What if you could manage your fertility with surgical precision, without hormones or side effects? Impossible, you might say? Not at all! This is what symptothermal method allows, a natural method based on observing your body. Long little known, it is now attracting more and more women looking for a reliable alternative to hormonal contraception. But is this natural contraception really effective? How does it work on a daily basis? In this article, we reveal everything you need to know to master this method... and regain control of your cycle with peace of mind!

What is symptothermal method?

Symptothermal method is an observation method that allows us to determine the fertile and infertile days of our menstrual cycle. This natural method of contraception requires a good understanding of the body... and being a keen observer on a daily basis!

Is symptothermal method a reliable method?

Symptothermal method can be very effective (if used correctly)! According to a WHO study , this method has a pregnancy risk of between 1 and 2 per 100 women per year if used correctly. Roughly speaking, its effectiveness could be compared to that of the contraceptive pill.

Above all, it is a great alternative to more traditional hormonal contraception, because it does not modify our natural cycle.

How does it work? Symptothermal method is based on three biological indicators:

• basal body temperature;
• the evolution of cervical mucus;
• changes in the cervix (in some cases).

Thus, from cycle to cycle, these signals allow us to precisely identify whether we are in the fertile phase. And therefore, to adapt sexual relations according to our plans: baby plan... or not!

However, its reliability depends on several criteria:

• Careful observation : irregular temperature taking or poor cervical mucus analysis can distort the interpretation of the menstrual cycle.
• (Good) training : it is strongly recommended to follow adequate training with a symptothermal consultant to learn how to interpret bodily signs.
• Certain physiological variations : stress, illness, taking medication or irregular sleep… All these factors can modify the indicators and make the analysis more complex.

In short, yes: the symptothermal method is a reliable alternative to hormonal contraception. If (and only if) you practice it with discipline. And with sufficient knowledge of the mechanisms of the female cycle.

What are its advantages and limitations?

Like all methods of contraception, symptothermal method has many advantages! Among them, we can list the following:

• It is a 100% natural method: it has no known side effects and does not generate hormonal fluctuations.
• It allows for better knowledge of the body: women understand their menstrual cycle better and can identify an irregular cycle.
• It is ecological and economical: to use it, no prescription or equipment is required (except for a basal thermometer).
• It can be adapted to your needs: by using it as a method of contraception or, conversely, to boost your chances of conception.
• It is the road to empowerment: it offers autonomy to women who wish to manage their fertility themselves without depending on hormonal contraceptives.

However, it also generates some disadvantages. These include:

• Daily rigor: this method requires you to note your observations every day and be vigilant about taking your temperature.
• The need to learn: to fully master the method and know how to identify your fertility window, it is essential to go through a training and observation phase.
• The influence of external factors: stress, lack of sleep, fever or drug treatments can modify the indicators and complicate the interpretation of the menstrual cycle.
• A period of abstinence or use of protection during the fertile phase: women who use it must be prepared to adapt their sexual relations according to their current cycle.

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How to do symptothermal method?

Now that we know all that... Let's move on to the practical side! Concretely, how do you do symptothermal method? Come on, let's explain everything to you.

Indicators to follow

Basal temperature

How do you know if you're ovulating ? Thanks to your basal body temperature, of course! This is your resting body temperature, which you take in the morning before starting your activities. Its changes over the course of your cycles help detect ovulation.

Before the ovulatory phase, basal temperature is lower (around 36.1 to 36.4 °C). At the time of ovulation (which is not necessarily on the 14th day of the cycle), under the effect of progesterone, it increases by 0.2 to 0.5 °C and remains high until the next day of menstruation.

Thus, it allows, from cycle to cycle, to establish a precise pattern of one's fertility.

Little bonus: if it stays high for more than 18 days… This could be one of the first signs of pregnancy!

Cervical mucus

Cervical mucus is a secretion produced by the cervix. Its texture and appearance vary depending on the phase of the cycle:

• After menstruation, we are in the follicular phase, which is an infertile phase. Therefore, there is little or no cervical mucus.
• Before and during ovulation: this is the fertile period! The mucus is stringy, transparent, elastic (like an "egg white" appearance). It helps sperm survive and travel to the egg.
• Luteal phase (after ovulation): we return to the infertile phase. Cervical mucus becomes thicker, creamy or sticky.

By observing and noting the evolution of cervical mucus throughout the cycle , we can therefore anticipate ovulation… and identify our fertile days. Practical – and natural!

The cervix

During the different phases of our menstrual cycles, the cervix can change position and texture:

• In the infertile phase (after menstruation and at the end of the cycle): it is low, firm and closed.
• During fertile days (just before and during ovulation): it becomes tall, soft and open to facilitate the passage of sperm.

Self-observation of the cervix remains optional (because it's more difficult). However, it allows for a more refined analysis of other indicators. So, it's a great option to consider when planning a pregnancy!

Did you know that a luteal phase that is too short can complicate embryo implantation? We explain everything in our article on the luteal phase and pregnancy .

Actions to implement on a daily basis

That's not all, but how does it work, in everyday life, to apply symptothermal method? Here are some actions to put in place, just for you.

First of all, taking your basal temperature is an art! To do this, try taking it in the morning, as soon as you wake up. Even before getting out of bed, for greater accuracy. We recommend you get a thermometer with a double decimal point (for example: 36.45°C).

However, keep in mind that some variations may appear in the case of:

• of stress;
• of fever;
• of alcohol consumption;
• of short nights.

So, try to analyze the "general trend" of your temperature from cycle to cycle, rather than limiting yourself to just one time.

You can also keep a cycle diary to record your observations each day. Or download a mobile app that will allow you to plot your cycle curve in no time.

In short, we say yes to symptothermal method! Because it's a natural method that allows you to easily manage your family planning. A great alternative to hormonal contraceptives, it's also body-friendly. And it empowers those who want to take control of their contraception or their pregnancy plans. However, it remains reliable... only if it's well mastered! Therefore, it requires a little discipline and learning. So, if you're motivated: go for it!