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 calmly regain control over your cycle!

What is the symptothermal method?

The symptothermal method is an observation method that allows you to determine the fertile and infertile days of your menstrual cycle. This natural method of contraception requires a good understanding of the body... and to be a keen daily observer!

Is the symptothermal method reliable?

The symptothermal method can be very effective (if used correctly)! Because according to a WHO study, this method carries a risk of pregnancy between 1 and 2 per 100 women per year with proper use. Basically, its effectiveness could be compared to that of the contraceptive pill.

It is above all a great alternative to more classic hormonal contraception, as it does not alter our natural cycle.

How does it work? The symptothermal method relies 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 for precise identification of whether one is in the fertile phase. And therefore, to adapt sexual intercourse according to our plans: baby project... or not!

However, its reliability depends on several criteria:

• Rigorous observation: irregular temperature readings or poor analysis of cervical mucus can skew the interpretation of the menstrual cycle.
• Proper training: it is highly recommended to follow adequate training with a symptothermal counselor to learn how to interpret bodily signs.
• Certain physiological variations: stress, illness, medication, or irregular sleep... All these factors can alter indicators and make 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 contraceptive methods, the symptothermal method offers many advantages! Among them, we can list the following:

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

However, it also has some drawbacks. We are thinking in particular of:

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

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How to practice the symptothermal method?

Now that we know all that... Let's get to the practical aspect! Concretely, how does one practice the symptothermal method? We'll explain everything.

Indicators to monitor

Basal temperature

How to know if you're ovulating? Through basal temperature, of course! That is, your body's temperature at rest, which you take in the morning before starting your activities. Its evolution throughout the cycles helps 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 day 14 of the cycle), under the effect of progesterone, it increases by 0.2 to 0.5°C and remains elevated until the next period.

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

Little bonus: if it remains high for more than 18 days... This can be among the first signs of pregnancy!

Cervical mucus

Cervical mucus is a secretion produced by the cervix. Its texture and appearance vary according to the phases 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 stretchy, transparent, elastic (like "egg white"). It helps sperm survive and move towards the egg.
• Luteal phase (after ovulation): we return to the infertile phase. The cervical mucus becomes thicker, creamy, or sticky.

By observing and noting the evolution of cervical mucus throughout the cycle, we can 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:

• During 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 high, soft, and open to facilitate the passage of sperm.

Self-observation of the cervix remains optional (as it is more difficult). Nevertheless, it helps to refine the analysis of other indicators. So, it's super interesting to consider when planning a pregnancy!

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

Actions to implement daily

That's all well and good, but how does one apply the symptothermal method in everyday life? 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 to take it in the morning, as soon as you wake up. Before even getting out of bed, for more precision. We recommend you consider getting a thermometer with a double decimal place (for example: 36.45°C).

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

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

So, try to analyze the "general trend" of your temperature from cycle to cycle, rather than limiting yourself to a single instance.

You can also keep a cycle diary to note your observations every day. Or download a mobile application that will allow you to track your cycle curve in no time.

In short, we say yes to the symptothermal method! Because it's a natural method that allows for simple family planning management. A great alternative to hormonal contraceptives, it is also respectful of the body. And it empowers those who wish to take control of their contraception or their pregnancy project. However, it remains reliable... only if it is well mastered! Therefore, it requires a bit of rigor and learning. So, if you're motivated: go for it!