Timing is everything
Fertility awareness based methods for contraception
© 2019 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Interactive
Calendar
methods
Type of method
Biomarkers used
Method
Mucus only
methods
Basal body
temperature
plus methods
Symptothermal
methods
Urinary hormone
based or
symptohormonal
methods
0%
20%
40%
*
Implants, copper IUDs, and hormonal IUDs
Combined pill
Male condom
Tubal (female) sterilization
P
Vasectomy (male sterilization)
P
Long acting reversible contraception
*
P
Withdrawal
Other methods
This graphic presents data on selected methods. At present, the best available failure rate estimates come from a small number
of moderate quality studies, and should be interpreted with caution. People using these methods should know that they may
prove less effective if and when assessed in higher quality studies or diverse populations.
Presented for comparison. Evidence for these
methods is generally more extensive and robust
Basal body temperature
Basal body temperature
Cervical mucus
Cervical mucus
Urinary hormones
Menstrual cycle length
Menstrual cycle length
Cervical Position
Cervical Mucus
Menstrual cycle length
Menstrual cycle length
Optional markers
Urinary hormones
Standard days method
Two Day Method
Billings Ovulation Method
Natural Cycles
Bioself
French single check
Thyma double check
Sensiplan® double check
Persona® contraception monitor
Marquette monitor based methods
Failure rate
Data sources
Terms of use
The percentage of women with unintended pregnancy in first year of use
With perfect use
With typical use
A range of values is reported
Select methods for more information
Peragallo Urrutia R, Polis CB, Jensen ET,
Greene ME, Kennedy E, Stanford JB.
Effectiveness of Fertility Awareness-Based
Methods for Pregnancy Prevention: A
Systematic Review
. Obstetrics and
Gynecology 2018;132(3):591-604.
FABM estimates
Hatcher RA, Nelson AL, Trussell J, Cwiak C,
Cason P, Policar MS, Edelman A, Aiken ARA,
Marrazzo J, Kowal D, eds.
Contraceptive
technology
. 21st ed. New York, NY: Ayer
Company Publishers, Inc., 2018
Other methods estimates
This infographic is not a validated clinical decision
aid. This information is provided without any
representations, conditions, or warranties that it is
accurate or up to date. BMJ and its licensors assume
no responsibility for any aspect of treatment
administered with the aid of this information. Any
reliance placed on this information is strictly at the
user's own risk. For the full disclaimer wording see
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Disclaimer
Sensiplan® double check symptothermal
Languages available:
Requirements to permit use
Cycle length 26-32 days
Fertile Time Rules
Fertile window begins according to a calendar
calculation or appearance of cervical mucus
(whichever comes last). It ends after cervical
mucus quality decreases or basal body
temperature shifts (whichever comes last)
woombinternational.org
Estimated failure rate
0.1%
Perfect use
11-14%
Typical use
Features
App available
App available
Certified Teacher
Required
Certified Teacher
Required
Gives instructions to
women trying to conceive
Gives instructions to
women trying to conceive
May include religious
components
May include religious
components
Biomarkers used
Menstrual cycle
Menstrual cycle
Menstrual cycle
Cervical mucus
Cervical mucus
Cervical mucus
Basal Body
Temperature
Basal Body
Temperature
Basal Body
Temperature
Cervical Position
Cervical Position
Cervical Position
Urinary Hormones
Urinary Hormones
Urinary Hormones
Prediction made by
User
User
Algorithm
Algorithm
No high quality effectiveness data available
Thyma double check
symptothermal method
Method no longer available or taught
There are a variety of apps available that can
be used in conjunction with some individual
methods, particularly symptothermal
methods. Apps that are not implementing
one of the methods specified in this graphic
have not been tested for effectiveness so
should only be used as an aid to recording
signs and symptoms and not relied upon for
their predictions of the fertile days
The percentage of women with
unintended pregnancy in first year of use