The sympto-thermal method: a natural and effective form of contraception

Sympto-thermal method is a fertility awareness method based on tracking several signs and ovulation symptom (unlike other natural methods, which track only one).

With this method, the fertile window lasts approximately 10 days. It is calculated by taking into account the lifespan of sperm in the cervical mucus and the lifespan of the egg in the fallopian tube, plus a safety margin before and after.

Furthermore, beyond the fact that this method is completely non-invasive for our bodies or for the planet (non-polluting, no waste), it also has the advantage of being very low cost: the only equipment needed is a good thermometer and something to record the parameters on.

You need to go through a learning phase of at least 6 cycles before you can fully take ownership of the method. Both temperature and cervical mucus must be tracked, as external events can disrupt one or the other of these signs.

In the early stages, try to be supported by a healthcare professional specialised in sympto-thermal method, or a sympto-thermal method instructor. Some apps (such as Moonly) can support you, but we recommend using them only once you have fully mastered the method (or as a complement to learning).

The aim is to clearly recognise all the signals that indicate when you are in your fertile phase. Outside of this phase, there is little to no risk of becoming pregnant!

Symptothermal method is a way of managing your cycle that can suit anyone who wants to take back control of their cycle, particularly after coming off the pill.

You can use symptothermal method at any point in your life as a woman, including during breastfeeding and perimenopause, and also if you have irregular cycles.

In particular, you can use this method:

Sympto-thermal charting also simply allows you to reconnect with your cycle. We know that the cycle reveals a great deal about our hormonal balance and overall health. Learning to detect abnormalities can enable us to address health concerns proactively.

Knowing how to use the sympto-thermal method allows you to anticipate the arrival of your period (particularly in the case of irregular cycles) and to detect the first signs of perimenopause. This can help you act quickly and turn to menopause food supplements to support your body. Discover our selection of menopause vitamins to support you. 

This method shows very low unplanned pregnancy rates, close to those of hormonal contraceptive devices. This has been supported by a German study[1] spanning more than 20 years!

When learned and applied correctly, symptothermal method has a Pearl Index of 0.4 [2] (the percentage of women using the method who become pregnant within a year). By comparison, the Pearl Index for the pill is 0.3.
 

This index is calculated for couples who were recruited and monitored for a minimum of 3 cycles.

The Instagram account of@la.symptothermie.with.eugenie is a real goldmine! (She reviewed this article for us — a huge THANK YOU to her!)

On Facebook, you will find information on the page of Sympto-thermal method.