Symptopro

Biological reasons, such as one’s health and concern about the side effects of artificial methods, including sterilization.

I read the insert that came in my wife’s birth control pill packet and realized that I didn’t want her to take the risk of these consequences just to make sex convenient. At that point, I said that we had to find a better way. Charting her fertiltiy is that better way for us.

I started Depo-Provera to simplify my life, but I gained weight and suffered depression. I decided that I wanted to be hormone-free…after all if I objected to hormones in meat, why should I take them? If I wanted my garden to be chemical free, why didn’t I have the same concern for my own ecology? Fertility charting has been a wonderful experience in understanding myself.

Relational reasons, such as the positive interaction that can occur as the couple manages family planning together. One “side effect” is that 70 percent of couples who were surveyed indicated that the practice of Natural Family Planning (NFP) increased their communication level.

I never thought that after twenty years of marriage that I would ever feel the intensity of desire for my wife I felt when we were first married. Yes, we still loved each other, but there was something missing. I just chalked it up to being older, having kids, being together for twenty years. Something amazing happened when we learned NFP – the abstinence brought back the freshness, the anticipation, we had enjoyed when we were first married.

We were using a barrier method of family planning before we started charting her fertility, but I hated suiting up for sex. It seemed wrong to establish a barrier from the person you were to be as intimate as possible with—it contradicted the unity of the act. NFP is so much more spontaneous and congruent with what sex means in a committed, loving relationship.

Philosophical reasons, such as the recognition that some forms of contraception could possibly interfere with the implantation process. In that way, these methods may act as abortifacients.

I had heard someone say that hormonal contraceptives can cause really early miscarriage by preventing implantation, so I asked my doctor about it. She said that this isn’t true. However, the more I read, the more it seemed that there really is the possibility that this is true. I’m not willing to take that chance. http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/2/126

I think it is an injustice for me, as a man, to ask my wife to negate her biology just so she can be sexually available without concern for pregnancy. Justice requires that we both share in the responsibility for family planning. NFP fulfilled this for us.

Spiritual reasons, such as faithfulness to one’s religious beliefs and an understanding of sexuality as comprised of a unitive and procreative dimension – inseparable parts of a whole. Fertiltiy charting allows the couple to respect this part of who they are while still allowing them to practice responsible parenthood.

NFP helped me appreciate the cycle of life. It makes me very thankful that there is a God who has made this – how wonderfully it all works together. As Psalm 139 says, we are fearfully and wonderfully made!

I feel good about NFP because it allows me to live congruently with Catholic teaching. I’m not putting an obstacle between myself and my relationship with God, and my relationship with God has gotten closer.

What’s involved in learning SymptoPro?

Learning SymptoPro may be done in a class situation, one-to-one instruction, or through correspondence or online course. Whatever format is utilized, instruction may consist of a presentation, learning activities, and personalized follow-up with chart review. Simply reading a book, or even attending a class without personal attention, is not adequate.

Is it difficult to learn SymptoPro?

The observations themselves can be learned fairly quickly. In one World Health Organization (WHO) study, 97 percent of women were able to identify the cervical mucus changes in the first cycle. Most people are familiar with taking a temperature reading and find it takes just a little effort to establish a habit of taking it upon waking. However, each woman’s situation and cycling pattern is unique, so personal attention is a very important component of instruction. This instructor/client interaction may take place face-to-face, over the phone, or in written or email correspondence. It is critical for a couple to learn from a certified SymptoPro Instructor.

What observations does SymptoPro require?

SymptoPro is a Sympto-Thermal method, meaning that it combines the mucus pattern (the "sympto" part) and the temperature ("thermal") to crosscheck the changes in fertility for a very effective method.

There are two main ways to observe the mucus pattern:

By tissue: Before and after going to the restroom, a woman observes any mucus found on a tissue that is folded and wiped between the vaginal lips. She notes the qualities of the mucus. At the end of the day, she notes on her chart the most fertile qualities she observed that day.

By sensation: A woman is aware of her vaginal sensations throughout the day, as she goes about her normal activities. At the end of the day, she notes what her most fertile sensation was that day.

An optional sign is noticing the changes in the cervix itself once a day. We find that about 1/3 of women find this added sign helpful.

Temperature:

The temperature pattern is tracked by taking the woman's resting temperature. This is best done upon waking before getting out of bed. Read more about the ins and outs of taking your resting temperature here.

The total time it takes to observe the fertility signs is about 2-5 minutes per day. It is not difficult to find the time to observe these signs. The difficulty lies in incorporating new habits, which can be a struggle with anything new! Once diligence has been taken to form the new habits, many women find that it becomes as part of her routine as it is to brush her teeth.

What’s involved in follow-up?

In follow-up, the SymptoPro Instructor reviews the client’s chart for correct and consistent charting and interpretation. There is a dialogue about how the observations are being made and the correct understanding of definitions and rules are clarified. It is also an opportunity for the client to ask questions, receive information appropriate for the specific cycling pattern being experienced, and be encouraged and supported in the practice of charting their fertility. Follow up  takes place as a normal part of taking a SymptoPro course, but it also extends into the first 4-6 cycles of charting. From there, a client is welcome to contact their instructor or SymptoPro headquarters at any point when a question arises, most especially during important transitions like having a baby or approaching menopause.  

Is it difficult to use SymptoPro?

The basics aren’t hard. Most people master them fairly quickly and easily. Since most of the observations can be done during a woman’s daily person care, it takes very little time. The challenge in using fertility charting for family planning purposes, can be integrating the observations into the couple’s lifestyle and adjusting to the periodic abstinence required if avoiding pregnancy.

How much abstinence is involved?

Because each woman’s cycling pattern is just a little different, and each cycle is unique, there is no hard and fast rule about the amount of abstinence. For a woman who has typical cycling, the average number of days of fertility is about 9-12. It is important to keep in mind that studies have consistently shown that couples using a Fertility Awareness Based Method to plan their family have as many (or more!) acts of intercourse during a cycle as other couples, it is just distributed differently over the course of the cycle.

How does periodic abstinence affect the couple’s relationship?

There is often a concern that periodic abstinence will have a negative impact on the couple’s relationship. In fact, in a five country trial, the WHO found that “marital friction” as a result of periodic abstinence was uncommon in 80-99 percent of cycles according to both men and women. In this same study, over 95 percent of both men and women rated their satisfaction with their Fertiltiy Awareness Based Method (FABM) as good or excellent. Couples using a FABM, report increased and enhanced communication, increased self-esteem, and enhanced spirituality.

Does SymptoPro really work? How effective is it?

Modern Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMs) have been shown to be highly effective with method effectiveness figures ranging from 97-99.9 percent. Use effectiveness, reflecting the actual experience in day-to-day life, shows 90-99 percent effectiveness with the Sympto-Thermal Method. To achieve these effectiveness figures, it is important that couples participate in a structured learning program with individualized follow-up, that they chart consistently and correctly, and that they follow all rules, especially abstinence during the method-defined fertile time. ¹

Register for our online course here or go here to find a local instructor in your area!

1. Human Reproduction Vol.22, No.5 pp. 1310–1319, 2007

What observations does SymptoPro require?

SymptoPro is a Sympto-Thermal method, meaning that it combines the mucus pattern (the "sympto" part) and the temperature ("thermal") to crosscheck the changes in fertility for a very effective method.

There are two main ways to observe the mucus pattern:

By tissue: Before and after going to the restroom, a woman observes any mucus found on a tissue that is folded and wiped between the vaginal lips. She notes the qualities of the mucus. At the end of the day, she notes on her chart the most fertile qualities she observed that day.

By sensation: A woman is aware of her vaginal sensations throughout the day, as she goes about her normal activities. At the end of the day, she notes what her most fertile sensation was that day.

An optional sign is noticing the changes in the cervix itself once a day. We find that about 1/3 of women find this added sign helpful.

Temperature:

The temperature pattern is tracked by taking the woman's resting temperature. This is best done upon waking before getting out of bed. Read below for more details on taking your temperature.

The total time it takes to observe the fertility signs is about 2-5 minutes per day. It is not difficult to find the time to observe these signs. The difficulty lies in incorporating new habits, which can be a struggle with anything new! Once diligence has been taken to form the new habits, many women find that it becomes as part of her routine as it is to brush her teeth.

How important is it that I take my temperature at the same time each day?

To get a usable temperature pattern, it is important to take your temperature pattern at approximately the same time each day while you are trying to establish infertility. The same time each day means roughly the same time – you can take it up to 45 minutes before or after your usual time without considering the temperature disturbed, provided all temperatures are taken before 7:30 a.m. Once you are in the post-ovulatory infertile time, you can relax regarding this point. 

What if I work a night shift?

For women who regularly wake up later than 7:30 a.m. or have jobs with irregular hours, they can take their temperature when they wake up. Generally, they would give more emphasis to the cervical mucus signs however some find that the temperature pattern is still consistent and helpful despite their changing schedule. It is best to clarify such a case with one’s SymptoPro Provider first.

How long should I take my temperature?

If you are using a digital thermometer, the recommendation is that you take your temperature a minute beyond the beep indicating that an initial reading has been reached. This enhances the accuracy and consistency of the temperature data. 

What about using an ear thermometer?

The tympanic or ear thermometers are not accurate enough to be used for charting your fertility.

What about taking my temperature under my arm?

Axillary or temperatures taken under the arm are not accurate enough to be used for charting your fertility.

What about the more modern temping "wearables" that are on the market?

Techology is ever increasing and at a rapid pace!  While there is great excitement behind some of these new products, use care and caution when incorporating new technology into your charting routine.  Consider dual temping, using an standard digital thermometer, until you are confident in the accruacy of a wearable.  And be sure to consult with your SymptoPro Instructor for guidance. 

What should I do if I am sick or sleep in?

Take your temperature anyway, chart it, and make a note of the disturbance.

What if I have to get up during the night?

As long as you have one hour uninterrupted sleep prior to taking your temperature, you should get a usable reading. Light activity such as getting up briefly to care for a child or to go to the bathroom should not affect the temperature reading. However, if you are up repeatedly for extended periods of time, you may find that your reading is disturbed. Just make a note of it on your chart.

How many times a day do I have to do the tissue exam?

You should do the tissue exam every time you go to the bathroom—both before and after urinating or having a bowel movement. Bear down, as if trying to force mucus down, before the last tissue exam of the day.

What if I'm not comfortable touching mucus? Will I be able to chart successfully?

We encourage women to try to get comfortable with their bodies and to treat the fluids the body produces as normal and healthy. Many women find that this gets easier with time, especially after giving birth. It will be important to test the mucus by stretching it to note the clarity and the stretch. Both are important qualities of fertile mucus.  However, if you are not comfortable touching it with your fingers, it is perfectly acceptable to test the mucus by folding the tissue together and then opening it up again.

I have a yeast infection and don’t feel confident of my mucus observation. What should I do?

If you don’t feel confident of your mucus observations, give greater weight to the temperature observation. This is a perfect time to apply a temperature-only rule to determine the post-ovulatory infertile time. Consult with your instructor as needed. 

I don’t have 28-Day cycles, can I still use SymptoPro?

Some women think that “regular” means having a 28-Day cycle, but a typical cycle range is 23-40 days, so even a 1-2 week variation in one’s cycle is still generally considered typical. Even women who do not have “regular” cycles can use SymptoPro. In all cases, it is important to learn from a certified SymptoPro Fertility Education Instructor.

What about using SymptoPro with cycles that aren’t typical? I’ve been told that I can’t use fertiltiy charting for family planning purposes because my cycles are irregular; is that true?

No, it is not true. SymptoPro works no matter what the woman’s cycling pattern. It can be used with long or short cycles, when discontinuing hormonal contraception, as well as during breastfeeding and premenopause. While the historic Calendar Rhythm Method required regular cycles because it was based upon a woman’s cycling history, modern fertiltiy charting methods are based upon day-to-day observations with decisions about fertility based upon those observations. Your SymptoPro instructor will give you specific guidelines to help learn the best ways to apply our guidelines to your personal circumstances. It may not necessarily mean extended periods of abstinence, but it is important to ask for help when needed, and work closely with an trained instructor.

How can SymptoPro help a couple who wants to have a baby?

A great benefit of SymptoPro is the same information couples use to avoid a pregnancy, can help them know the best time to achieve a pregnancy. It also provides for very early identification of pregnancy and the information to set a correct due date. In addition, the information gained from charting your fertiltiy helps identify fertility problems and the best times for fertility tests.

I am expecting a baby and plan to breastfeed. Will I be able to use SymptoPro while breastfeeding?

The return of fertility after giving birth depends upon whether or not a woman is breastfeeding and how she is breastfeeding. It also depends upon the individual woman—there is a wide range of when fertility returns. The best thing to do in this circumstance is to consult with a certified SymptoPro Instructor for specific recommendations for your cycling pattern based upon your charting and specific circumstances surrounding your breastfeeding habits.

What’s involved in using SymptoPro while breastfeeding?

Just as at other times, it is important to chart while breastfeeding, even if cycling is delayed for many months. Ovulation can precede your first bleeding, and you will need to make observations as well as chart and interpret them to know when you become fertile. Because ovulation may not occur for many months, the cervical mucus observation is the focus during this time. However, it is recommended that the temperature observation may be made as well. It is important to work with a certified SymptoPro Instructor for feedback during this time. Our instructors are well-equipped to handle any special circumstances, even a woman experiencing no cycles and constant mucus.

What’s involved in using SymptoPro as one approaches menopause?

During this time of life, cycles may become more irregular—both shorter and longer. Because of this it is important to consider the days of menstruation possibly fertile. If a short cycle occurs, the cervical mucus flow may begin during the heavy menstrual flow days and be masked by the bleeding. Beyond that, it is important that there be good, consistent charting. Both the cervical mucus sign and temperature pattern provide valuable information about the fertile and infertile times. It is important to work with a certified SymptoPro Instructor for feedback during this time.

I want to discontinue hormonal contraception. Should I learn SymptoPro first and then discontinue it or should I discontinue it now?

To really learn SymptoPro, first you need to discontinue your use of hormonal contraception. While you may be able to learn the method in a theoretical sense, an important piece of learning to chart your fertility is to apply the information to your own cycles. Any charting you do while using hormonal contraception will reflect those artificial hormones and not your own cycling pattern.

How long will it take for me to return to my own cycling pattern?

It depends on the type of hormonal contraception you were using and your individualized response to it. Those discontinuing a hormonal IUD or birth control pills have a quicker return to typical cycling than someone discontinuing injectable contraception or implants. No matter how long it takes for cycling to return, SymptoPro can be used confidently. It is important to work with a certified SymptoPro Instructor for feedback during this time.