Healthy living

Fertility awareness (cycle awareness)

Fertility awareness means not having sex during the fertile times in a person's menstrual cycle. This may also be called: natural family planning, sympto-thermal, Billings, ovulation, mucous, temperature and rhythm methods.

Body temperature and changes in vaginal mucus, can be used to predict fertility. People can get training in these methods to better understand them.

Things to consider

  • You must avoid penis-in-vagina sex (or use condoms or a diaphragm) during the fertile period.
  • Even when used correctly, fertility awareness is less effective at preventing pregnancy than many other methods.
  • Sperm can survive in the cervical mucous for up to 5 days.
  • Cycle can change in length, making it difficult to predict the fertile period.
  • Does not protect against STIs.

Where to get help


Acknowledgements
Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program, Public Health

This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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