Hi there!

I recently removed my Nexplanon as I’ve had tons of negative side effects and I just didn’t want to deal anymore. Eventually I will want kids so I’m also giving my body plenty of time to readjust my hormones, but currently I am TTA so we are consistently using protection, but I’d generally want the added protection of not having sex at all while I’m fertile.

I’m about 1.5 months post removal so I’m still in the learning phase of tracking my cycle and monitoring about BBT, LH and CM.

I’m adding Lh tracking to the mix because my CM is truly confusing me!

Has anyone post birth control had trouble tracking CM? I find generally I don’t have a lot at all, so when I wipe I can barely tell what kind/consistency it is. Additionally, it feels like I get mixed CM.

For example, four days ago on Day 6-7 of my cycle I had a bit of dry/sticky globs of CM. Day 8 I had none, day 9 I had a bit of cloudy damp, and yesterday I had VERY LITTLE clear but still dry CM that wouldn’t stretch very far. So his morning I had a ton of clear CM, but like two hours later is was cloud/white again.

I did my first LH strip yesterday and it came back Low…

Did anyone feel they had very mixed CM after BC removal? I have no idea what’s real, if I’m about to ovulate or not…I had very similar issues last month (though that cycle was 39 days long…so idk)

Currently cycle and last cycle charts attached for reference.

Any advice is welcome 🥹

I’m using sympto-thermal method and TTA. I’m 90% sure I ovulated, but I’m new at this and want a second opinion. I had positive LH strips on cycle days 18 and 19. Questionable temps cycle days 19 and 20 because of getting up with kids and going back to bed but only getting 30 minutes of sleep before taking temp. Am I in the clear?

Does anyone have any insight as to what it means that I only got that one really low temp this month, temp went up and then now is coming back down? Did I actually ovulate? I'm thinking this month was unsuccessful. So was last month. Trying not to worry after a very traumatic first birth and NICU baby. I just really wanted this (something!) to be easy. 🫠

Ignore the mucus observations- I write down what’s easiest for me to understand! I just need to know ab my coverline

This is a semi-regular thread for beginners, for repeatedly asked questions like help choosing a method, incomplete newbie charts for learning, experiences with apps/devices, coming off of HBC, etc. We will direct questions here if we feel necessary. Some questions from beginners may be appropriate for individual posts, such as questions that encourage broader community discussion and may be applicable to experienced charters as well as beginners. The mod team will evaluate and redirect posts/comments as needed.

We ask that any comments with charts or method-specific questions state a method and intention in order to direct help as needed. It is difficult for ANYONE to give advice or support if a chart is missing too much information, and if we don't know the rules you are using. Beginner charts posted here will be evaluated with that in mind - so a chart that is incomplete or missing biomarkers will not immediately be removed (as is done for individual posts), but will be discussed in the comments to get a better understanding of how to assist the new-to-FAM/NFP charter.

Welcome to r/FAMnNFP

FAM (Fertility Awareness Method - Secular) and NFP (Natural Family Planning - Religious Roots) both encompass Fertility Awareness Based Methods of Body Literacy. They can be used to avoid pregnancy, conceive, or assess general health.

This subreddit is a space to discuss these methods, share charts, and support others on their body literacy journeys. This group is not intended to replace learning a method for yourself or medical advice.

Resources

• What is FAM/NFP?
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FAQs

What is a method? Why do methods matter?

A FAM/NFP method is a set of rules established to interpret biomarker data (such as cervical mucus/fluid, basal body temperature, or urinary hormones) to identify the days when it may be possible to conceive a pregnancy (known as the Fertile Window). Each method has a unique set of biomarkers and rules to interpret those biomarkers that have been developed and/or studied to effectively identify the fertile window. Methods matter because when you collect biomarker data, you need a set of rules to interpret that data. A method provides a way to interpret your specific biomarker data in real time, to help conceive a pregnancy, prevent a pregnancy, or track health.

On this subreddit, our goal is to share factual information. As you may have already found, there is so much misinformation out there and we're trying to be a beacon of truth in a sea of confusion. You are free to use whatever practices in your own life, but they may not have a space here if you are not following or you do not intend to learn to follow an established method. If you need further clarification, please reach out to us in mod mail.

Why can't I post my chart if I don't have a method?

In order for members to help you interpret your chart, you need to be applying a method. Interpreting your data without a framework to interpret can be challenging if not impossible. Each method has its own cervical mucus classification, rules for taking BBT and evaluating it, etc. If you are TTC and don't intend on learning a method, head on over to r/TFABChartStalkers.

Why is an instructor recommended?

The reason why we recommend learning your method from an instructor is because it allows you to have personalized support and to achieve perfect use of most methods, having an instructor is part of that efficacy statistic. We understand that cost may be prohibitive for some and we support members who feel comfortable self-teaching. This space is not meant to replace official instruction but provide reasonable support. Instructors are there when you don't fit the textbook, and you don't know where to go.

How do I find an instructor?

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