Do you want to begin tracking your cycle, also known as your period monthly cycle, to prevent or plan for pregnancy? The below four methods can empower you to take control of your body without the side effects of oral or internal birth control methods.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
Another natural way to track ovulation is using an ovulation kit or fertility monitor. Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) are common and very simple to use. These can be purchased over the counter and will detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. Testing your urine daily during your expected fertile window can help you understand the best time for conception.
Cervical Mucus Monitoring
Cervical mucus monitoring is a natural method for tracking your menstrual cycle and identifying when you’re fertile. The consistency and appearance of cervical mucus change throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations.
When you are fertile, cervical mucus becomes clear and stretchy, facilitating sperm movement toward the egg. Try tracking changes in cervical mucus daily to better identify your most fertile time of the month.
Basal Body Temperature Charting
Basal body temperature charting is another way to track your cycle. It involves taking your temperature first thing in the morning and recording it on a chart. After you ovulate, your body temperature will slightly increase due to higher progesterone levels.
When tracking your BBT for multiple cycles, you can get a better understanding of when your ovulation occurs. Chart your basal body temperature (BBT) with an ovulation tracking app, preprinted charts, or graph paper.
The Rhythm Method
The Mayo Clinic shares the rhythm method, also called the calendar method or the calendar rhythm method, a natural method for tracking your cycle. This method uses your menstrual history to predict when you will ovulate, which determines when you’re most likely to conceive.
This method of tracking your cycle involves tedious record-keeping and persistence. If you want to prevent pregnancy, you will want to avoid sex or use a barrier method of contraception during fertile days each month.
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