User:Allischuh/Fertility awareness

Fertility awareness has a number of unique characteristics:


 * FA can be used to monitor reproductive health. Changes in the cycle can alert the user to emerging gynecological problems. FA can also be used to aid in diagnosing known gynecological problems such as infertility.
 * FA is versatile: it may be used to avoid pregnancy or to aid in conception.
 * Use of FA can give insight to the workings of women's bodies, and may allow women to take greater control of their own fertility. This is important regarding the history of birth control used as a form of reproductive oppression of women of color, particularly Black women.
 * Some symptoms-based forms of fertility awareness require observation or touching of cervical mucus, an activity with which some women are not comfortable. Some practitioners prefer to use the term "cervical fluid" to refer to cervical mucus, in an attempt to make the subject more acceptable to these women.
 * Some drugs, such as decongestants, can change cervical mucus. In women taking these drugs, the mucus sign may not accurately indicate fertility.
 * Some symptoms-based methods require tracking of basal body temperatures. Because irregular sleep can interfere with the accuracy of basal body temperatures, shift workers and those with very young children, for example, might not be able to use those methods.
 * FA requires action daily—detailed record keeping. Some may find the time and detail requirements too complicated.

Advantages[edit]

 * There are no drug-related side effects to FA.
 * FA can be free or have a very low up-front cost. Users may employ a coach, use computer software, or buy a chart, calendar, or basal thermometer. The direct costs are low when compared to other methods.
 * FA can be used with barrier contraception so that intercourse may continue through the fertile period. Unlike barrier use without FA, practicing FA can allow couples to use barrier contraception only when necessary.
 * FA can be used to immediately switch from pregnancy avoidance to pregnancy planning if the couple decides it is time to plan for conception.
 * FA serves as a source of reproductive freedom because a person’s connection and monitoring of their menstrual cycle is something that is harder to control and be used as a tool of manipulation, unlike other forms of birth control.
 * Reproductive coercion has been a tool of racism and white supremacy, and FA is a method that can help stop the continuation of these forms of harm.
 * FA requires a high level of Mindfulness and awareness of one's body. Mindfulness has been proven to enhance people’s lives and overall well being, so FA can be used to better the wellbeing of society. This tool could be particularly important for communities of color who historically suffer from higher levels of mental illnesses due to our oppressive, racist, classist, heteronormative, able-bodied society.
 * FA provides a birth control option that moves away from Medicalization of reproductive health. This is important for people of color and particularly Black people who have historically been marginalized and subject to traumatic treatment in medical environments.