Sympto Thermal Methods, also known as Natural Family Planning (NFP), refer to a set of fertility awareness methods used by women to track and understand their menstrual cycles for contraceptive and conception purposes. These methods involve observing and charting various bodily symptoms and signs, such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes, and changes in the cervix itself.
By monitoring these signs, women can identify their fertile and infertile periods throughout their menstrual cycle. The Sympto Thermal Methods combine multiple signs to cross-check and ensure more accurate results. For example, a rise in basal body temperature, indicating the release of an egg by the ovary, is verified by an increase in cervical mucus stickiness.
This approach enables couples to make informed decisions about when to engage in sexual activity based on their fertility status. Couples seeking to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse during the fertile period, while those wishing to conceive focus on engaging in sexual activity during the most fertile time.
Sympto Thermal Methods are regarded as very effective when used correctly, but they require dedicated charting, observation, and communication between both partners. These methods do not involve the use of drugs, hormones, or devices, making them a natural and medically safe contraceptive option.
Furthermore, Sympto Thermal Methods can be used by women at any stage of their reproductive lives, including while breastfeeding, peri-menopause, or when coming off hormonal contraception. They provide women with a deeper understanding of their own bodies, empowering them to take control of their reproductive health.
