Introduction
Over the last two decades, women's empowerment has become a focus of development efforts worldwide, particularly concerning their health and reproductive rights (Upadhyay, U. D et al., 2014). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank have identified infertility as a global public health issue (Bayoumi, R. R. et al., 2018). Our goal is to demonstrate a process to enhance implementation efforts in fertility awareness programs that could assist in preventing some forms of infertility, and increase understanding of factors that could result in fertility problems. Fertility awareness methods (FAM) have emerged as powerful tools for women to understand and manage their reproductive health effectively. This article will explore the significance of fertility awareness methods in promoting women’s health and empowerment.
Understanding Fertility Awareness Methods
Fertility awareness methods (FAM) encompass a range of practices rooted in the fundamental principle of understanding a woman's menstrual cycle to accurately determine fertile and non-fertile phases. These methods serve as invaluable tools for women seeking to comprehend their reproductive health on a deeper level, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding contraception, family planning, and overall well-being.
Fertility awareness methods allow women to track their menstrual cycles, identify fertile periods, and make informed decisions regarding contraception or conception. These methods rely on indicators such as basal body temperature (BBT) (Shilaih, M et al., 2018), cervical mucus consistency, and menstrual cycle patterns. By diligently tracking these biomarkers over time, women can discern patterns within their menstrual cycles, identifying fertile windows when conception is most likely to occur (Turner, J. V.).
Basal body temperature
Basal body temperature (BBT) tracking involves monitoring the body's resting temperature upon waking each morning. Across the menstrual cycle, BBT fluctuates in response to hormonal shifts, typically rising slightly after ovulation due to increased progesterone levels. This rise in temperature serves as a reliable indicator of ovulation, helping women pinpoint the fertile window retrospectively (Zhu, T. Y et al., 2021).
Cervical mucus method
Cervical mucus observation entails assessing changes in the quantity and consistency of cervical secretions throughout the menstrual cycle. Under the influence of estrogen, cervical mucus undergoes distinct transformations, becoming clear, stretchy, and slippery around ovulation to facilitate sperm survival and migration (Grande, G. et al., 2015).
The cervical mucus method is one of the most widely used biological markers for self-estimating the beginning and the end of the fertile phase in a menstrual cycle by recognizing cyclical changes in the amount or consistency of cervical secretions. It is usually considered that the start of the fertile interval generally corresponds to a significant rise in estrogen levels which leads to the secretion of estrogenic cervical mucus and thus changes in vaginal discharge. Similar to self-observing ferning patterns in cervical mucus, saliva changes similarly during the menstrual cycle. Beyond these primary indicators, supplementary methods such as urinary hormone monitoring and calendar-based calculations can augment fertility awareness practices, offering additional support in identifying fertile and non-fertile phases. Urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) tests detect the surge in LH levels that precede ovulation, providing an early warning sign of impending fertility. Calendar-based calculations, while less precise, offer a rudimentary framework for estimating fertile windows based on past menstrual cycle lengths (Günther, V et al., 2015).
Fertility awareness methods transcend mere contraception or family planning tools; they represent a paradigm shift in women's reproductive health management. By fostering a deeper connection with their bodies and menstrual cycles, FAMs empower women to reclaim agency over their reproductive choices, promoting autonomy, confidence, and holistic well-being.
International Fertility Education Initiative (IFEI)
In response to evidence that people of reproductive age lack awareness about the factors that affect the chance of conceiving and having a healthy baby, a group of experts have founded the International Fertility Education Initiative (IFEI) (Harper, J. C et al., 2021). It aims to improve fertility and reproductive health awareness through education using the life course approach, to improve reproductive health, and facilitate decision-making in family planning among adolescents, people of reproductive age, primary healthcare, education professionals, and policymakers through the development, evaluation, and dissemination of inclusive educational resources. We believe that fertility education could reduce the prevalence of infertility and improve the health of future children (De Mouzon, J et al., 2022).
The Intersection of Women's Health and Empowerment
Women's health is intricately linked to their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and reproductive choices. Fertility awareness methods play a pivotal role in empowering women to take charge of their reproductive health by providing them with valuable insights into their menstrual cycles and fertility windows.
Fertility awareness methods result in a positive impact on women's overall health and well-being. By fostering a deeper understanding of their bodies' natural rhythms, women can detect irregularities in their menstrual cycles early, facilitating timely intervention for underlying health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances.
Schedule a free consultation to explore how our program can help you achieve optimal menstrual wellness. During this call, our experts will discuss your menstrual concerns, and goals, and how our personalized approach can support you on your journey towards better menstrual health.
Moreover, fertility awareness methods promote a holistic approach to women's health by encouraging lifestyle modifications that support reproductive well-being. Studies emphasize the importance of factors such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management in optimizing fertility outcomes, thereby empowering women to make informed lifestyle choices conducive to their reproductive goals (Berglund Scherwitzl, E et al., 2015).
Are you ready to take charge of your menstrual health and prioritize yourself? Take the first step towards reclaiming your menstrual health today! And join our menstrual health program.
Challenges and Opportunities
While fertility awareness methods offer numerous benefits for women's health and empowerment, they are not without challenges. Misconceptions about the effectiveness and reliability of FAMs persist, often stemming from inadequate education and awareness.
Comprehensive education and support systems are needed to enhance the uptake and efficacy of fertility awareness methods among women, a modified community-based family planning program at the national level is required, highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment in reproductive healthcare as a part of the mission to assist women and couples to have only the number of children they desire (Haque, R et al., 2021). By addressing misconceptions and providing accurate information, healthcare providers can empower women to take charge of their reproductive health. Integrating fertility awareness methods into mainstream healthcare practices presents an opportunity to enhance women's access to personalized reproductive care (Morris, A. M. 2018). Correct knowledge can help people practice safe and hygienic menstrual practices and come out of traditional beliefs, misconceptions, and restrictions regarding menstruation. For this, the proper policies should be formulated and implemented, which can be part of the overall health and community development policy (Thakur, H et al., 2014).
Do you experience irregular periods and other menstrual discomforts? We've got the solution for you! Join our program and get knowledgeable information from our experts about your menstrual health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fertility awareness methods represent a valuable tool for promoting women's health and empowerment. By enabling women to understand their menstrual cycles, identify fertile periods, and make informed decisions about contraception or conception, FAMs empower women to take control of their reproductive health.
This article has highlighted the efficacy, benefits, and challenges associated with fertility awareness methods. Moving forward, it is imperative to prioritize education, awareness, and integration of FAMs into healthcare practices to ensure that all women have access to the resources and support needed to make informed choices about their reproductive health. By doing so, we can advance women's health and empowerment, fostering a future where every woman has the knowledge and agency to navigate her reproductive journey with confidence and autonomy.
References
Upadhyay, U. D., Gipson, J. D., Withers, M., Lewis, S., Ciaraldi, E. J., Fraser, A., ... & Prata, N. (2014). Women's empowerment and fertility: a review of the literature. Social science & medicine, 115, 111-120.
Bayoumi, R. R., Van der Poel, S., El Samani, E. Z., & Boivin, J. (2018). An evaluation of comprehensiveness, feasibility and acceptability of a fertility awareness educational tool. Reproductive biomedicine & society online, 6, 10-21.
Shilaih, M., Goodale, B. M., Falco, L., Kübler, F., De Clerck, V., & Leeners, B. (2018). Modern fertility awareness methods: wrist wearables capture the changes in temperature associated with the menstrual cycle. Bioscience reports, 38(6), BSR20171279.
Turner, J. V. FERTILITY AWARENESS METHODS AND CONTRACEPTION: EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL APPLICATION. ADVANCES IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY, 123.
Zhu, T. Y., Rothenbühler, M., Hamvas, G., Hofmann, A., Welter, J., Kahr, M., ... & Leeners, B. (2021). The accuracy of wrist skin temperature in detecting ovulation compared to basal body temperature: prospective comparative diagnostic accuracy study. Journal of medical Internet research, 23(6), e20710.
Grande, G., Milardi, D., Vincenzoni, F., Pompa, G., Biscione, A., Astorri, A. L., ... & Marana, R. (2015). Proteomic characterization of the qualitative and quantitative differences in cervical mucus composition during the menstrual cycle. Molecular BioSystems, 11(6), 1717-1725.
Günther, V., Bauer, I., Hedderich, J., Mettler, L., Schubert, M., van Mackelenbergh, M. T., ... & Alkatout, I. (2015). Changes of salivary estrogen levels for detecting the fertile period. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 194, 38-42.
Berglund Scherwitzl, E., Lindén Hirschberg, A., & Scherwitzl, R. (2015). Identification and prediction of the fertile window using NaturalCycles. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 20(5), 403-408.
Morris, A. M. (2018). Knowledge, intentions, and beliefs about fertility and assisted reproductive technology among illinois college students. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Haque, R., Alam, K., Rahman, S. M., Keramat, S. A., & Al-Hanawi, M. K. (2021). Women’s empowerment and fertility decision-making in 53 low and middle resource countries: a pooled analysis of demographic and health surveys. BMJ open, 11(6), e045952.
Thakur, H., Aronsson, A., Bansode, S., Stalsby Lundborg, C., Dalvie, S., & Faxelid, E. (2014). Knowledge, practices, and restrictions related to menstruation among young women from low socioeconomic community in Mumbai, India. Frontiers in public health, 2, 72.
De Mouzon, J., Harper, J., & Hammarberg, K. (2022). O-111 The International Fertility Education Initiative. Human Reproduction, 37(Supplement_1), deac105-007.
Harper, J. C., Hammarberg, K., Simopoulou, M., Koert, E., Pedro, J., Massin, N., ... & Balen, A. (2021). The International Fertility Education Initiative: research and action to improve fertility awareness. Human Reproduction Open, 2021(4), hoab031.
Author
