pregnant women to learn LAM
· Breastfeeding and weaning mothers
· Couples wanting to avoid pregnancy
· Couples having difficulty conceiving
· Couples discontinuing pill and/or other contraceptive methods
· Peri-menopausal women
How can we learn the STM Natural Family Planning Method?
The most effective way to learn STM is to be taught by one of our Australian Council of Natural Family Planning accredited teachers.
Ring 1800 114 010 or 02 9390 5156