Description
Book SynopsisFertility Awareness is key to understanding sexual and reproductive health at all life stages. It can be used to either plan or avoid pregnancy. Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) are highly effective when motivated couples are taught by trained practitioners. These methods are in demand for ecological, medical, cultural, religious and moral reasons. The ability to control fertility naturally is a lifestyle choice.
The Complete Guide to Fertility Awareness provides the science and methodology suitable for health professionals and a general audience. It covers reproductive physiology and the fertility indicators: temperature, cervical secretions and cycle length calculations. It explores ways to optimise conception and to manage conception delays. Case studies and self-assessment exercises are included throughout. The book addresses the scientific credibility of new technologies including fertility apps, home test kits, monitors and devices.
The Complete Guide
Table of Contents
-
Preface
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
List of figures
List of tables
Images and permissions
-
- Overview of fertility awareness
-
- Male fertility
-
- Female fertility
-
- Temperature: first indicator
-
- Cervical secretions: second indicator
-
- Cervix: third indicator
-
- Calendar calculations: fourth indicator
-
- Minor indicators of fertility
-
- Home test kits and monitors
-
- Combining indicators
-
- Simplified methods
-
- Factors affecting the menstrual cycle
-
- FAMs for women of normal fertility
-
- Contraception and returning fertility
-
- FAMs after hormonal contraception
-
- Breastfeeding, LAM and returning fertility
-
- FAMs during the peri-menopause
-
- Planning pregnancy
-
- Conception delays and assisted fertility
-
- Teaching fertility awareness
Appendix A. Normal fertility chart
Appendix B. Instructions for use
Appendix C. Planning pregnancy chart
Appendix D. Chart summary sheet
Appendix E. Autonomy checklist
Appendix F. Body mass index chart
Appendix G. Drugs which affect the menstrual cycle
Appendix H. Further reading
Bibliography
Index
